If you want to understand estrous (heat) cycle in female dogs, basic understanding of how those hormones work is necessary.

Three important hormones for dogs in heat

During first days of the heat, there is a significant rise of a hormone, called estrogen. Humans also have similar (but not identical) hormone. It is responsible for swelling of the vulva and creates the bloody discharge from lining of the uterus to lubricate it. Blood drops coming from the vulva is one of the first signs of female dog in heat.

Estrogen keeps climbing steadily, usually reaches its maximum two days before beginning of the second phase of the heat and then decreases rapidly.

Other important hormone when dog is in heat is luteinizing hormone also known as LH. This hormone, similarly to estrogen, starts climbing at the beginning in the heat, but with much, much slower rate. Then it peaks suddenly, usually two days after the peak of estrogen, and then drops back down, and it causes the ovulation.

Because of that, measuring LH is one of the most precise ways to predict ovulation, which is important for breeders. Usually the whole process of LH peaking and getting back down takes about 24 hours, so when the first phase, proestrus, of the heat is about to end, LH must be measured every day. Unfortunately, unlike human “pee-on-a-stick” ovulation tests, dogs LH levels may be measured by blood tests only, and must be done at a clinic. When a LH peak occurs, it is considered ovulation will happen in next 24 hours. In some cases ovulation do not happen at all, even though female is in heat and LH did peak. This is considered as an abnormality in heat.

LH peak not only causes ovulation, but start climbing of the hormone called progesterone, as well. Progesterone makes the uterus receptive to implantation and supports the growth of the fetus. Measuring this hormone helps to tell the exact day of ovulation with greater precision, however, due to its price it is usually done if previous breeding had complications.

Progesterone usually starts to rise right after the peak of luteinizing hormone and reaches specific concentration when ovulating. In order to catch this moment, progesterone tests should also be done daily starting from when dog is about to be in standing heat. Progesterone is also used in medication to stop the heat cycle, as it, if we want to keep it short, stops production of estrogen.

Progesterone levels stay higher than normal for about two months, no matter if the bitch got pregnant or not. LH and estrogen hormones are backing down before the heat is over.

This post is a part of series about dogs in heat.

How often dogs are coming in heat

Of course, there are exceptions possible, like dogs cycling more frequent, or sometimes skipping every now and then. Besides that, there are several dog breeds, like Basenji, who come into heat only once a year.

Most common cycling frequency for female dogs is every six months or twice a year. Many dogs have this like a clock set up and are cycling at exactly predictable rate. Just like some humans do.

Average dog cycling frequency is not written in stone

However, some dogs who do not have so regular cycle (just like some humans do, again). They may come in heat more or less than average. And every time the interestrous period (period between two heats) may be different from previous.

While, there should be no worries having some irregularities in heat cycle, they may also point to health problems underlying. Consider mentioning it to a vet during next regular check up visit. Especially if your dog had regular cycles, and suddenly something happened differently.

Besides most common, twice a year, frequency, it’s not unusual when dogs come in heat three times, or sometimes even four times a year. However, this is already considered abnormality.

In most cases, if the dog comes in heat so frequent, some of the cycles may be infertile. That is, all the symptoms of the heat did occur, but lining of the uterus was not able to become receptive to implantation in such a short time after previous heat.

Also, there are several more abnormalities, like split heat, when female dog starts cycling, but suddenly stops, and begins in several weeks again. There may also be a heat with unapparent symptoms, making owner believe, that dog has not come in heat, yet. In most cases, it is observed with younger dogs. We will take a closes look at abnormal heat cycles later on in our ongoing series about dogs in heat.

When you get a new female dog puppy, you may be wondering, what is the age, she should first come in heat. Maybe it’s been about time already, but your dog has not come in heat, yet? Should you worry?

Female dogs normally come in heat when they have reached their sexual maturity. In most cases, it is between six and twelve months of age. However, exceptions are possible. And not always they should be considered abnormalities. Smaller dog breeds tend to come in heat at younger ages as they mature earlier, both sexually and physically.

If your female dog has not come in heat by age two, visit a vet

Most veterinarians suggest not to worry about dog not coming in heat till she has reached two years of age, especially in larger dog breeds.

Consult a veterinarian, if your dog has not come in heat after reaching age of two years. Reasons for this happening may vary from harmless to dangerous. Some of possible causes for a dog not coming in heat may be genital disease, low overall health of the dog, or silent heat. There are others as well, so you should check with your vet, instead of searching for possible on the internet.

Even though, silent heat is quite common in young and smaller dog breeds, it is considered abnormality, which may make you assume, dog has not been in heat, yet. However, it is just because symptoms of the dog being in heat were not strong enough to notice. Also, it is possible, dog owner misunderstand symptoms for something else.

