Female Dog Menstruating

Bleeding in female dog is known as the heat period or estrous cycle, which is equivalent to the menstrual cycle in a human being. This is the reproductive phase in dogs and if the female dog undergoes intercourse at this time, she could get pregnant. The female dog menstruation period usually starts when she is 5 to 10 months old; however, in some small breeds, it may start at six months. The female dog menstrual cycle lasts for 21 days or three weeks on an average, but it may vary from 8 to 30 days. Most female dog heat cycle is experienced at least twice a year or once every seven months.

The heat cycle or the canine estrous cycle is divided into the four stages mentioned below:

• Pro-estrus: During this phase, the female dog shows symptoms such as the swelling of the vulva and clear discharge sometimes accompanied by blood and frequent urination. Some of the large dog breeds may not show any external signs and symptoms. The phase typically lasts from 8 to 13 days.
• Estrus: During this phase, the bleeding normally stops but there could be swelling at the vulva region. There may be a clear or straw-colored discharge, which could last for 4 to 7 days.
• Metestrus: This phase is known as the false pregnancy phase. Bleeding totally stops at this time.
• Anestrus: This is the last phase of estrus cycle where there is no activity in the female dog’s reproductive tract.

During the estrous cycle a female dog needs a proper care from her owner. Here are some tips on dog care at this stage:

• If dog bleeding is heavy, purchase diapers, pants, or you can put a large man’s underwear on her.
• Keep checking the diaper in case of heavy bleeding and change as required.
• Keep the dog in a restricted area and do not allow anyone to disturb her.
• Put the dog in a crate at night. The floor of the crate will be easy to clean in the morning.
• Always stay close to your dog whenever she is outside during menstruation because male dogs can smell her and might try to have intercourse with her.
• Take your dog outside more frequently while she is menstruating as she will urinate frequently.
• Do not get angry or upset if she accidentally urinates inside the house.
• Mark your calendar the first day you notice your female dog’s menstruation.

This way, you can count six months from that day and be ready for the next season.