The estrus in dogs begins with the onset of puberty and comes about twice a year. The time of the first case may vary in dogs of different breeds. The smaller the dog, the earlier it will have the first heat. On average, the time of the first heat is 8-13 months of life.
Also differs also its duration depending on age, breed, conditions of the maintenance and quality of a feed. But the average period when the dog is ready for mating and can become pregnant is about 20 days.
Signs of the first estrus in a dog
If your young dog's teeth changed, then soon the time will come "X". On the approach of estrus may indicate frequent urination, more active and playful behavior, the dog may stop listening to you. This is due to the "play" of hormones in the blood of your four-legged girlfriend. She also starts making tags-baits for males. Often before the estrus bitches begin to shed.
The first estrus in dogs differs somewhat from the following. First, it is shorter. And the discharge of blood is insignificant. This condition is called a hidden heat, it attracts little male animals. And nevertheless, it is full-fledged. It is important not to miss this moment, as well as the time of the second one, in order to detect the time between the estrus in the future. These indicators will help not miss the third heat, during which the first mating is usually carried out.
The first signs of estrus in dogs
The easiest way to determine heat is visual. So for centuries this condition was determined not only in dogs, but also in other domestic animals. If the heat is not the first, determining it visually will be easier. It is more prolonged and abundant. At the same time, the outer visible part of the vulva increases (loop), it becomes wet and loose, ready to receive the male. Also, spotting can be seen. With heavy bleeding, the dog leaves marks on the floor, carpet, furniture and other places of its location. But most often the discharge is pinkish - light or slightly unclear.
The dog's estrus also manifests itself as a change in behavior. And, some bitches become more active, constantly flatter to the owner, they willingly go for walks. Others, on the contrary, become sluggish and capricious, not wanting to eat what they once loved. They can sleep longer than usual, respond to different things more aggressively than in the usual period.
During the walk, males sniff at her, lick her and try to mate . During this period, it is necessary to limit the time of walks, since contact with unknown dogs can lead to fights, injuries, infections, unwanted matings and pregnancy.
Signs of latent estrus in dogs
It happens that the time of estrus comes, but the dog does not change its behavior and there are no external signs of the onset of this period. In such cases, special devices are used to determine its true state.
In the laboratories for this, there are special sensors that are introduced to the dog in the vulva and after a short wait,
Such a device can be quite at home and do all the manipulations yourself. The action of this "home laboratory" does not require special knowledge. You only need to compare the readings with the table. But you can determine the best time for knitting to the exact day.
To the signs of hidden heat, which can be determined without instruments, is the behavior of males in the presence of your bitch. They are like sensitive indicators can not miss this state and will certainly give away the hidden heat.