The female dog in heat can be a delicate moment for both the guardian and the pet. The period ends up generating many curiosities and doubts such as: "how many months does the female dog go into heat?" or "how often does the female dog go into heat?" Knowing the answers to all these questions will help the dog's guardian to deal with the period. We have gathered 5 facts about the female dog in heat to clarify itall questions!

1) At how many months does the bitch come into heat?

A female dog comes into heat when she reaches sexual maturity. The age at which this will occur varies from animal to animal and, therefore, there is no exact date for a puppy's first heat. Despite this, the size of the dog influences a lot. Small puppies usually go through the period between 6 and 12 months of age; medium-sized puppies between 7 and 13 months of age; while medium-sized puppies go through the period between 6 and 12 months of age.large between 16 and 24 months.

2) Bitch in heat: how to know? Understand the main signs

Many people are still in doubt as to how to know if the dog is in heat. The most important thing to identify the period is to pay attention to the signs. The dog in heat usually presents some characteristic manifestations such as: colic, increased volume of the vulva, redness and darkening of the genital region, vaginal discharge, aggressiveness, restlessness and neediness. The receptivity to the male willdepending on the stage of the heat.

3) Diaper for bitch in heat may be needed to contain secretions and bleeding

Vaginal discharge is one of the symptoms of a dog in heat. In addition to the liquid, bleeding is also common. To prevent the animal from licking the vulva - and consequently causing irritation - the use of a diaper for a dog in heat is recommended as a care to avoid problems during this period. It is also a way to prevent secretions from dirtying the dog's bed and other furniture in the house. It is worth mentioningthat the diaper does not prevent mating and cannot be worn all day. It is important to remove the accessory so that the dog can pee and poop.

4) How many days does the bitch bleed in heat?

The dog's heat is divided into several phases and in each one, she will show different behaviors. The bleeding of the bitch in heat, for example, lasts from 5 to 10 days and marks the first phase, called proestrus. In this part of the cycle, females attract males by the smell of the pheromones she releases, but the dog does not yet allow the approach.

The female dog begins to accept the male in the next phase, proestrus, so it is essential to keep her safe if the guardian does not want puppies. In this phase, ovulation occurs and the animal usually becomes more affectionate and willing to leave the house. Diestrus is the phase responsible for ensuring the maintenance of pregnancy and can last between 56 and 90 days, even in pets that have not fertilized. Therefore, it is essential to keep the female safe.It is common for some bitches to develop psychological pregnancy at this stage.

The last phase, called anestrus, is basically the interval between the main phases of heat. In pregnant bitches, this stage is characterized by parturition. Bitches that have not been fertilized do not usually show any obvious signs in this phase, which usually lasts from 3 to 10 months.

5) Dog neutering is the safest way to prevent heat stroke

Many guardians wonder how old the dog stops coming into heat. Female dogs can reproduce until the end of their lives. What ends up changing with the arrival of age is the space of time between one heat and another. That is, there is no canine menopause and the best way to permanently prevent heat is dog castration. In addition to removing the effects of heat and preventing pregnancy,sterilization also prevents a number of serious diseases that can affect the bitch, such as canine pyometra and breast cancer.

If you want to prevent your dog's heat, under no circumstances resort to canine contraception. The method is not indicated by veterinarians and can have serious consequences for the pet's health. Before adopting any procedure with your dog, it is essential to talk to a trusted veterinarian.