Dietary requirements, frequency of exercise, and ease of grooming are among the top factors most aspiring dog owners consider before adopting a dog. But while all these are important, it would also be great to consider the biological changes the animal will undergo while living in your household.
For instance, it might be a bad idea to adopt a reproductive male-female pair if you’re not looking forward to raising puppies. In this case, it would be wiser to go for a same-sex pair or have the male-female couple neutered and spayed.
Now, menstruation is among the essential biological processes that female dogs undergo. This post sheds more light on what canine menstruation entails.
Do Dogs Menstruate?
Female dogs do menstruate. But not in the same way as human females do.
The canine version of human menstruation is more accurately known as the ‘heat’ or ‘estrus’ cycle. While the phenomenon may involve a significant amount of vaginal discharge, the periods aren’t as bloody as in humans.
When Do Dogs Get Their First ‘Period?’
The first period marks the official age of sexual maturity. Female dogs typically attain this age around six months. That’s when the bitch will have their first estrus cycle.
However, it’s important to note that six months is only the average age that female dogs reach sexual maturity. Some bitches may experience their first periods at four months while others may wait up to two years.
The actual age varies depending on a dog’s size and breed. Larger dog breeds generally take longer to reach sexual maturity than their smaller counterparts.
Phases of a Dog’s Heat Cycle
A female dog’s reproductive cycle is broken down into four different phases as explained below;
1. Proestrus (3 – 17 days)
The proestrus phase is marked by the production of estrogen, swelling of the vulva, and bloody vaginal discharge.
The hormonal changes prepare the bitch for mating and fertilization. However, most female dogs won’t mate while still in the proestrus phase.
2. Estrus (4 – 7 days)
During the estrus phase, a female dog’s body releases luteinizing hormone. Vaginal bleeding may continue or slow down.
It’s during the estrus phase that a bitch is receptive to mating. Ovulation also typically occurs in this stage.
3. Diestrus (About 6 days)
Vaginal discharge ceases completely during the diestrus phase. If the female dog has been mating, she should be pregnant already.
If no conception has taken place, the dog’s uterine lining (which has been exposed for some time now) will recede into her body.
4. Anestrus (2 – 3 months)
The anestrus phase marks the final stage in a dog’s heat cycle when she’s hormonally inactive and sexually non-receptive.
It doesn’t matter whether pregnancy occurred or not. A bitch in her anestrus phase will try her best to avoid sexual contact with males.
What Are The Symptoms That Your Dog Is In Heat?
It’s quite easy to tell that a dog is in heat as the symptoms are usually in full glare. The symptoms of estrus cycle can be divided into three main categories;
a) Physical Changes
• Continued swelling of the vulva without apparent medical conditions
• Bloody vaginal discharge that continues for a while and then stops
• Arching of the body, especially when pressure is applied to her lower back
• Raising the rear as if to initiate sexual contact
• Increased urination
• Deflecting the tail to one side
b) Behavioral Changes
• Heightened physical activity
• Nervousness, especially for dogs entering the sexual reproductive stage for the first time
• Increased tendency to hang around male dogs
• Allowing male dogs to sniff or lick her vulva
• Releasing and depositing pheromones all over the place
Certain diagnostic tests may also reveal that a female dog is in heat. One such examination is known as vaginal cytology.
Vaginal cytology is a relatively quick, low-cost test similar to a pap smear. It’s recommended for dogs with reproductive health issues. In addition to administering the test to establish that a dog is in heat, the vet may also use the opportunity to examine the animal for potential reproductive issues.
How Often Do Dogs Come Into Heat?
Dogs typically go into heat once every six months. However, this isn’t always the case in the beginning. Most bitches will take up to two years to establish a regular menstruation cycle.
As expected, the frequency with which dogs come into heat also depends on size and breed. Smaller dogs can have as many as four estrus cycles in a year while some larger breeds may only be reproductive once during the same period.
Lastly, your dog’s age will determine how often he goes into heat. Older bitches are less reproductive and will take longer to come into heat.
Do Dogs Go Through Menopause?
Dogs do not go through menopause. A bitch will reproduce throughout her lifetime. But as we’ve just stated, the animal will go into heat less frequently as she ages.
However, the fact that a female dog is reproductive throughout her life doesn’t mean she should become pregnant in her senior years. Elderly bitches are more susceptible to labor complications than younger ones. Besides, older dogs tend to produce smaller and unhealthier puppies.
Wrap Up
One of the times a female dog is most vulnerable is during her estrus cycle. You can do your best to make the experience hassle-free by getting your bitch the right diapers.
It’s also prudent to ensure the dog mates with a male of desired traits. And if you’re averse to the idea of raising puppies, your best bet would be to have the dog spayed.