Should I let my dog go through one heat cycle? The answer is NO for most dogs. The more heat cycles your dog goes through increases the chances for developing breast cancer later in life. If you spay the dog at our Carmel animal hospital before the first heat, you essentially remove any chance of breast cancer.
For many dogs, the first heat is 'silent' or does not have clinical signs associated with estrus. Additionally, many dogs' first estrus cycle is unlikely to allow successful breeding, therefore the standard practice is to wait until the second or third heat cycle before breeding.
Be extra diligent and observant around your dog while she's in heat. Ensure she doesn't lash out uncharacteristically. She may be more aggressive or irritable during this time, so additional supervision around others, especially small kids or other unspayed female dogs, is wise.
We know that spaying before the first heat cycle reduces the incidence of mammary cancer by 99.5% while spaying after the first heat cycle but before the second decreases the incidence by 92%.
How long does a dog in heat bleed? Dogs in heat tend to bleed for approximately a week to 10 days. Some dogs bleed very heavily and others so lightly that it's barely noticeable.
Even though your dog will bleed, she isn't in pain during heat. However, being in heat can make your dog uncomfortable and fidgety. If her symptoms seem to be causing her pain, consult your vet.
The diestrus stage occurs right after the proestrus and estrus or “in heat” stages of your dog's cycle. If not pregnant her vulvar swelling will decrease and discharge disappear. If she has been mated, then during this time she may develop into pregnancy. The dog is getting ready for their next cycle.
Potential Risks of Spaying Before First Heat Cycle
Increased risk of certain orthopedic issues: Some studies have suggested that spaying before a dog's first heat cycle can increase the risk of certain orthopedic issues, such as hip dysplasia.
Spaying prevents uterine infections and decreases the incidence of breast tumors, which are malignant or cancerous in about 50 percent of dogs and 90 percent of cats. Spaying your pet before her first heat offers the best protection from these diseases.
Females may show less aggression towards dogs and humans after they're spayed. By getting your pet spayed, you can also eliminate the chances of hormonally driven defensive behavior. Female dogs will sometimes behave aggressively if other pets or people try approaching or touching their puppies.
When your dog is in heat, it can be a very stressful time. To help destress her, exercise is helpful. There is a misconception that female dogs in heat shouldn't get any exercise, but she still needs walks. Avoid strenuous physical activities, a brief walk around the block will already do great wonders.
Most smaller breeds can have their first season at around six months old, but this can vary quite a lot from dog to dog, while some larger breeds may not go in to heat until they are over a year old. Having her first season is a sign that she's now sexually mature and is physically able to have puppies.
It usually lasts around two to four weeks, and the dog may show behavioural and physical changes due to hormone fluctuations. Common behavioural changes during this time include irritability, anxiety, roaming to find males, friendliness with other dogs, and aggressive or defensive behaviour.
It is recommended that you spay your female dog between 6 to 9 months of age, preferably before a heat cycle to reduce the future risk of mammary cancer.
Early spaying can increase the risk of hip dysplasia, torn ligaments, bone cancer, and urinary incontinence. That said, it's wise to let your dog go through one heat cycle so she can get those hormones running through her system.
Increased health risks: While both spaying and neutering come with certain health benefits, they also can lead to a higher risk of other ailments. Some studies indicate older dogs have an increased risk of cruciate ligament rupture, hip dysplasia, incontinence, and tumor development after neutering or spaying.
Dogs spayed before five months of age may slightly more likely to develop hip dysplasia and cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) rupture. Spayed dogs have an increased risk of developing hypothyroidism. Dogs may experience changes in metabolism and appetite after spaying.
Agitated, nervous, or aggressive behavior: In the first phase of estrus, your dog might seem skittery or nervous. It might be aggressive towards other household pets, or even towards you. As estrus progresses, your dog may be aggressive towards other female dogs, but welcoming to male dogs.
In this first stage of heat, your puppy's vulva will look swollen or larger than usual. During proestrus, she'll also produce a bloody vaginal discharge and may pee more often. Things change mentally too. She may show differences in behavior, like being more jumpy or on edge than usual.
Heat usually lasts between 2-4 weeks. Early in the cycle, a female dog may not be receptive to male dogs, although some are receptive through the entire cycle. It can be shorter or longer and you'll know the cycle is over when all her vulva returns to its normal size and there's no more bleeding or discharge.
Keep your dog's environment calm to prevent agitation.
A little extra attention will go a long way. To reassure your pet, offer praise in a calm, soothing voice. Spend extra time gently brushing its coat, scratch around its ears, and give a fun new toy or a comfy new bed.
Since the female dog heat cycle bears symptoms comparable to a woman's menstrual cycle in many ways, it is possible to conclude that during your dog's heat cycle she is uncomfortable and maybe even experiences cramping and mild amounts of pain.
When the dog is in heat? During her heat, your female dog exhibits some fairly obvious symptoms. You will be able to see the many physical and behavioural changes she makes. When a dog is in heat, its behavior often mirrors that of someone who is depressed.
Whilst your instinct may be to limit your walks or pause them altogether while your dog's in heat, it's important to remember that physical exercise and outdoor playtime are still much needed. Especially given the hormonal changes that happen during heat!
Progesterone hormone can become higher which can lead to aggressive behaviour in a female after a season has ended. If your dog is having a phantom you will also start to see nesting behaviour. She will attempt to create a safe area for her puppies (though non-existent) picking an area within the home.