A dog’s estrus is a process that indicates that the female has reached puberty. In a scientific phenomenon called estrus. It is believed that if it began, then the dog is ready for mating and bearing offspring. When this happens, how long it lasts and with what frequency it happens, we will consider in more detail below.
What are the middle breeds?
Before answering the question of how long the estrus lasts in medium-sized dogs, it is worthwhile to clarify which specific animals belong to the group in question. But there are many of them - more than 200 species. At the same time, pets of this size are considered the most popular among breeders. So, the middle breeds are dogs whose height at the withers is 40-50 cm. Their weight is 12-40 kg.
Dogs belonging to the middle breeds can comfortably live in apartments, they can easily fit in an elevator. They are usually non-aggressive, love children, and are able to become excellent guards. How many days of estrus are in medium-sized dogs, it is important to know the owner of the animal in order to behave properly at this time.
A little physiology
When a dog begins puberty, eggs in its ovaries mature. Sexual cycles are planned that will continue throughout the life of the animal. The period of puberty is marked by the fact that a serious restructuring takes place in the body. Under the influence of hormones, the reproductive system and mammary glands develop. Puberty occurs before the growth and development of the body ends. Therefore, it is important to understand that the onset of this period does not mean that the dog is ready to reproduce offspring.
The estrous cycle (estrus) in a dog, as a rule, occurs when the weight of the female has reached 2/3 of the weight of an adult. In medium-sized dogs, this is a period of 8 to 12 months. Its attack is influenced by many factors: conditions of detention, feeding.
During the first leaks, the birth canal of the female is not yet fully developed, therefore the onset of ovulation does not mean that the dog is able to bear and give birth to puppies. The physiological maturity of the female will come later, approximately to the third, fourth, and sometimes fifth estrus.
Most countries legislate the age of the dog when first mating is permitted. Unfortunately, this is not the case in Russia yet. Therefore, it is worth taking the advice of experienced dog breeders.
Highlights
How long does estrus last in medium-sized dogs? Its duration is the same for representatives of different species. On average, estrus lasts 20-30 days, passes with a frequency of 1-2 times a year.
Possession of information on the duration of estrus in medium-sized dogs will help the owner to show attention to the pet during this difficult period for her. This is the only way to alleviate the condition of the dog.
When does the first estrus happen?
In medium-sized dogs, estrus begins in the age period from 7 months to 1.5 years. It can be seen by the onset of strong molting. The first estrus is usually the shortest in duration. It can be mild, with a small amount of blood. Usually it begins after the dog has changed teeth.
False estrus also occurs. It is possible in dogs close to puberty. If mating is allowed during it, estrus can interrupt without ovulation. However, after a few days estrus may resume, the discharge will become abundant, which will attract males.
Signs of behavior
When the first estrus in dogs (medium breeds and any others) begins, the owner can notice the following changes in his pet:
- urination becomes more frequent;
- behavior changes - the dog may become restless or vice versa depressed;
- salivation is rarely observed;
- pupils dilate;
- the orientation of the animal in space is disturbed;
- male dogs may show interest in the female;
- bloody discharge from the so-called loop;
- wool falls out.
Estrus periods
The sexual cycle consists of several parts:
- Proestrus - lasts from 7 to 10 days. The body is preparing for ovulation. The vulva swells, the genitals are hyperemic. As a result of rupture of blood vessels in the uterus, bloody discharge begins, by the end of the period they become light and less plentiful. At this time, you can notice how the behavior of the dog is changing. She is excited, shows activity and playfulness. While walking, he can mark the territory, disobey the owner and show interest in the opposite sex. However, the male dog still does not allow the male.
- Estrus. This ovulation period lasts an average of 9 days. The discharge became light, sometimes bloody. Genital edema subsides. The female lets the male in, takes the tail away. All other reflexes are muffled, the dog may not feel hunger.
- Metaestrus (diestrus) - lasts several days, the blood stops, the female does not admit dogs of the opposite sex. The end of estrus is coming.
- Anestrus is a period of sexual rest, its duration can reach 150 days.
The physiological processes in the dog’s body are influenced by the hormones estrogen. They act on the animal’s reproductive system, creating conditions for estrus: swelling of the genital organs appears, uterine epithelium is rejected, vulvar hyperemia appears, and the dog’s reproductive organs swell.
In the described period, the mammary glands can increase, a secret comes out of them. This sometimes leads to mastitis and even tumors. In such cases, veterinarians recommend sterilizing the dog.
Duration and frequency
How many times a year do estrus occur in a female? What will be the duration of estrus in a dog (medium breeds and all others)? Undoubtedly, these questions concern every owner of a four-legged pet.
Usually estrus occurs twice a year or three times in 14 months. It is bad if the cycle is more than 8 months and less than 4. This may indicate a dog's disease or hormonal disorder. Then you can’t do without going to the veterinarian.
