What are the signs that a female dog is in heat?

For every dog ​​owner, dogs are an indispensable and important member of the family. Their every move tugs at our heartstrings. When a female dog at home enters estrus, her body and behavior will undergo a series of changes. Understanding these signs can not only help us take better care of them, but also deepen the emotional connection between us and the dog. ​

When a female dog is in estrus, the physiological characteristics of her body will change significantly. The most intuitive change is the change of the reproductive organs. The female dog's vulva will gradually swell, from the original tight state to loose and swollen. This swelling usually lasts for a period of time. At the same time, some secretions will flow out of the vulva. At the beginning, it may be light red or bloody mucus. As the estrus period progresses, the color of the secretions may become lighter and the texture will change. The appearance of these secretions is the female dog's body preparing for possible conception. Imagine that we pay close attention to these subtle changes in the dog's body, just like reading part of their body language, which can help us take better care of them.​

In terms of behavior, female dogs will also be very different from usual during estrus. Female dogs who are usually docile and well-behaved may become restless at this time. They will move frequently, pacing back and forth in various corners of the house, and it seems difficult to find a comfortable place to settle down. For example, a dog that originally liked to lie quietly in a corner to rest may keep turning around the room, and will sniff from time to time, showing special attention to the surrounding environment. This change in behavior is because the fluctuation of hormone levels in female dogs makes them instinctively want to find a mating partner. ​

Female dogs will also show increased dependence on their owners during estrus. They may be more clingy than usual, always following their owners closely, and eager to get more caressing and attention. When the owner sits down, the female dog will take the initiative to come over, rub her head against the owner's legs, or lie at the owner's feet, revealing a special desire in her eyes. This is because during this special period, the dog will feel uneasy inside, and the company of the owner can bring them a sense of security. Every touch and every gentle response we give to dogs can give them some comfort during the restlessness of estrus. ​

In addition, the barking of female dogs during estrus will also change. They may make more frequent and higher-pitched barking than usual, and the sound sounds a little anxious. This barking is actually a signal from the female dog to the outside world that she is in estrus, hoping to attract the attention of male dogs. Sometimes, in the dead of night, the barking of dogs may bother the owner, but when we understand that this is their instinctive behavior and they are expressing their physiological needs, we can be more understanding and tolerant. ​

In terms of diet, some female dogs may experience a decrease in appetite during estrus. They may not be interested in the dog food they usually like to eat, and their food intake will be significantly reduced. This is also due to the impact of hormone changes in the body on the body. As owners, we can try to prepare some more attractive food for dogs, such as a small amount of canned food or cooked meat, to encourage them to eat and ensure that they can get enough nutrition during this special period.​

There are many signs of female dogs in estrus, from physiological changes to changes in behavior and diet, all of which tell us that they are in a special stage. Every dog ​​owner hopes to give the best care to their dogs, and understanding these signs of estrus is an important manifestation of our love for dogs. When we carefully observe and patiently care for female dogs in estrus, the emotional bond between us and dogs will become stronger. Let us accompany dogs through every special period with love and witness every stage of their lives.