10 Questions Im Most Asked about Dogs in Heat

1. What is heat?

Heat is more properly called the estrous cycle. During this cycle, female dogs may get pregnant. It's equivalent to human menstruation.

2. What are the symptoms?

Females bleed from the vagina sometimes with swelling of the vulva and increased urination. Don't expect bleeding comparable to a human female.

For small dogs, it's usually not much and you may need to pay close attention to your puppy to identify her first cycle. Other than the bleeding, the most noticeable symptom may be male dogs hanging around your house.

3. When does a dog come into heat?

The average female dog has her first cycle about six months of age. A few dogs start earlier and few dogs later, even as late as 14-months.

If you have a new female puppy, you should watch her and note when she has her first cycle. If she's 14-months old and still hasn't't been in heat, you should take her to a veterinarian.

4. How long does the heat cycle last?

The average is three weeks or 21-days. In some dogs, it lasts only two weeks while others go four weeks.

5. How often will she be in heat?

Most female dogs have regular cycles usually every six to eight months. It's quite typical to be in heat twice a year.

6. When can she get pregnant?

She can get pregnant only when in heat. Some breeders test for progesterone levels to identify the most fertile days but the rule-of-thumb is that the most fertile days are 11-15 of her cycle.

Note ? when she's in heat, the average dog will permit any male dog to mount her. Few females, however, will accept a male when they're not in heat.

7. Can she get pregnant her first cycle?

Yes. However, responsible breeders generally would not breed a dog that early. For one thing, you need to do genetic testing and some serious problems such as hip conditions do not show up until a dog is approximately 2-years of age.

8. Can I take her on walks during this cycle?

Yes with care. She has no problem with the exercise but she's a walking magnet for male dogs.

Even the best trained and behaved female dog will succumb to hormones. You can't trust her off a leash or out of your control. Never let her outside by herself even in a fenced yard if there is any possibility of male dogs nearby.

For walks, if there are male dogs in your neighborhood, it's a good idea to take your dog in your car and drive to a remote area. Take her for the walk there and drive back home. Otherwise, the scent of her urine and vaginal discharge will blaze a trail to your home.

9. When I can have her spayed?

The answer to that one has changed continually over the 25-years I've been in the dog business. People used to be told to let their dog go through at least one cycle or let them have one litter.

Today, veterinarians are doing it much earlier. Some vets spay as early as 6-weeks of age! Talk to your veterinarian about your dog and the vet's preferences. The state of veterinary medicine also is much improved over the past 25-years.

10. If I don't have her spayed, will she go through menopause.

No. Her fertility may decline but she will not go through menopause comparable to a human's. She won't lose her ability to become pregnant even as a senior so if you don't want to her to have any (or more) litters, she must be spayed.

Louise Louis is a certified canine specialist and the creator of http://www.ToyBreeds.com, your online resource for Toy breed dogs.

---

How Do Your Customer View Your Pet Business?

There are thousands of local and online Pet Stores but... Read More

Does Your Dog Have An Irritating Jumping Habit?

Do you have a puppy that jumps on you, company... Read More

German Sheperds

People love big, protective and loving dogs and that's why... Read More

How To Recognize A Respiratory Tract Ailment In Your Parrot

A respiratory tract ailment can be fatal to your parrot... Read More

Who Let The Dogs Out? Pointers For In Home Dog Training

Who let the dogs out?Remember this song which gave birth... Read More

Keeping Your Cat Healthy

Cats need only be provided with decent shelter, food and... Read More

Treating Dog Arthritis With Natural Supplements

Dog arthritis is one of the most common diseases that... Read More

Protect Your Pets From The Pound

Pets are people, too. At least, that's the way they... Read More

Crate Training Dogs & Puppies- FAQ

1) Why should I crate train my dog? ... Read More

Puppy Basics: Potty-Training, Reprimanding, and Rewards...

Potty Training Your Puppy:Make sure you feed your dog at... Read More

Commercial Pet Food for Your Dog?

What you feed your dog is really SO important for... Read More

Dog Training Information for Training Your Puppy

Puppy TrainingPuppy training can be a trying time. The key... Read More

Pet Food Label Secrets Revealed! Know What You Are Feeding Your Dog And Cat

Reading a pet food label, how difficult can it be?... Read More

Pet Peeve: Dogs Doing Business Where Not Wanted

We've recently moved into a new apartment complex that really... Read More

RecoveryPets.Com vs. Other Pet Registration Services

For those pet owners who do not know what a... Read More

Chocolate And Your Dogs Health -- What You Should Know

Chocolate. Who can resist it?Your dogs health depends on it!... Read More

Tired of Vet Bills?

Do you make a lot of trips to the vet's... Read More

Cats and Their Allure: What, When, Where and Why

Domesticated cats have been gaining in popularity in the United... Read More

So You Want To Own A Ferret?

You've seen them in movies and on TV shows, and... Read More

Three Important Safety Products for Your Dog this Summer

Keeping your dog safe is similar to keeping a child... Read More

Ensure a Good Relationship Between Your Cat and Your Kids

Many parents know that the best way for children to... Read More

Practical Advice for Adopting a Dog

If you are thinking of adding a dog to your... Read More

Terrorizing Your Cat with iRobot Vacuum System

Do you have a home robotic vacuum cleaner? They are... Read More

Arthritis Pain Relief For Dogs ? Simple Home Remedies That Work

Did you know that arthritis affects one in five dogs... Read More

Tips For Traveling With Your Dog

Wether it be on a vacation to your favorite resort,... Read More

A Guide to Bird Cages for Sale

As overwhelming as picking out a pet bird can be,... Read More

Personal Pet Check-Ups

For all pet owners, regular monitoring and "examinations" of your... Read More

The Beauty of Boxer Dogs

Boxer dogs are an all around great breed, especially skilled... Read More

Dog Training For Beginners

Training a dog is a fairly difficult task. Some find... Read More

Dogs Are Mans Best Friend

Dogs are believed to be descendants of wild wolves. They... Read More

Goldfish Tips - Keeping The Aquarium Clean

You do clean your house don't you? Well you have... Read More

Tank Requirements For Discus Fish

For Discus fish, there are 2 consideration in tanks -... Read More

My Fathers Daughter

My dad was an avid animal lover. We grew up... Read More