Is My Dog In Heat? - Symptoms, Duration, Stages

Heat in bitches refers specifically to their fertile period, which presents considerable differences with heat in male dogs. A female dog’s reproductive cycle is divided into four phases; the proestrous, the estrus, diestrus and the anestrus. The estrus stage is a receptive phase in which the dog accepts the male and conception can occur. In this period the female will show signs and symptoms such as the following:

• The vulva softens in preparation for riding
• Vulva secretion turns pink
• The dog’s body attitude changes and she will elevate her tail and separates it to facilitate intercourse
• She will lift her pelvis
• Most importantly, she will accept the male mount

For more, read dog heat cycle stages and symptoms.

The main difference between male dogs in heat and female dogs in heat is that the male is not only fertile during a certain phase. On the contrary, male dogs are always in heat. Male heat is activated when they detect pheromones release by fertile females. These odorous pheromones function as signals to all dogs, even if far away in distance.

When this happens, you will notice that your male dog becomes restless and nervous. He may try to escape and will generally pull his leash. In addition, you will also notice an increase in urine marking, crying, a decrease in appetite, etc. This will go on for the duration of the olfactory stimulus.

For more, read ‘‘Is my male dog in heat?’’

Heat in dog duration is limited, specifically in the case of female. Generally, a female dog’s estrus stage ranges from seven to nine days (on average), but each case is different the margin varies from two to twenty days. For their part, males do not have a period of heat and will be receptive at all times, as long as they receive stimulus from female dog pheromones.

For more, you may be interested in reading how to control a male dog around a female in heat.

Female dogs usually go into heat every six months, that is, they usually have two fertile phases a year. Males will try to mate whenever they detect a female in heat. But in general, there is not strict cycle, as it depends on cycle of the dogs of their environment. Thus, one must bear in mind that the heat in dogs can occur at any time of the year.

For more, read my female dog in heat’s won’t accept a male.

You may be wondering, ‘‘Is my dog in pain when in heat?’’ or, ‘‘What to do when your dog is in heat?’’ These are normal questions, especially because heat in dogs changes a dog’s behavior. Physical alterations in dogs in heat are also common, such as vaginal bleeding in female dogs. In males, however, problems are predominantly related to behavior. Possible behavioral changes of a male dog in heat include:

• Urinal leaking
• Marking
• Riding
• Aggression
• Crying
• Hyper-salivation
• Loss of appetite
• Stress

All of these behavioral changes can make living together slightly difficult. In addition, jealousy can result in further complications such as tumors or uterine infections. To avoid these such complications or changes in dog behavior, many caregivers opt for sterilization or spaying. This sterilization will avoid behavioral changes in your dog as well as control the possible appearance of associated pathologies.

Sterilization or spaying in dogs does not alter a dog’s character, but it can lead to more cravings. This means that you may need to start controlling your dog’s diet once sterilized. There are also pills that can help prevent heat in dogs, however, they are not recommended as they have long-term side effects. For more, we recommend consulting your veterinarian.

For more, read our following articles regarding spaying and sterilization in dogs:

• I don’t want my dog to have puppies.
• What is the difference between castration and sterilizing a dog?

If you want to read similar articles to Is My Dog In Heat? - Symptoms, Duration, Stages, we recommend you visit our Heat category.