My Dog's in heat, Now what?

July 21, 2025

A brown poodle is sleeping on a fluffy blanket next to a stuffed animal.

When to SPAY your dog

SPAY is an acronym for surgical prevention of animal young. Recent reports demonstrate that early spaying and neutering can cause averse joint and behavior issues later in life. Waiting until the body is fully formed, the bones strong at their adult length and joints are at the proper angles. It has been noted that altering can reduce cruciate tears a debilitating condition that may require surgery and or long term medications.

Understanding Dogs in Heat: A Comprehensive Guide for Pet Parents

As a dog parent, understanding the reproductive cycle of your female dog is crucial for their health and well-being, as well as for maintaining a harmonious household. One of the most significant aspects of this cycle is the heat period, known as estrus. In this blog, we will explore what it means for a dog to be in heat, how to recognize the signs, and how to manage this natural process effectively.

What is Heat?

The heat cycle in dogs is a part of their reproductive phase when they become receptive to mating. This cycle can typically be divided into four stages:

1. Proestrus: The initial stage that lasts about 7 to 10 days. Female dogs may exhibit swelling of the vulva and a bloody discharge. They may attract male dogs, but they will not be receptive to mating during this time.

2. Estrus: This is the heat stage, which also lasts about 5 to 14 days. During estrus, the discharge may lighten in color, and the female becomes receptive to male dogs. This is the optimal time for mating. Veterinarians can take vaginal swabs to determine the best time to breed. Cornfield cells indicate the estrus cycle.

A person is cleaning a dog 's ear with a cotton swab

3. Diestrus: Often referred to as pseudo pregnancy, lasting about 60 to 90 days, this phase follows mating. Whether or not the dog has mated, her body will react as if she is pregnant. If not, she will eventually return to a normal state. During this time she may have enlarged mammary glad, may have mammary discharge, May have nesting behavior, carrying certain toys around and tending them. It's important not to take away such toys during this time

4. Anestrus: This is the resting phase of the reproductive cycle, lasting until the next proestrus, and can last several months.

Signs Your Dog is in Heat

Recognizing the signs that your dog is in heat is essential for managing her behavior and health. Common signs include:

A close up of a brown dog standing on a tiled floor.

Swollen Vulva: The vulva may appear enlarged and swollen.
Behavior Changes: Your dog may become more affectionate, restless, or irritable. Conversely, some dogs might withdraw.
Increased Urination: An increase in urination is common. Dogs may urinate to mark their territory and signal their availability to males.
Bloody Discharge: A bloody or pinkish discharge may be noticeable, particularly in the proestrus stage.
Licking the area

A brown dog with a red collar is curled up on a yoga mat

Attracting Males: Male dogs may show increased interest and attempts to reach female dogs in heat.

Duration of the Heat Cycle

The heat cycle can vary greatly among dogs, with some experiencing it as early as six months old, while others may not start until they are over a year old. Heat cycles typically occur every six to twelve months, depending on the breed, age, and individual differences.

Management Tips for Dogs in Heat

1. Keep Her Indoors, when outside well supervised: To prevent unwanted mating, keep your dog indoors and away from male dogs during her heat cycle. Don't visit dog parks while in heat, dog fights and unwanted mating may occur.

2. Use Protective Wear: Doggie diapers or pads can help manage discharge and keep your home clean. Just make sure to change them regularly.

A brown poodle wearing a pink diaper is standing on a green mat.

3. Maintain Calmness: Dogs in heat may exhibit heightened anxiety or restlessness. Keeping a consistent routine can help to soothe her.

4. Consult with Your Vet: If you have questions about managing your dog’s heat or if you notice any unusual symptoms, consult your veterinarian for professional advice.

5. Consider Spaying: If you do not plan to breed your dog, spaying her can prevent future heat cycles, reduce the risk of certain health issues, and help control the pet population. Spaying during the anestrus period has less complications.

Final Thoughts

Understanding when and how a female dog goes into heat is vital for responsible pet ownership. By recognizing the signs and managing the heat cycle appropriately, you can ensure your beloved companion remains healthy and happy. Whether you choose to breed your dog or not, being informed will help you make the best decisions for her well-being.

