What Should We Do When Encountering a Dog's Estrus Cycle
Do not let the dog catch a cold during the estrus period
Dogs actually share many similarities with humans. Some people might not know, but female dogs also have their periods, although the intervals are much longer than in humans. During this time, caring for the dog is equally important, whether it is in diet or daily interaction. Many details require our attention. This helps to better get along with the dog and ensure their safety and health.
In spring, dogs enter the mating season, and female dogs will have their periods during this time. Generally, each female dog will have a period once when she is six months old because this is when puppies start to come into heat, which is a normal phenomenon. Typically, female puppies have one to two menstruations per year, each lasting one to two weeks, mainly happening in winter and spring.
We know that when female puppies show such signs, it means they can be bred for pregnancy. However, it is generally recommended not to rush breeding during the first menstruation because 1. Puppies reaching their first heat only reach sexual maturity but not full physical maturity, and their bodies are not yet fully developed. 2. Usually, after the first breeding, the litter size is small, and giving birth before physical maturity may negatively affect the puppies' health.
Do not feed dogs spicy or irritating foods
The most obvious signs of a puppy's first menstruation are three points:
1. The puppy's vulva will appear swollen with red fluid discharge, but the amount is usually small.
2. The puppy will frequently clean its vulva and surrounding areas.
3. During this time, the female dog is more likely to seek contact with male dogs and shows affectionate behavior.
It is not recommended to breed dogs during their first heat
We know that menstruation causes bleeding, which can be troublesome for owners because the dog may contaminate surrounding areas. However, it is not intentional, so we cannot blame them. Therefore, owners must find ways to manage this problem: 1. Special dog sanitary pants can be purchased in pet stores and directly worn by dogs. 2. If unavailable, you can make them yourself using children's briefs by cutting a hole at the tail position to allow the tail to come out and placing a human sanitary pad inside.
During the dog's menstruation, like humans, their immunity drops and appetite decreases. It is essential to pay attention to environmental changes and prevent the dog from catching cold, especially in winter. Since the menstruation period is relatively long, dogs also need nutritional supplementation during this time. Avoid feeding overly cold foods and provide some nutritional supplements as appropriate. Also, pay attention to the dog's hygiene to prevent infection of the reproductive system. You can wash them daily with warm water. Avoid overly intense exercise and feeding spicy or irritating foods during this period.
During this special period, extra care is needed for the dog in terms of diet and living habits. Avoid letting the dog catch cold to prevent illness as their physique may decline. Pay attention to diet, avoiding cold and irritating foods, which are harmful to the dog's health. It is also not recommended to breed the dog before fully maturing physically to avoid affecting both the puppies and the mother dog.