Heat in dogs

The first estrus in dogs begins quite early. Usually this happens in the eighth to ninth month of life. It happens that a dog can "flow" before, say, seven months, or even six. But you must understand that the first estrus in dogs is not a signal of full sexual maturation. Knit a dog at this time is still impossible, because in fact, it's still a puppy. Think for yourself: will a puppy be able to bear, feed and nurture healthy offspring, and even without harming one's own health? No, definitely. Therefore, protect the dog from accidental "courtship" of the male dogs.

With the onset of the first heat, start a calendar (or a diary, which is even better) for your dog. Mark in it the beginning (the first day) and the end of the estrus, the peculiarities of its course. Usually, the heat in dogs passes with an interval of six months, but do not take this figure as a sample. Your dog can have his own, individual schedule. One of my Laikas "flowed" once in ten months (and this is also normal).

How long does the estrus last for dogs? If we take the average indicators, then the heat lasts about four weeks. But even here the individual characteristics of the dog are affected, so the estrus may take a little time, or end a few days earlier.

The estrus in dogs is divided into 4 phases (or cycles): proestrus, estrus, metaestrus and anestrus.

The first phase lasts a little more than a week. At this time, follicles are ripening. The bitch begins to swell at the bitch, the discharge becomes bright and abundant. The character changes. The bitch becomes playful, active, disobedient, often leaves marks (urinates) while walking. At this time, she is already beginning to respond to flirting from the opposite sex, but does not let her close to her, can react with a growl.

The second phase is the time when the dog is ready to knit. It is at this time that the sex cells mature; Ovulation occurs. On average, this phase lasts up to five days, but there may be deviations from the norm. The bitch is fully capable of getting tied up on the tenth day of the second phase (on the 17th or even the 20-th) day of estrus. Such cases are rare, but are encountered. At this time, the discharge decreases, the color is weak, the loop is very swollen and soft. If you pat at this time the dog on the croup, she withdraws her tail and becomes in a rack, can twitch a loop. The dog "in the hunt". This means that at this time she is absolutely ready to mate. Checking is conducted every other day, or two.

The third stage lasts about a month (or even two). At this time the untied bitch comes to his usual state, calms down. Progesterone is secreted in the body, finally suppressing the resulting ovulation process. The loop returns to normal, decreasing in size.

The fourth stage comes - peace. At this time the bitch is gaining strength. The stage lasts from three months or more. There is a maturation of eggs and the beginning of a new cycle.

And a little for those who decide to tie their dog (if, of course, you have it "adult" and estrus is not the first). 1.5-2 months before your girl "flows" (if you are a calendars, you know when this will happen), take tests in a vet clinic to identify hidden infections : streptococcal, staphylococcal, herpesvirus (fairly common, but externally Not shown). The presence of infection can affect the further development and life of puppies and mummies. If the infection is detected, postpone the binding and complete the course of treatment. Do not forget that before knitting (about a month), you need to treat the dog against parasites (mites, fleas). Be sure to perform deworming (choose a broad-spectrum drug). And, of course, vaccinations - on schedule (pregnant and lactating vaccinations are strictly prohibited).