How Long Do Dogs Stay in Heat? In dogs, heat defines the period of ovulation. It allows the breeders to determine precisely when to breed. For individuals, it is also during this period that the behavior of the dog and other dogs must be actively monitored – especially when gestation is not desired.
In this article by Dogsfud.com we are going to show the exact matter about how a female dog in heat behaves and it’s behavior. You will get all the information about the Dog’s heat process. Feel free to contact us if you need any help. Let’s proceed with the below info.
How Long Does a Dog Stay in Heat & Its Details:
Nevertheless, I know for a fact that the heat is a rather complex phenomenon, and depends on the hormonal system of the bitch. Throughout the article, I will focus on answering a number of questions that are normal to ask:
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Faqs On Dogs Heat Process:
1) When does the first heat appear?
Answer: Between 6 to 15 Months.
2) How long does a dog heat last?
Answer: The heat in the dog last between 3 and 4 weeks
3) How often do dogs go into heat?
Answer: Once or twice a year with an interval of 5 to 12 months, but more often between 5 and 7 months
4) How long is a dog in heat?
Answer: 3 to 4 Weeks
5) How long does a dog in heat bleed?
Answer: Approximately 10 days
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When does Heat Appear?
It is during the age of puberty that it will trigger the first heat. But, it is not possible to provide an exact date, since puberty is dependent on the physiological evolution of the animal. However, maturity does not progress at the same speed according to the breeds. (Which also explains why some breeds live longer than others)?
Thus, the first heat appears on average between 6 and 15 months, with a peak around 8 to 10 months when the female reaches 2/3 of its adult weight. Based on the average physical evolution of the breeds, this gap can be reduced to:
- 5 to 6 months for small or dwarf breeds
- 6 to 8 months for medium breeds
- 12 to 15 months for large sizes
- 18 to 24 months for giant breeds and molasses
In addition to racial differences, other parameters can also influence the onset of the first heat. But I will not go into detail here, it will be the subject of a future article.
The Heat Cycle of Dogs:
Normally, it is estimated that the heat of the dog is regular. They appear cyclically once or twice a year with an interval of 5 to 12 months, but more often between 5 and 7 months. The entire sex cycle is under the influence of hormones and breaks down into four phases.
- Pro-oestrus: It’s the beginning of the heat. This period lasts on average 10 days but can vary from 3 to 20 days depending on the breed. The smell of urine and vaginal pheromones attract males that the dog refuses. The vulva swells up and the losses are abundant, even hemorrhagic.
- Estrus: The heat continues. It is during this period that the bitch ovulates. It can be fertilizable two to three days after ovulation (it lasts between 12 to 48 hours), until the end of estrus. She accepts the male (I specify that some dominant bitches always refuse males during oestrus), the losses clear, the vulva remains inflated. Estrus lasts an average of 7 days but can vary from 3 to 30 days according to Alain Fontbonne, veterinarian, a specialist in animal reproduction.
- The metoestrus or dioestrus: this period corresponds to the gestation of the dog. It lasts between 57 and 65 days. The vulvar swelling decreases and the losses gradually disappear. It is possible for some bitches in heat to see a reappearance of losses. They will be dark, glairy, shooting and nauseating. But this phenomenon is quite rare.
- Anoestrus: this corresponds to the phase of sexual rest. This period is important because it optimizes the reproduction functions. This is why females who have irregular heat or too close together present disorders of reproduction. This period lasts between 2 and 10 months.
So if you have followed everything, the heat cycle is the first two phases of the sexual cycle. And on average, the heat in the dog last between 3 and 4 weeks. Note that during the first heat, these phases can be jostled without affecting the future fertility of the dog.
You can Also Read: How Often Should I Feed My Dog & What Can I Give My Dog For Pain
Heat and The Risk of Pregnancy:
If you are a breeder, the question may not be asked. But the individuals are twice a year, confronted with the risk of a gestation facing the instincts of reproduction of the canines.
Thus, it is not unusual to see bitches in heat run away to meet a beautiful male, or worse, see a dog jump the fence to charm his beautiful and more if affinity. Nevertheless, the cases of unwanted pregnancy come most often from a mating between the neighbour’s dog or boyfriend and the female.
And as I like to push the cork, know that in dogs there is also what we call “silent heats”. You do not see anything, but your dog has its heat and can quite procreate the most normal of the world … without your knowledge.
If you are determined not to reach out to your dog, ask yourself if you really want to take the risk of one day and stress during this long time each year?
If you Answer in the Negative, There are Two Solutions to Help you:
- Canine contraception: it protects against pregnancy without removing the reproductive function. And so, the day you will decide, it will be possible to complete a pregnancy
- Sterilization: the operation permanently removes heat and the entire reproductive system. Today, in Europe, sterilizing her dog has become a common operation, mainly to fight against overpopulation canine, and enjoy the many benefits it brings.
That’s it, you know all or almost everything, do not hesitate to check out similar articles that also deal with heat in the bitch.