Easy Guide to Tracking Dog Heat Cycles

What is an estrus cycle anyway?

Understanding how dog heat cycles occur in your pet is very important in canine population control. This information is essential especially if you are breeding a particular breed of canines. It is also important if you do not want your dog to have puppies. Regardless of your reason for seeing the understanding of canine heat cycles, read on to know more on how to track heat cycles.

The heat cycle, also known as estrus cycle, normally occurs twice a year. However, some female dogs are known to have four estrus cycles per year while others experience it only once every twelve months. The cycle varies from canine to canine depending on size and most importantly, breeds. The cycle usually lasts for three weeks but this varies from breed to breed.

The different heat cycle stages explained

There are four main stages of a heat cycle. The cycles gradually change as the female dog ages. The stages are very similar to that of women. You can keep track of every cycle by adding six months to the first heat cycle your female dog experienced. This will help you avoid surprises.

The first phase of the cycle is known as proestrus. This usually lasts for not more than 10 days. The female dog will show little or no interest to males. In fact, the female might even attack male dogs that come close to it. The level of oestrogen hormone in the bloodstream of female dogs will also be very high during this phase. The vulva of the dog will become red and swollen. There will also be a slight discharge from the vulva which may contain blood. This is usually a normal occurrence. Other signs include licking her back end, frequent urination and restlessness.

The second phase is known as estrus and lasts five to nine days. Ovulation takes place during this phase. The female dog will also accept males for mating. The female dog will swag her tail from side to side, crouch and raise her hindquarters towards the male dog. The discharge from the vulva will change its color from bloody red to straw colored mucus. During this phase, the dog might start wandering around looking for a mate, so you may want to consider locking her up.

Diestrus is the next phase of the cycle. Normally lasts for up to nine weeks. During this phase, the female dog, i. E., bitch, becomes unattractive to male dogs. Female dogs in diestrus will often show signs of pseudo pregnancy. Other dogs might develop pyometra or womb infection. If the conception mating and conception does not occur, the levels of progesterone in the bloodstream of the dog will be very high for two to three months.

The last phase is known as anestrus. It usually lasts for a longer period than other phases, usually 3-4 months. The levels of reproductive hormones in the bloodstream of the female dog will be lowest. The dog is usually inactive sexually until the next cycle begins after a few months.

Tracking heat cycles

Knowing how to track dog heat cycles is very important and may save you a lot of money because taking care of puppies can be very expensive. If you are keeping your dog for breeding purposes, the understanding of dog reproductive cycles can help you plan when to search for stud dogs and what times are best for mating sessions.