If you have any further questions about your dog's health, always consult a veterinarian to provide the best care for your furry friend.

References

1. American Kennel Club (AKC)

- Website: [akc.org](https://www.akc.org)

- The AKC provides extensive information on dog breeds, health issues, and reproductive cycles.

2. The Merck Veterinary Manual

- Website: [merckvetmanual.com](https://www.merckvetmanual.com)

- An authoritative reference for all aspects of veterinary medicine, including the reproductive health of dogs.

5. PetMD

- Website: [petmd.com](https://www.petmd.com)

- Provides expert advice and articles related to pet health, including discussions on heat cycles and dog behavior.

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Close-up of a dog's paw with trimmed fur, showing black pads and light pink skin.

Healthy Feet Makes for a Healthy Dog

December 17, 2025

Foot care matters, all movement such as walking, running and jumping starts in the feet. Long-haired dogs need the excess hair trimmed to allow the pads to touch the ground for traction. When the pads are covered with hair, the feet slip with shifting of weight causing injuries in the joints and back.

Preparing for Anesthesia

December 11, 2025

Anesthesia nowadays is fairly safe with the precautions taken for testing before a procedure and the monitoring during the procedure. Blood work and EKG testing helps us determine the health of the inside of the body before a procedure is started. Blood work checks the red and white blood cells to determine if they are in the normal range. Such as with red blood cells levels, if the levels are low causing anemia the problem needs to be treated before a surgical procedure. We also check the blood chemistries to make certain the liver, and kidneys are healthy. The liver and kidneys are part of the systems that remove the anesthetic from the blood stream allowing the patient to wake up. The blood chemistries also tell us about the health of the thyroid and general health of the adrenal glands. If there are abnormals found, more lab work may be needed to make the patient stronger for a procedure. The EKG is run to show us if there are issues with the heart. The EKG can show us if the hearth valves are working correctly. If abnormals are found, more advanced testing may be needed such as an x-rays and echo cardiogram to determine if therapies are needed prior administering anesthesia. During general anesthesia a technician monitors the oxygen, carbon dioxide levels and blood pressure. Body temperature is maintained, and IV fluid keeps the blood pressure and hydration in the normal range.

Cat Learning and Enrichment

November 22, 2025

Keeping cats mentally and physically active is healthy. Training your cat to come when called is helpful when they are in the hiding mood. This skill can help when it’s time to give medications or treatments. The basic click training techniques work in cats as it does in other animals. If using a clicker is not your style, use a marker word such as “yes” or “okay.” Learning recall can be started at feeding time. Say their name, click or say “yes”, then a small portion of food is given. Repeat in short sessions. Don’t over train. This takes numerous short sessions over numerous days. Carry cat treats on you during the day. Call their name, reinforce with the marker word, then treat. After the response is predictable, use petting and attention to replace the food treat. Occasionally use a favored treat as reinforcement for the recall. Cutting up high value treats such as freeze dried chicken or beef hearts, minnows, salmon cubes, make treats economical to use in training. Using a training stick is helpful when teaching “touch”. This touch behavior can convert into high five to your hand. Don’t over train, use short simple sessions, repeat often. Revise your technique if after days of attempts, there is no improvement. Keep it happy, simple, and positive.

