The stage of the canine reproductive cycle when a female dog is ready to mate is called heat, or estrus. Even though this is a typical aspect of a female dog’s life, you might find it challenging to maneuver through. It’s crucial to obtain the knowledge you require in order for your dog and you to successfully navigate this period. Table Of Contents.
Female dogs go through their first heat cycle between the ages of four and fifteen months. The breed and size of the dog greatly affect this period of time. Dogs typically experience two heat cycles a year, each spaced by about six months. Your dog can only become pregnant during this period of time in her lifetime. Dogs can’t get pregnant if they aren’t in heat. (Note: A spayed dog will halt its heat cycles. ).
1. Your dog’s body is getting ready to mate during the proestrus stage of the heat cycle. Beginning signs and symptoms of heat include bloody discharge and alterations in behavior.
2. Estrus: People refer to the estrus stage as the “heat” stage. Your dog is fertile and prepared to breed at this time. Once the bleeding stops, the vaginal discharge will mostly be white or yellow. She may approach male dogs with her tail hanging out, and she may act aggressively toward female dogs.
Medicine to stop a dog’s heat cycle
Megestrol acetate, also known by the brand name Ovaban, is a medication that can be used to stop a dog’s heat cycle.
Above all, you may only use medications with a veterinarian’s approval. Megestrol acetate usage typically necessitates a veterinary prescription. And it’s not without reason.
Megestrol acetate is a synthetic derivative of the hormone progesterone. Naturally, as ovulation approaches, or around the ninth day of the heat, the level of this progesterone begins to rise.
The main effect of progesterone is that it makes the uterine lining more amenable to implantation. However, the hormone also inhibits estrogen, which is a hormone that indirectly promotes ovulation.
When the dog first goes into heat, progesterone suppresses the early production of estrogen. In such a case, ovulation does not occur. The dog moves on to the following stage and ultimately ends the heat cycle earlier than anticipated.
How Can I Contain The Mess?
Although the heat cycle can be messy, you can buy a few things to keep your house tidy. Your dog can wear a doggie diaper to prevent poop from landing on your furniture and floors. In order to help you compare your options, our experts have reviewed the top dog diapers.
Additionally, you might want to think about using disposable wipes to clean your dog’s genitalia when she has discharge and disposable pads to line the diaper.
Additionally, because OVE is less invasive, there are fewer risks, less need for anesthesia, smaller incisions, and quicker recovery times. The best procedure for your dog will be recommended by your veterinarian.
Unwanted symptoms like vaginal discharge and behavioral changes can be challenging to manage if you don’t intend to breed your dog during a heat cycle. Additionally, there’s a very real chance that your dog could become pregnant from an unplanned breeding.
When it comes to pricey vet visits, you don’t have to decide which is more important: your pet or your wallet. Identify the ideal pet insurance to be prepared for unforeseen medical costs in advance.
About twice a year, dogs go into heat, and the cycle lasts for about three weeks. Female dogs will not accept males for breeding when they are not in heat; when they are in heat, they are open to mating and can become pregnant.
However, a 2014 study found that uterine tumors in spayed animals are rare, and up to 90% of them are benign. This is because hormones from the ovaries often cause uterine diseases; without the ovaries, animals have a much smaller chance of developing serious disease.
FAQ
What can you give a dog to stop heat cycle?
Megestrol is a prescription drug used to treat canine false pregnancies and to delay the female heat cycle (estrus). Dogs should not receive megestrol before or during their first estrus cycle, or if they are pregnant.
Is there a way to delay a dogs Heat?
Allowing the season to develop and taking precautions to keep the bitch secure at home to prevent an unintentional mating is the best course of action for your dog. But there is one authorized medical choice for momentarily delaying a season. This is an injection known as delvosteron.