Besides that, if you have spayed your dog, she will not come in heat. It may seem obvious, but there are owners who do not know that.

Photo by angela n.

But back to your previous question. Why are dogs in heat?

Heat cycle in dogs ensure they may become pregnant and have babies

Heat cycle is part of a reproductive system in dogs. In short, dogs are in heat, so they can have babies, and do not go extinct.

Heat in dogs is somewhat close to periods in human. Thank god, while women menstruate every month (is it on purpose?), dogs normally are in heat twice yearly.

However, the whole cycle is happening without a stop and consists of four phases: Proestrus and Estrus, when dog is referred as being in heat and Diestrus and Anestrus, when we say the dog is not in heat.

Each part has different hormones influencing your dog, and each part has different tasks in order to make the miracle of the birth to happen… or not to happen.

1. Proestrus serves as a preparing reproductive system of your dog to breeding.
2. Estrus will be the hardest part of the heat cycle for you, when ovulation occurs, and the uterus is receptive for implantation. In this part the dog is extremely attractive to males, and vice versa, it attracts males the most. Also, this is the phase when your dog is able to become pregnant.
3. Diestrus is the part that is responsible for sustaining pregnancy. No matter if a female became pregnant or not, hormone responsible for growth of the fetus has a high level and drops when diestrus is over only.
4. Anestrus is the last part of the hat cycle in dogs, in which the reproductive system takes a rest and gains strength to undergo the next heat cycle.

And then it starts again from the top. And if you still have a question, why are dogs in heat, then it’s just how it works. It’s natural.

This post is a part of ongoing series about dogs in heat.

Is your dog in heat?

We are currently running a series for owners who have dogs in heat. The list below shows posts that are already published, and what is yet to come.

All The Answers About Female Dogs in Heat

• Why are dogs in heat?
• What’s the age when dog is coming in heat for the first time?
• How often dogs come in heat?
• Hormonal changes in a female dog during heat
• Symptoms of a dog in heat
• Abnormal heat cycles in dogs
• How long are dogs in heat?
• How to tell when the heat in dog is over?
• How to handle a female dog in heat?
• Are first days in heat safe for dog?
• How to calm a female dog in heat?
• How to walk a female dog in heat?
• Female in heat and male dog living under the same roof?
• Can a male dog come in heat?
• How to handle male dog when neighbor’s female is in heat?
• How to predict when your dog will come in heat?
• How to stop a female dog being in heat?
• How to induce the start of the heat in female dog?
• Dog spaying and neutering. Should you consider it?
• Is Your Spayed Female Dog in Heat Again?
• Dog in Heat FAQ

The above list about dogs in heat is a subject to change. If you have a question not mentioned here, feel free to ask in comments.

Over everything else, it is important to make sure there are no problems underlying. Check if your dog is healthy, if he does not have urinal problems, constipation or diarrhea or any other problems that may force him to want to go out. Also, check if the water bowl inside is not empty or your dog does not need to go to relieve.

Don’t encourage your dog to ask in and out

If everything’s fine with your dog, you may start correcting undesired behavior. You should understand, in most cases dog owners are encouraging this behavior. How?

Dogs whine or beg for something when they know the result it gives. If he notices he’s being let out every time he whines, that is exactly what he’s doing to get out. If somehow whining is not effective, he may try barking. In most cases, it works for him. I’ve no wonder why. Next time he won’t even bother whining. He’ll start with the barking right away.

Yes, of course, when you are asleep, and your dog is whining, or even barking to get out, the instant solution is to let him out. Or in. Or out again. But you can quickly get back to sleep. However, this will definitely happen next night again, and all the other nights, as well.

Much better solution is ignoring. Yes, it’s harder, but better. You’ll probably not gonna sleep for a couple of nights, but you’ll be able to fix this problem, instead of letting your dog in and out every night.

In some cases, ignoring is not an option. Like, when you have a baby sleeping, or mad neighbors across the hall (or street, if your dog barks).

In this case, you should put an effort to make sure your dog is as calm, as possible at night. To do so, you may try one, some or all of the following:

• Provide activities during the day. Especially in the evening, before the sleep. Don’t get your dog too tired, though, as he may crave for outdoors fresh air at night. Walking or running should be effective enough, but you may try training, playing, or exercising, as well.
• Make sure your dog relieves himself in the evening. Most healthy dogs are able to hold urine through the night. However, if your dog did not get out the whole evening, hoping him to be patient all night, is silly.
• Check your dog’s water bowl. I’ve already mentioned it above, but having a drinking water access is important for your dog. If he will not find it inside, he may think he’ll find one outdoors.

