Dog Heat Symptoms

When the dog grows up, certain physiological and hormonal changes take place in its body. Heat or estrous cycle is one of the important characteristics of the adult female dog. It is a mating period of the female dog. During the estrous cycle, the female dog has a high chance of getting pregnant in case of mating. The heat cycle lasts for about 20 days. It is repeated every 6-8 months.

The Estrous Cycle in Female Dog

Generally, dogs have their first estrous cycle at the age of 6-12 months. Some large breeds have their first cycle at the age of 12-24 months. The dog heat symptoms can be identified during the estrous cycle. There are four stages of estrous cycle in the female dog. The first stage is known as proestrus stage, which lasts for about 4-9 days in most female dogs. This period is known as ‘pre-heat’.

The second stage is known as estrus. During this phase, the female dog allows the male dog to mate. The vaginal discharge is more yellow than red blood. There is a remarkable increase in the hormonal levels such as progesterone and luteinizing hormone, which is responsible for ovulation. The eggs released during ovulation go to oviduct. The healthy eggs are fertilized if they meet with sperms from the male dog. The female dog can get pregnant during this period if she mates. This stage generally lasts for about 4-13 days.

The third stage is known as diestrus that lasts for about 2-3 months. Some of the symptoms present during this phase include swelling of mammary glands and pregnancy. Some dogs may experience false pregnancy. During this period, the progesterone levels are elevated. The female dog doesn’t allow the male dog to mate in this stage.

The forth and the last stage is known as anestrus. It is a resting period, preparing for the next heat cycle. This phase lasts for about 5 months. The hormonal levels are reduced during this period.

Dog Heat Symptoms

There are certain symptoms by which you recognize that the female dog is in heat. The most common dog heat symptoms are observed during the first stage of the estrous cycle. It is characterized by the increased urination frequency and swollen vulva. Blood discharge from the female dog’s vagina is another important symptom. The female dog produces the hormone, estrogen, due to which a male dog is attracted towards female. However, the female dog tends to reject the male during this period. During the second stage, the female dog is capable of mating. During this period, Its necessary to keep a watch on the female dog. Else, she would get the infections from the street dogs after mating.

Most female dogs show many other symptoms during the heat period. In some cases, the breast of the female dog may swell. Flagging the tail is a clear sign of dog heat. There may be some behavioral changes, when the dog is in heat. The dog may become restless, disobedient and overly anxious.

If you are planning of breeding your female dog, then you should consult the veterinarian to determine the estrus stage and to check the progesterone levels. This analysis helps to determine a perfect timing of mating period.