Estrus In Canines And What To Expect

Topic: Understanding Dog Breeding

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Owners of female dogs are often startled and taken very much by surprise when their happy go lucky little dog suddenly starts acting very peculiar for no apparent reason. Typically a female puppy will come into heat sometime after about six months of age, with smaller breeds more often coming in to heat earlier. Large and giant breed females may not come into heat until they are about one year of age and even up to about 18 months. This is just a very rough guideline and constant monitoring of female puppies as they approach the middle of their fourth month is essential to prevent unplanned for pregnancies, especially with toy or small dogs.

There are actually four different stages to the canine estrus cycle, known more informally as being in heat. There is actually a surprisingly small window of opportunity for her to actually successfully be bred, however it is still essential to keep her restrained and confined during the entire estrus cycle, even after breeding. Most females will come into heat twice a year, which means they have two estrus cycles and could theoretically breed two times per year, regardless if they are still caring for a current litter of puppies. No responsible breeder recommends this twice a year breeding and many breeders only breed every other year to ensure the female is not stressed and is in excellent physical condition. Keep in mind that the first estrus cycle for a female dog can be very erratic and some will come into heat again very shortly after the first cycle and then settle into a regular pattern.

The first stage of estrus is called proestrus. This stage lasts approximately 9 of the full 21 days of the entire estrus cycle. During this time she will typically not stand for the male to mount her, but she is starting to give off those hormonal attractants, known as pheromones, which alert male dogs in the area that she will soon be interested in mating. Physical signs that owners typically notice in their female dogs in proestrus include a slight to highly visible swelling of the vulva, the external opening to the vagina. In small dogs and breeds with long hair this slight change may be missed by the owners unless they are making a point of checking.

Associated with proestrus is an increased frequency in urination, often more in keeping with male marking type behaviors. The female is literally making sure that she deposits her scent in as many places as possible to attract males. There may be a slight to heavy bloody discharge from the vulva or it may be a clearer looking fluid. Most females are naturally going to lick at this area much more frequently during the later stages of proestrus. Small and toy breed females often have a minimal amount of discharge which again may be missed by owners that are not specifically looking for this change. Generally the female may be more restless and more distractible than normal, however many don't really have much of a personality or temperament change at all.

If males do approach the female at this time, and generally they will, she is not at all interested in their advances. She may growl, snap or even react aggressively to the male, even if she is not aggressive by nature. It is absolutely essential to keep these females confined and away from other female dogs in the house as the in heat female may be aggressive towards companion dogs at this time. This may be true if they are females, either spayed or intact, or even neutered males.

Estrus is the time in the cycle where the female will stand to mate with male dogs. The vulva will remain swollen and protrude from the body and the discharge typically changes from bloody to more yellowish or slightly brownish in color. It can be very heavy or relatively light, depending on the individual female as well the breed. It should not be foul smelling or seem to be causing her any discomfort. If these issues occur she needs to get into see the vet immediately.

During the estrus part of the cycle, which will last between 4 and 13 days, the female dog's behavior typically changes. Often they seek a lot of attention from owners and may be much more challenging with regards to their obedience levels and response to commands. She will be constantly on the lookout for a way to escape from the yard or your control as her body is prompting her to breed. Females at this point are actively seeking and encouraging all male dogs in the area, regardless of breed, size or appearance. Most females are highly friendly towards males but may be aggressive towards other females, especially other females in heat.

Most female dogs in estrus will attempt to back up and expose their genitals to other dogs they encounter, especially intact males that are showing interest. This is often accompanied by puppyish behaviors to attract a mate, then standing with the tail off to the side or raised as a signal that they will stand to be mounted. Most females will also move their tail up or to the side if the back is touched or stroked.

Females will mate repeatedly during this time, which has lead to many breeding horror stories. Purebred females that are being bred with purebred males need to be confined for the rest of their estrus cycle, even after successful breeding has occurred. If she does get out she will breed again, resulting possibly in a litter of puppies with two or more different fathers.

After estrus if the female is not bred she enters into a two to three month time known as diestrus. During this time the estrogen stops being produced and high levels of progesterone production takes over. At this stage some females are prone to a condition known as pyometra, which is a build up of bacteria in the uterus due to the high progesterone. Careful monitoring of the female and getting her to the vet if you note any signs of pus like discharge, swelling of the abdomen or low energy levels and fatigue is essential to prevent this from becoming a serious and life threatening condition. Generally pyometra is not common in young females but will happen in older dogs.

Finally the female enters in to the non-reproductive stage known as anestrus. During this time she has no interest in mating and does not seek the attention of male dogs. On the flip side male dogs are not interested in her either as she is not giving off the pheromones to stimulate their mating behaviors.

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