The average estrus cycle in a dog is approximately twenty-one days and this cycle usually occurs every six to seven months. The first cycle
will often depend on the size of the dog. Small breeds such, as Chihuahuas or Toy Poodles will come into heat between five and seven
months. Large breeds like the Collie, Mastiff or Great Dane may have their first heat cycle at six months but it isn’t unusual for them to
delay until they are a twelve to sixteen months. Larger dogs develop at a much slower rate than small dogs.
Proestrus
There are three distinct stages of the heat cycle. The first one is the “Proestrus” and it is during this stage the owner will often notice
the bleeding from the vulva. The bleeding itself can be slight or she can leave evidence of her condition everywhere she sits or lays. For
those owners who keep their dogs in the house, many pet stores carry dog panties that hold special canine sanitary napkins to eliminate
the mess. In addition to bleeding, the vulva will also swell and the dog will usually have an increase in urination. The most obvious sign to
most owners are the increase in population of male dogs around their house. This proestrus part of the cycle will last between seven and
ten days and the female will make it clear she wants no part of the male during this time. Unfortunately for the owner, the male dogs don’
t know how to take no for an answer. They will climb or dig under fences, attempt to breed through the fence if the female strays close
enough and often serenade the dog and owner into the wee hours of the night.
Estrus
The second stage or actual “Estrus” stage of the heat cycle will often begin between the eight and tenth day after the first sign of color
(bleeding). During this time the color of the blood has gone from bright red to pink and then to an almost clear discharge. It is during this
stage most females will allow a dog, in fact ANY dog to breed her. The estrus stage can last between four and seven days and it must be
remembered the female can become pregnant with mixed litters. Just because you bred your purebred collie to another collie doesn’t
mean she can’t have puppies with the Doberman next door and the German Shepherd up the street. Your best bet is to keep her
confined in the house during the entire estrus cycle or take the easy way out and board her for the necessary time. If you keep her at
home, you definitely want to keep her crated.
If you do decide to breed your dog, she will show her willingness to be bred by “flagging” whenever you scratch the area directly above
her tail. By flagging, she will actually stand still and lift her tail up and out of the way. For those breeds that have had their tails docked,
you will just have to wing it although a veterinarian can do a vaginal smear. Each stage of the cycle will have different types of cells appear
on the slide.
Diestrus
The third stage of the heat cycle is the “Diestrus.” This is when the female is going out of heat. During this time she will still be giving off
the heat “scent” and males will still be congregating for her attentions. Once again she will be out of the mood and will snap at the males
or sit and lie down when they try to mount her. The diestrus stage will last approximately seven to ten days. Once it is over, the dog will
remain out of heat for approximately six to eight months.
Some Important Points
* You should consider your pet to be "in season" for 27 days: 9 days coming into heat, 9 days in heat, 9 days going out. Though
conception is most likely during the middle 9 days, Mother Nature doesn't always follow the rules. Confine your pet for the entire 4 weeks.
* Remember that the above information is general. Not all females follow these patterns. Consult with the doctor if your pet does not
seem typical. Sometimes, cycling problems can be an early warning of more serious problems, and the sooner they are dealt with, the
better.
will often depend on the size of the dog. Small breeds such, as Chihuahuas or Toy Poodles will come into heat between five and seven
months. Large breeds like the Collie, Mastiff or Great Dane may have their first heat cycle at six months but it isn’t unusual for them to
delay until they are a twelve to sixteen months. Larger dogs develop at a much slower rate than small dogs.
Proestrus
There are three distinct stages of the heat cycle. The first one is the “Proestrus” and it is during this stage the owner will often notice
the bleeding from the vulva. The bleeding itself can be slight or she can leave evidence of her condition everywhere she sits or lays. For
those owners who keep their dogs in the house, many pet stores carry dog panties that hold special canine sanitary napkins to eliminate
the mess. In addition to bleeding, the vulva will also swell and the dog will usually have an increase in urination. The most obvious sign to
most owners are the increase in population of male dogs around their house. This proestrus part of the cycle will last between seven and
ten days and the female will make it clear she wants no part of the male during this time. Unfortunately for the owner, the male dogs don’
t know how to take no for an answer. They will climb or dig under fences, attempt to breed through the fence if the female strays close
enough and often serenade the dog and owner into the wee hours of the night.
Estrus
The second stage or actual “Estrus” stage of the heat cycle will often begin between the eight and tenth day after the first sign of color
(bleeding). During this time the color of the blood has gone from bright red to pink and then to an almost clear discharge. It is during this
stage most females will allow a dog, in fact ANY dog to breed her. The estrus stage can last between four and seven days and it must be
remembered the female can become pregnant with mixed litters. Just because you bred your purebred collie to another collie doesn’t
mean she can’t have puppies with the Doberman next door and the German Shepherd up the street. Your best bet is to keep her
confined in the house during the entire estrus cycle or take the easy way out and board her for the necessary time. If you keep her at
home, you definitely want to keep her crated.
If you do decide to breed your dog, she will show her willingness to be bred by “flagging” whenever you scratch the area directly above
her tail. By flagging, she will actually stand still and lift her tail up and out of the way. For those breeds that have had their tails docked,
you will just have to wing it although a veterinarian can do a vaginal smear. Each stage of the cycle will have different types of cells appear
on the slide.
Diestrus
The third stage of the heat cycle is the “Diestrus.” This is when the female is going out of heat. During this time she will still be giving off
the heat “scent” and males will still be congregating for her attentions. Once again she will be out of the mood and will snap at the males
or sit and lie down when they try to mount her. The diestrus stage will last approximately seven to ten days. Once it is over, the dog will
remain out of heat for approximately six to eight months.
Some Important Points
* You should consider your pet to be "in season" for 27 days: 9 days coming into heat, 9 days in heat, 9 days going out. Though
conception is most likely during the middle 9 days, Mother Nature doesn't always follow the rules. Confine your pet for the entire 4 weeks.
* Remember that the above information is general. Not all females follow these patterns. Consult with the doctor if your pet does not
seem typical. Sometimes, cycling problems can be an early warning of more serious problems, and the sooner they are dealt with, the
better.
| Image of a typically swollen vulva during the canine estrus cycle. |
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| Samantha & Steven Canuso Douglassville, PA (1 hour north of Philadelphia) 610-639-4066 (9 AM to 9 PM ET) workingrott@vomlowenherzigrottweilers.com Pricing information will not be given out via e-mail. No phone calls on Sunday or holidays please. We have children, so please no phone calls before or after the hours listed above. Due to time constraints, we cannot discuss our dogs in great detail via email. Please call us for detailed discussions. |
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Testimonials
OUR DOGS
Males
Females
Young Males
Young Females
Puppies
For Sale
Rottweilers We've Bred
Previously Owned
In Loving Memory
INFORMATION
VLHR News
Events
Links
Web Rings
Rescue
ROTTWEILER 101
Articles
Recommended Reading
Health Links
Clubs
BSL
Insurance
CONTACT US
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