The cycle is established by the age of 2 years. Until the pet reaches this milestone, various periods between estruses can be observed, and this is the norm, do not worry. In more adulthood, the cycle is even, but a deviation of several weeks is allowed.
Since the frequency of estrus in medium-sized dogs is not exactly a month, its start dates shift throughout the year. Therefore, it is important for the owner to record the start and end dates of this period.
The duration of estrus can depend on many factors. It is impossible to give an unambiguous answer to the question of how long the estrus lasts in medium-sized dogs. This may depend on the conditions of detention. If the dog lives side by side with members of the opposite sex, the duration of estrus may increase. If the pet leads an active life, participates in training and training, is loaded with physical exercises, the period ends earlier.
How long the estrus continues in medium-sized dogs also depends on the season. In winter, estrus ends earlier, and in summer it can last longer. Although this rule is not often applicable to domestic dogs. But if the pet lives in the aviary, for her it may be relevant.
The well-being of the dog and its health can also affect the duration of estrus. If she has a chronic illness, this has a direct effect on the duration of estrus.
The question of how often estrus occurs in medium-sized dogs is individual for each female. If the dog is at an advanced age, the cycle increases in duration, the “resting phase” also stretches more and more every year. In this case, oestrus does not stop even in dogs of "solid" age. In young pets, the cycle is longer. It is important for the owner to record all changes: the beginning of estrus, the end, the behavior of the animal. This information can help track various dog health problems.
Owner recommendations
So, how long the estrus lasts in medium-sized dogs, it is now clear, but how to behave the owner in this period? If estrus is the first, the owner should write down all the data about the beginning and end of the period, as well as the characteristics of the behavior of the pet at this time. This information will help to calculate the time until the next estrus, as well as indicate a favorable period of mating.
If the owner does not plan to breed offspring, the best thing during this period is to keep the dog on the leash. This applies even to obedient animals. During sexual activity, the dog can become uncontrollable and break loose. And it will be extremely difficult to pull the male away from her.
Also, do not participate in exhibitions. First, the pet’s behavior changes and can sometimes become unpredictable. And secondly, random knitting is not excluded.
During estrus, it is important to protect the dog from possible infections. For example, you should not allow her to swim in a pond.
Hygiene rules
Often, dog owners ponder: Do I need to wear special panties on the pet during oestrus? There are pros and cons to wearing them.
Veterinarians do not recommend using such a hygienic device during oestrus, as the dog must lick itself.
But sometimes such shorts are simply necessary: for example, a pet is used to sleeping on a bed or she has to go by public transport. In the second case, it is worth taking care of protecting the dog from infections.
When choosing hygiene pants for a dog, you should evaluate the material from which they are sewn. It must be natural. A hole is required for the tail, and the seams are undesirable so that the skin of the animal is not exposed to irritation. This thing needs to be selected in size so that the dog feels comfortable. There are options for Velcro and fasteners. There are even coveralls.
Owners who are eager to save money make such products themselves from children's sliders or shorts.
Possible problems
Some owners, not knowing how the estrus goes in medium-sized dogs, do not notice its onset. Especially if it is the first and goes bloodless. All signs of estrus may be present, except for blood. It also happens that there are no signs of estrus, however, it passes.
In this situation, the owner should be careful. After all, males do not miss a dog with estrus, and mating and, as a result, conception can occur.
To determine whether the female has a bloodless estrus, they are tested. It is simply necessary to consult a veterinarian with a dog, because estrus without blood is an abnormal phenomenon. The specialist will be able to determine the hormonal background of the animal and, if necessary, prescribe treatment. You should not miss an unusual estrus, because it can indicate the presence of tumors or other diseases.
Mating planning
If the owner knows how many days the estrus in medium-sized dogs passes, he will be able to prepare the pet for breeding in case it plans to get offspring from it. The notes made earlier will help in this matter. Thanks to them, you can understand how many days from the beginning of estrus must pass so that the dog can be mated. It is very important to determine the time of onset of ovulation, usually it passes 11-15 days after the onset of estrus.
Mating should be done before feeding the dogs. The female is brought to the male, and not vice versa. The situation should be calm, crowding is undesirable. Typically, dogs themselves are able to understand such matters. In rare cases, the help of a knitting instructor is required.
Conclusion
So, the questions of when the first estrus is in medium-sized dogs and how much it passes are now clarified. All that the owner of the female dog needs to know is that from 6 months to 2 years the dog will start oestrus. This is a special period in the life of an animal, when care should be taken for a pet in order to alleviate its condition. Walk the dog only on a leash, it is worth protecting it from attending social events. Often, the behavior of dogs changes at this time, and this also needs to be taken into account.