What are the Obvious Symptoms of a Dog in Heat?

The estrus period of a dog is an important stage in its growth process. For dog owners, it is crucial to understand the obvious symptoms of a dog in heat and the precautions during this period. This not only helps us take better care of the dog but also avoids various problems caused by a lack of understanding of the estrus period. Next, let's take a detailed look at everything related to a dog's estrus.

What are the Obvious Symptoms of a Dog in Heat?

1、Symptoms of a Male Dog in Heat: Male dogs become more aggressive and tend to fight. They mark their territory by urinating to attract females. They may also scratch or mount different objects or the owner's legs.

2、Symptoms of a Female Dog in Heat: There are behavioral changes. The female dog becomes more excitable, active, restless, barks loudly, and has bright eyes. The vulva swells, turns red, and a red mucus with blood is discharged. The female dog has a reduced appetite, urinates frequently, raises its tail and arches its back, likes to approach male dogs, and often tries to mount other dogs.

The interval between two estrus periods of a female dog is often affected by factors such as the dog's age, physical condition, climate, and feeding. The period from the start of one estrus to the start of the next is usually called the estrous cycle, which is divided into the following three stages:

1、Proestrus: This is the preparatory stage for estrus, lasting 7 - 10 days. The reproductive system begins to prepare for ovulation. The vulva becomes congested, swollen, red, moist, and discharges mucus mixed with blood. During this time, male dogs are often attracted by the smell, but the female dog does not allow mating.

2、Estrus: This is the period when the estrus signs are most obvious and the female dog is receptive to mating, lasting 6 - 14 days. During this time, the female dog will actively approach male dogs and allow mating. Two to three days after the start of estrus, the female dog begins to ovulate, which is the best time for breeding.

3、Diestrus: The swelling of the vulva subsides and gradually returns to normal. The female dog becomes quiet and does not allow male dogs to approach. This stage generally lasts for two months, and then the dog enters the anestrus period. If the female dog is pregnant, the period after estrus is the pregnancy period.

What Precautions Should Be Taken When a Dog Enters the Estrus Period?

For Female Dogs: The urogenital area becomes swollen, enlarged, and even has menstrual blood. At this time, pay attention to hygiene to avoid infection. It is best not to give a bath in a bathtub. If the female dog is not intended for breeding in the future, spaying after the estrus period (usually four weeks later) can solve the problem once and for all and prevent pyometra in the future. If breeding is planned, take the dog to an animal hospital for an estrus examination. The veterinarian will tell you the best breeding date. A female dog in heat is extremely attractive to male dogs, so be careful not to let an outside male dog mate with her accidentally.

For Male Dogs: Male dogs are eager to go out all day long because they smell the scent of a female dog in heat. If your male dog has never been out or is not strong enough, be careful that it may run away and never come back or return home injured. Therefore, if there is a female dog in heat nearby and you notice that your male dog has been moody in recent days, pay attention to the dog's movements when entering and leaving the house to prevent it from running away.

In conclusion, whether it is a male or a female dog in heat, there are unique manifestations and special points that need attention. The territorial awareness and courtship behavior shown by male dogs in heat, and the series of physiological and behavioral changes in female dogs in heat, all remind the owner of this special period. During the female dog's estrus period, hygiene care, breeding plans, and prevention of accidental mating cannot be ignored. When a male dog is in heat, preventing it from getting lost or injured while chasing a female dog is the key concern for the owner. As dog owners, we should carefully observe various signs of a dog's estrus, take good care and preventive measures, so that the dog can spend the estrus period healthily and comfortably.