Nowadays dogs are kept even in city apartments. Of course, like any other animals, they need to be carefully looked after. One of the most important periods in the life of a bitch can be considered estrus. In this article, we will examine in detail when this happens and what the owners of the animal should do.
Dog estrus: what to do and how to care for a pet during this period
You can determine the onset of estrus in a bitch by several signs:
- the walls of the vulva swell and become soft;
- the dog begins to urinate more often;
- spotting from the vulva is noticeable;
- males show increased interest in the bitch.
Usually the first estrus begins in dogs at the age of six months. During this period, the female is, in fact, ready for motherhood. However, mating is most often done in the second heat. By this time, the female’s body becomes more prepared for carrying puppies and childbirth. The owners of bitches often raise the question of how many times the estrus in dogs occurs in a year. Usually this happens twice - in autumn and spring. During this period, the animal requires special attention and careful care.
Many dog breeders advise to wash their pets daily at this time. This will help prevent various infections, as well as diseases such as swelling or cancer of the uterus. In most cases, such events are required when a phenomenon such as estrus in dogs occurs. What to do so that the animal does not stain the blood of the sofa, armchairs and rugs? The answer to this question is very simple. You just need to purchase special panties for your animal in the pet store. Eight sizes of this dog accessory are currently available. You can buy a suitable option for both a small breed and a large one.
Dog estrus: what to do to prevent unwanted mating
This issue is especially important for owners of thoroughbred females purchased for breeding. Of course, first of all, it is necessary to carefully monitor the animal during walks, not letting neighboring males to it.
In addition, you can buy a special tool at the pet store to destroy the smell that attracts them. He is treated with the back of the trunk of a bitch before a walk.
Dog estrus: what to do to get a bitch pregnant
In the event that a thoroughbred dog is acquired and especially in order to breed puppies, it is during this period that the mating is carried out. Typically, the owners to estrus on the bitch already have a suitable male in mind. Knitting is always carried out on its territory. In this case, a positive result is more likely.
The duration of estrus in a dog, depending on the breed, can be about 18-30 days. The average is three weeks. In the first period - for about nine days - the bitch has a swelling loop and the appearance of bloody discharge. However, ovulation has not yet occurred, so the dog "flirts" with males, but does not allow them to come to him. Knitting can be carried out on the 10-19th day. Pregnancy is likely during this period. Usually two days after the first mating, spend the second - control. If pregnancy still does not occur, over the next few days the genitals of the dog remain swollen, but it loses interest in males.
To summarize. So, when your pet is six months old, you will have to take measures to prevent unwanted mating. In the second estrus, owners of thoroughbred animals usually mate to produce offspring.