When a bitch is in heat, 11 to 13 days after the first stage of the heat’s first bleeding, when her reproductive cycle is at its most fertile stage, she must be bred. Only during this estrus stage of the heat cycle, which is the second stage of the heat cycle, can pregnancy occur following coitus or artificial insemination.
A female dog’s progesterone hormones are at their peak for productive breeding during the oestrus stage. A female dog shouldn’t be bred until her eggs are mature enough to produce quality offspring at 18 to 24 months of age because bichs aren’t fertile all year round.
Smaller dogs will go into heat every four months, medium-sized dogs every eight months, and large dogs will breed every twelve months or more, depending on the breed and size of the dog. However, a dog’s first few heat cycles are insufficient to result in satisfactory breeding outcomes.
Estrus, oestrus, estrous, and estrous can be used interchangeably. They all refer to the time period during a female dog’s heat cycle when she is capable of becoming pregnant.
When does a female dog first come into heat?
Around nine or ten months of age, female dogs typically reach puberty or sexual maturity. Large and giant breeds can take up to two years to enter estrus or heat, whereas smaller breeds can do so as early as four months of age in some females. Many dogs’ first heats are silent or lack the estrus-related clinical signs. The standard practice is to wait until the second or third heat cycle before breeding because many dogs’ first estrus cycle is unlikely to allow successful breeding.
What are the signs of estrus in dogs?
The first physical sign of an upcoming estrus cycle is vulvar swelling. However, the most obvious recognizable sign is vaginal bleeding. This might not be noticeable for a few days after the female enters estrus. When a female dog is in estrus, some of them bleed profusely while others barely bleed at all. If you are concerned about your dog, consult your veterinarian.
Male dogs will find a female attractive when her estrus period first starts, but she typically won’t be receptive or agree to mate until seven to ten days into her cycle. The discharge’s color and appearance alter as the cycle goes on. It typically starts out looking quite bloody and thick before gradually changing to a watery, blood-tinged discharge. This change in the discharge’s appearance typically corresponds to the receptive period for mating.
You might also notice that your female dog is urinating in small amounts more frequently. Pheromones and hormones found in the urine alert potential suitors that she will become receptive soon.
Mating Age For Male Dogs:
A male dog may be considered mature for mating as early as 4 months, but typically at around 6 months.
FAQ
When can a female dog get pregnant?
Your dog won’t go into heat until she reaches sexual maturity, which starts at six months, so when do dogs go into heat? This can also depend on the dog and breed. While larger breeds may need to wait until they are two years old, some smaller breeds can reach sexual maturity at the age of four months.
How do female dogs act when ready to mate?
Proestrus: The beginning of the heat cycle, during which your dog’s body begins to prepare for mating A swollen vulva, blood-tinged discharge, excessive genital licking, clingy behavior, and aggression toward male dogs are symptoms of this stage. Additionally, your dog might tuck her tail close to her body.
How many days will a female dog let a male mount her?
The typical amount of time that a female dog will allow a male dog to mount her is seven days. However, the female has complete discretion over this, and each person is different. For a few days or even longer, some females will allow males to mount them.
How can you tell if your female dog just mated?
Changes in the Female Dog Female dogs may become distant from the male after mating. They may also seem lethargic and sleep more than usual. A noticeable alteration in the way the female walks is another sign, which may be caused by discomfort from mating.