Writer Jackie Brown presents some facts about dogs in heat and the importance of spaying female dogs. Her article helps answer some questions new owners of female dogs may have about heat and reproduction.
- A dog heat cycle only happens once or twice a year.
- A puppy can go into heat sooner than you think.
- Dogs in heat should stay away from intact male dogs for 3 to 4 weeks.
- Don’t think you’re in the clear once the bleeding stops.
- The bleeding from dogs in heat isn’t as bad as you might think.
- Don’t delay scheduling your dog’s spay.
- Spaying your dog decreases her chances of developing mammary cancer.
- Pyometra is another danger for female dogs who aren’t spayed.
- Dogs in heat know when they are in heat and fertile — and when they are not.
Source: Dogster, August 15, 2018. Link.
Also see: Signs and stages of the dog heat cycle, Breeding Business, September 2015. Link. This article has two main sections. The first one goes through the different stages of each bitch heat cycle, while the second section goes through the symptoms and signs to expect when your bitch starts one of her cycles.
INSIGHTS: The heat cycle is often confusing for dog owners. Included in the confusion is a desire to have at least one litter of puppies. Ernie Ward, DVM, offers insights in Breeding for Pet Owners – The Pros and Cons of Breeding Dogs. Link.
These three resources will help animal health pros address the questions dog owners have about heat and breeding.