Common Questions about dogs in heat/season
10 Common Questions Most Asked
1. At what age do female dogs first go into heat?
As early as six months of age. Most dogs are sexually mature by one year of age, but some dogs may not reach sexual maturity until 18 months of age.
2. How many times a year do female dogs go into heat?
This varies from dog to dog, but typically female dogs go into heat one to four times per year.
3. During what times of the year can a female dog get pregnant?
The heat cycles of most dogs are not affected by the season. So, dogs can potentially become pregnant at any time of the year.
4. What is the gestation period for a pregnant dog?
58 to 68 days. 65 days is average.
5. Can dogs become pregnant while they are nursing puppies?
Unlike cats, dogs are very unlikely to become pregnant while they are nursing. However, they can go into heat and become pregnant as early as three months after giving birth.
6. At what age do unspayed female dogs stop giving birth to puppies?
Fertility gradually declines over time, there is no particular age after which a female dog can no longer become pregnant.
7. Can dogs from the same litter mate and produce litters?
Yes!
8. If my dog is pregnant, can she be spayed?
Yes. The surgery, however, can be slightly more difficult in a pregnant dog. This is one reason why it is so important to have your dog spayed before her first heat.
9. Can dogs be spayed/neutered if they've been sick?
Yes, but it is a good idea to wait a little while.
10. Should I allow my female dog to have one litter before spaying her?
No. There is absolutely no benefit to the dog in doing this.
What to do when your dog is in heat?
Once you have noticed the signs mentioned above and realised that your dog is in heat, what should do? How should you care for your dog?
Well there is nothing to worry about and you be shouldn't concerned as long as you act correctly.
A warning, while your dog is in heat it releases a hormone to entice the male dogs. Therefore, it is not advised to let your dog out alone otherwise the male dogs will go crazy for her. To resolve this, whenever you take your dog out, walk her on a leash. To disguise the scent of the hormone released, try rubbing some menthol onto the tip of her tail, this should mask the smell.
Dogs in heat are much more emotional, they can swing from being more excitable to being more cautious and anxious. To calm your dog try to avoid letting young kids play with the dog as they probably won't be sufficiently sensitive with the dog and may irritate it. Positive actions to relax the dog involve, playing soothing music and brushing the dog's coat.
Do dogs go through menopause if they havn't been spayed?
No. Dogs will not lose their ability to become pregnant at any age. The dog's fertility slowly declines which is not comparable to humans, whose eggs are no longer being produced. Therefore if you have an older dog she must be spayed if you don't want her to have any more litters. |