Raising a dog is probably not easy for many people, right? Because dog slaves like us must always be prepared in every matter to take the best care of our dogs. Especially those who raise female dogs that must have their period (in heat) or what many people have heard of the condition where dogs will have red fluid flowing from their genitals similar to a woman's menstruation. If your dog has this symptom, brace yourself because your dog is starting to grow into a young woman. If your dog is in heat and not properly cared for, there is definitely a risk of pregnancy. So, how should we, as owners, take care of our dogs to deal with this problem? Let's take a look.
Every time a dog menstruates, a small amount of red liquid will flow out of their genitals. This flow is continuous, so many people may have seen some dogs wearing diapers. This is to prevent a mess. And if you ask if menstruating dogs have the same symptoms as menstruating women, the truth is that they are somewhat similar. Menstruating dogs are moody and easily irritated. You could say that they are sometimes good and sometimes bad, making it impossible to predict their moods.
Symptoms of a dog in heat
1. There is a red liquid coming out of the genitals.
2. Genital swelling
3. Frequent urination
4. Mood swings, easily angered, irritable
5. Be more interested in male dogs.
6. Loss of appetite
7. Some dogs may become listless, while others become more active.
Dogs' heat period
Dogs will have their first heat or estrus around 7-12 months of age, with the earliest heat around 6 months of age and the latest around 24 months of age. Each year, dogs will go into heat an average of 2 times a year, with the interval between each cycle being around 5-7 months. Small dogs tend to go into heat earlier than large dogs. Dogs can go into heat throughout their lives, unlike humans who have periods of menopause.
estrus cycleThere will be something for the dog. 4 stages As follows
1. Proestrous (Proestrous) pre-mating period
Owners will notice that the female dog's genitals are swollen, red, and often have blood flowing from them. During this period, the male dog will show interest in the female dog, but the female dog will not yet allow the male to mate.
2. Estrous (Estrous) breeding period
This is the period when the female will allow the male to mate. Ovulation will occur and fertilization with sperm will result in an embryo (if mating occurs). During this period, the female dog's genitals will still be swollen but will begin to shrivel up compared to the proestrus period. Some bleeding from the genitals may be found, but it is usually lighter in color than the first stage.
3. Diestrous (Diestrous) Post-breeding period
When entering this stage, the dog will no longer allow the male to mate. This period is a period of high progesterone hormones. This hormone helps make the dog's uterus suitable for pregnancy. If the dog mates, it will become pregnant, with a gestation period of approximately 60 days. In dogs that have not bred, this period will be unpredictable, usually around 60-80 days.
4. Anestrous: Resting period of the estrus cycle.
This is a period that continues from the diestrus period. It is a period where there are no changes in the reproductive system in female dogs. The genitals are of normal size and there is no swelling or redness.
How to care for your dog if it is menstruating (in heat)
1. Always maintain cleanliness.
During the time when your dog is in heat, if you leave it untreated, it may cause blood to stain various places. Therefore, you can buy diapers or sanitary pads for dogs and change them regularly. You should not use the same diapers for more than one day. Your dog's sensitive genitals should be thoroughly cleaned to prevent blood from fermenting and causing an odor.
2. Stay close to the dog to keep an eye on it.
If we don't want our dog to get pregnant, it's important to watch and care for her so that male dogs don't come near her (or let her run at the male). So, if you want to take her out for a walk, you should use a leash to prevent her from running away and we can't catch up. And if possible, you should keep her confined because during heat, male dogs will smell female dogs that are in heat and want to mate. Mating during this time has a high chance of making the dog pregnant.
3. Observe and choose the correct way to care for your dog.
Every dog's heat symptoms vary. Some dogs may feel tired all day long even when they're not doing anything, while others are so alert that it's obvious. As owners, we need to keep an eye on how our dogs are doing when they're in heat. If your dog feels weak, give it a rest. However, if your dog can't sit still and is constantly active, you can take him for a run (just remember to keep him on a leash).
4. Take your dog to be neutered (if you don't want your dog to get pregnant). Read the article about neutering dogs. How is sterilization in dogs beneficial?
For those who don't want their dogs to have puppies, spaying is another way to help manage this problem. Not only does spaying and neutering your dog help control the number of pets, but it also has many other benefits that benefit dogs, such as reducing the chances of various diseases related to reproductive hormones, such as: Endometritis Helps reduce various unpleasant symptoms during the time when dogs are in heat. If neutered before the first heat, it can reduce the occurrence of mammary tumors by up to 95% %!
6. Consult a veterinarian.
Although being in heat isn't a medical condition that requires a visit to the veterinarian, consulting with a veterinarian for proper care is essential to be prepared in case the unexpected happens.
A dog's period isn't a cause for concern if you properly care for it and pay attention to it. Keep an eye on your dog's behavior to prepare for their period.
Read other articles There's something like this too! Get to know "pseudopregnancy" in dogs.
References
Dr. Oraya Praphanphot (Dr. Tik), Department of Internal Medicine, Department of Surgery, and Department of Cardiology, Talingchan Animal Hospital
Tractive. Dog In Heat? Here's Everything You Need To Know. https://tractive.com/blog/en/good-to-know/dog-in-heat
Figo. How to care for your dog in heat. https://figopetinsurance.com/blog/how-care-your-dog-heat
Dogilike. How to care for your dog when it's in heat. https://www.dogilike.com/content/caring/1482/
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