A Cat Harness

November 22, 2025

Cat harnesses provide a secure and comfortable way to control and manage your cat during outings. Cats can squirm making them difficult to get a hand hold. A harness can make getting in and out of a carrier easier as well as leash control during a sniff outing or sitting in the sun. A cat harness that is too tight can cause chafing, skin irritation, or even restriction of movement. On the other hand, a harness that is too loose may not provide the necessary control or security. A harness that is too tight there is no room for fingers to get under the harness. The harness is pushing on the vertebrae of the spine and scapula. This is causing discomfort. Fingers should easily get under the harness in all areas in all positions to reduce damage to the anatomy of your cat. Prolonged use of a poorly fitting harness can lead to skin issues like dermatitis or pressure sores, especially if the harness rubs against sensitive areas like the armpits or chest. It is important to examine your cat’s skin regularly for any signs of irritation and adjust the harness or consider a different style if needed to prevent discomfort. The harness should not impinge on any of the shoulder or elbow joints. Should not cause hair loss or pulling of the hair. Some pet stores allow trying different harnesses on before a purchase or allow returns on merchandize that doesn’t fit when tried on at home. Start young learning to accept and wear a harness. Positive reinforcement during training will make the learning process easier. Short frequent sessions of lure, mark and reward are needed for a cat to learn to wear a harness. Only use the harness when needed, remove when at home. Always remove neck collars when your cat is not being monitored. Have your cat microchipped. if they escape outdoors the chip can be scanned by a vet or humane society to get them home again. Use a tracking system attached to the harness to find them when outdoors so they can be located if wandering outdoors. Training your cat to come when called and responding to basic commands will help make them a candidate for harness training and outdoor adventure. Practice indoors before venturing outside. Choose the right cat harness and adjust the fit as they grow or gain weight. Regularly inspect the harness for fit and signs of irritation.

Basic Daily Hygiene for Dogs

November 21, 2025

Start with the eyes, clear away any “sleep” in the inner area of the eye. Remove excess hair so that it does not touch the face causing excess tearing from irritation. Use a clipper and scissors to remove the excess hair. Check the mouth, no hair should be in the mouth causing gum disease. Divert from the breed cute look of long hair that holds germs from food caught in it. Cut short. This will keep a mouth free of old food particles. Verify the lower lip is clean at the saliva draining area. Clean and cut short. Check the ears for odor or excess discharge. Do a dry cleaning of the canal with a gauze over the finger. Avoid flooding the canal with a liquid that can get caught in collapsed canals and hair. Check the feet especially between the toes and the pads for any foreign material such as burs, gum, twigs, and other foreign objects. Use a clipper or scissors to remove excess hair. Keep the pads free of long hair that makes the pads slippery. Nail trims should be done every 2-4 weeks. Different forms of lameness can start with unhealthy feet. Check the arm pits and inguinal area for mats that pull the delicate hairs causing pain. This is a common area for burs and foreign material to twist in the hair causing irritation of delicate nerves. Check under the tail for any debris caught in the hairs. Keep the anal area free of excess hair so fecal material is not collecting. Keep the under hair of the tail short to keep the area hygienic. Check the vulva and scrotum area for any debris, remove and treat any areas of redness or irritation. Check the body for any mats, burs, ticks, or new growths. Trim, comb and brush as needed to keep the hair free of snarls.

Cat Learns Touch and High Five

November 4, 2025

Keeping cats mentally and physically active is healthy. Training your cat to come when called is helpful when they are in the hiding mood or lounging. This skill can help when its time to give medications or treatments.

Training Your Cat to Love Their Carrier: A Stress-Free Vet Visit

September 27, 2025

Taking your cat to the vet can be a challenging experience, but it doesn’t have to be! By training your feline friend to be familiar with their carrier, you can make vet visits less stressful for both of you.

Veterinarian examining a dog on a table with its owners in a clinic.

Benefits of a Local Veterinarian in Brookfield, WI Care

September 5, 2025

Discover why Care Animal Clinic is the trusted local veterinarian in Brookfield, WI. Call (262) 781-5993 today for personalized, compassionate pet care!

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Slimming Down Missy Kitty! Losing the Winter Weight.

July 21, 2025

Discover effective strategies for helping your cat lose weight and improve their overall well-being. From meal planning to exercise routines, our guide provides practical advice for tackling feline obesity.

A person is holding an orange harness on a dog

The Essential Guide to Dog Harnesses: Ensuring Proper Fit and Functionality

July 21, 2025

The significance of choosing the right dog harness, ensuring a proper fit to avoid discomfort such as dermatitis and pressure on the spine, selecting appropriate harnesses for different activities, and exploring the benefits of the gentle leader style for enhanced control during walks.