Heat
Heat is the period in which a bitch is ready to conceive. This cycle repeats approximately every six months and lasts an average of 21 days. During this time, the female dog's behavior and body change. She becomes more attractive to males and can become pregnant. In this article, you will find out what you should know about your bitch's heat cycle and how you can help her during this phase.
Signs of heat
The heat begins with the pre-heat, which lasts around nine days. During this time, the bitch's vulva swells and she secretes a bloody secretion. She is not yet ready to be mated by male dogs, but they are already aware of her. You should therefore make sure that you keep your bitch on a lead and do not leave her unattended.
The next phase is the heat, which lasts about six days. During this time, the bitch is ready to conceive and shows interest in males. She lifts her tail to the side and presents her vulva. The secretion becomes lighter in color and less bloody. If you do not want your bitch to become pregnant, you should keep her away from males during this time.
The third phase is the post-ovulation phase, which lasts about six days. During this time, the swelling of the vulva decreases and the secretions disappear. The bitch is no longer ready to conceive and loses interest in males. The hormones stabilize again and behaviour returns to normal.
The last phase is the resting phase, which lasts around four months. During this time, the bitch is not in heat and has no influence on males.
Tips for dealing with heat
Being in heat is a natural and healthy phase in a bitch's life. You should therefore not see it as an illness or a problem, but as a special time when you can give your bitch more attention and care. Here are some tips on how to do this:
- Keep your female dog clean. You can regularly wipe her genital area with a damp cloth or put special dog panties on her to catch the secretions.
- Provide your dog with plenty of rest and space to retreat. Being in heat can be stressful for your dog, especially if she is bothered by lots of male dogs. You should therefore offer her a quiet place to sleep and relax where she feels safe.
- Pay attention to your bitch's diet. Being in heat can affect your dog's appetite and metabolism. You should therefore make sure that she has enough fresh water available and offer her high-quality food that meets her needs.
- Keep your dog occupied in a meaningful way. Being in heat can also change your dog's mood and energy level. You should therefore play with her, take her for a walk or offer her other activities that challenge and stimulate her mentally and physically.
- Consult a vet if you have any questions or problems. Every dog's heat is individual and can sometimes lead to complications, such as false pregnancy or uterine inflammation. If you are unsure or notice any signs of illness, you should consult a vet and have your bitch examined.
Being in heat is an important phase in your dog's life that you should respect and support. With these tips, you can make this time as pleasant as possible for her and strengthen your bond.
The authors assume that a veterinarian should be consulted if an animal is ill and that medication should only be taken after consultation with a doctor or pharmacist. Only an individual examination can lead to a diagnosis and treatment decision.
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