Heat Cycle Basics<\/h2>\n
The average canine heat cycle lasts up to 30 days. Though most dogs are only fertile for a small portion of their season, pregnancy can occur at any time during the 30 days since it is impossible to determine at which point ovulation has occurred without the use of progesterone testing. Because of this, owners must be prepared to keep their intact female indoors and under direct supervision at the first sight she is in season right up until a week or so after all symptoms of her heat cycle disappear.<\/p>\n
The First Stage<\/h2>\n
Typically, the first evidence your dog is in heat is a discharge accompanied by an initial swelling of the vulva. Most owners notice the change in their dog at the first appearance of little droplets of blood on their floors or in their dog\u2019s bedding. Once bleeding has begun, it will intensify over the next few days, and the vulva will continue to increase in size. It is important to contain your female as soon as you notice signs that she is beginning her heat cycle. Since her body will begin to release potent pheromones to attract potential mates to her, it is critical that she never be left unsupervised. This cannot be overestimated. Dogs are equipped with a powerful desire to reproduce<\/a> and will do whatever is necessary to thwart any precautions you put in place. The only secure method to avoid pregnancy is one hundred percent supervision and complete containment. Please bear in mind that dogs in heat and their suitors have gone to tremendous lengths to accomplish their mission. This includes breaking down of doors, scaling tremendous heights, and even breeding through fences and crates. If you own an intact male, complete separation at the first sight of blood is absolutely necessary, and it is unthinkable to allow your girl in the yard alone. During her season, it is best to take her out on lead when she needs to go outside for a potty break.<\/p>\n Many owners typically like to purchase panties for their female dogs to use when they are in season. The discharge can be very messy for your flooring and furniture. Some dogs also exhibit a powerful smell that can easily be detected by humans as well as dogs. Dog panties come in a variety of styles and colors to reflect your little girl\u2019s personality. Buy several pair to allow you to wash them as needed. You can line the panties with panty liners for quick removal when the pad becomes soiled. This will help contain any residual mess and will also act as somewhat of a deterrent to any potential suitors. Always bear in mind that dog panties are easy to push aside or for a dog to remove, so they are not an effective means of canine birth control.<\/p>\n During this initial heat cycle phase, female dogs typically become very clingy with their owners and snippy with other dogs. If a male attempts to mount them in the early days of their cycle, your normally calm and sweet female may even snap to send a message to the male to back up. This is normal behavior and will very soon pass. \u00a0Some female dogs will also pace or even hump other dogs<\/a>, including any females in the house.<\/p>\n The second stage is the period of time when your little girl begins to flirt with other males and displays intense amorous behavior towards them. Typical activities include a pushing of the tail to one side (called \u201cflagging\u201d) to alert the male to the \u201ctarget,\u201d pawing, and backing the rear up into the face of the male. It is during this period of time that the female is usually most fertile, and any male who attempts to mount her will find that she is not only willing to stand for him, she is also a very eager participant. It is of the utmost importance that your female be kept securely contained during this time. This includes no visits to public spaces, no dog walks, and no unsupervised outdoor play time.<\/p>\n During this phase, any remaining discharge is usually straw colored. Your little girl is no longer interested in standing, and her vulva begins to return to its normal size. Though it is still possible for her to become pregnant during this time if ovulation has occurred later in her cycle, it is not as likely. Still, for the utmost in safety precautions, it is best to keep your female isolated for the full 30 days her cycle could last.<\/p>\n So, armed with a better understanding of the female canine lifestyle, it\u2019s now time to try to determine what you can do to help her \u201cweather\u201d the storm.<\/p>\n Here are some tips that might provide some relief for your special girl:<\/p>\n Line her crate with soft, comfortable bedding.<\/strong> Give her toys, bones, or other chews to alleviate boredom.<\/strong> Never allow her outside alone.<\/strong> Disguise the scent. <\/strong> Additionally, it helps to keep your girl very clean. A gentle wipedown with a very dilute solution of apple cider vinegar<\/a> and water will help to reduce any residual odors that may be trapped in hair or on skin<\/a>.<\/p>\nThe Second Stage<\/h2>\n
The Third Stage<\/h2>\n
What you can do<\/h2>\n
\nJust as women sometimes suffer with menstrual cramps, your little girl may feel sore and uncomfortable. Since she will spending a lot of time in her crate<\/a> or isolated inside the house, it is best to make her living space a luxurious and relaxing space for her. If you have a temperature-controlled heating pad, your dog may enjoy having that underneath her bedding to help alleviate any pain<\/a> she may be experiencing.<\/p>\n
\nLet\u2019s face it; siting on a tuffet is boring! Unfortunately, your dog\u2019s exercise requirements will need to be severely limited during her heat cycle, and this leads to boredom. To help stave off frustration from being cooped up, provide your dog with toys, bones<\/a>, or other items that help keep her mind stimulated. If your dog is an only dog, you can certainly allow her free access within your home and continue her physical activity with rousing games of ball or tug.<\/p>\n
\nSince an accidental breeding can happen in the blink of an eye, it cannot be overstated how important it is to ensure that your dog is never outside without supervision. She may opt to jump, climb, or dig under your fence. And if she can\u2019t get out, her suitors will do whatever is necessary to get to her!<\/p>\n
\nDisguising the scent is one great way to help reduce the smell that drives paramours to your back door. One of the most effective tools is to give your female dog some liquid chlorophyll. In order for this method to work, it is important that you begin the treatment at the first sight of heat symptoms. Administer 1 tsp of liquid chlorophyll once daily for the duration of your girl\u2019s heat cycle.<\/p>\n![\"Heat](\"https:\/\/www.petfriendlyhouse.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/heat-cycle-in-dogs-explained.jpg\")
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