• Give an attention to your dog. If your dog is restless at night when you are not letting him out, being close to him and giving some attention is the best way to calm him. Talk, play or pet your dog. If he’s sleeping in a different room where you are, invite him in your bedroom, or sleep on a couch which is closer to your dog.
• Let him out for a very short time. No more than two or three minutes. If possible (I know, brr… cold and…), go out with him. This way you may examine why your dog is asking to get out (need to relieve, or just to stare across the street) and make your dog understand, this walk is different from others.

If you survived the first night without letting your dog out, the next one should be easier. After few nights, in most cases, dogs get the idea they are getting nowhere with their begging to be let out.

Photos by bmcguirk, anneh632.

Having a dog coming when called is a very strange thing.

It may come as no surprise, but dogs come when they think it is worth it. That is, if he thinks you have something more interesting to provide, than what he’s doing now.

But how to get your dogs attention and make him come when called? See some tricks below:

1. The Right command – well, above all, it’s in giving the right command. And every time the same. Some owners call out dogs name and expect them to come. In many cases he will, but his name must be just a attentions grabber, not the command to come, so you can use it in combination with other commands too. The right way would be calling your dog’s name and giving a command: “Come!”, or “Here!”. Using both is a verbiage, and after you choose one, stick to it, so your dog is not confused. It’s good to complement this command with a specific move of hand (waving it up and down is widely used), so you may call your dog from a distance, when it is hard to call him loud enough.
2. Treat – most dog trainers agree. There’s no better (with exceptions) motivation than food. Cheese, sausage, meat. Anything that smells good is okay. If your dog is round the corner and can’t see you or smell, rattle his food bowl. Don’t forget to complement it with an appropriate command: “Here!” or “Come!”
3. Call in a happy voice – or make it funny. Main thing is to make it sound uncommon. This will raise curiosity in your dog and his urge to come will increase.
4. Special sound – If you often need to call your dog from a greater distance and you cannot yell loud enough, it’s possible to train dog come to whistle, hand clapping or other specific sound. Just make sure to chose unique sound, so your dog does not start chasing a police car by mistake.
5. Run away – what? Yes! Running away rises interest in your dog. That is, if he sees it. Because of hunter in their blood, it’s natural for dogs to alert, when they see object moving away. Has you dog ever escaped, and were you getting mad trying to catch him and running in circles? Dogs love being chased, and most of them run faster than we do. This is why running after a dog, without a strategy is unsuccessful. Luckily, they love to chase themselves too. Try running away from him and clapping your hands, waving them, squeaking etc… If you do it active enough, your dog may get curious and run after you.
6. Squeaky toy – it’s not a secret. Squeaking toy is very effective in getting your dog’s attention. It also has roots in an ancestry of your dog, as squeaky sound is a reminder of their prey. However, I’ve noticed, if used too often, squeaky toy may lose it’s magic.
7. Jump – jumping up and down rises awareness in your dog. This works extremely well when combined with running away. Also, you may have noticed, if you want your dog to remain sitting, all it takes to interrupt it, is to jump (or just move in most cases).
8. Waving hands – as stated above, it may serve as a good complement to standard command “Here!”. Waving hands (just like any fast moving objects) catch the attention of dog very well. More faster and chaotically you wave them, the more aware the dog is.
9. Crouching – this is best used when you are calling, calling and calling your dog, but he remains staring, staring and staring, as described above. Complement it with funny voice or clapping hands and success in this situation is almost guaranteed (if not, send me complaints).

I’ve no doubt there are more techniques that help your dog to come when called and I won’t be able to list them all, but if I’ve missed something important, please don ‘t hesitate to add it in comments.

Photos by: MunstiSue

In example, if praising dog after executed command, do you whisper “good… boy… good” or do you yell like crazy “Yeah, Good BOY, that’s the spirit, GOOOOOOD!!!”? See the difference? Your dog does.

Get The Attention Of Your Dog By Acting Funny

When we talk to babies, we usually use funny voice, hand movements and face expressions to get their attention. It’s similar to dogs.

If we, in example, want the dog to come, success is more probable, if we (besides showing a juicy steak) call him in a friendly, bit funny tone, wave our hands or even run in the opposite direction yelling: “Here dog, here!”, clapping our hands and jumping up and down like crazy.

However, many people are afraid to do this in public. I don’t know how it’s where you live, but here, people are usually suspicious about those speaking to themselves or to someone not human. It started to change when blue-tooth headsets for mobile phones appeared, but yet, it’s improving slowly. I heard people are more understanding in other parts of the world, but I don’t know, so giving me a hint about this in comments would be appreciated.

Unfortunately, the more public (that is, the more crowded) the place is,  the more actively you must communicate to your dog in order to hold his attention.

Being Stupid Gives The Result In Dog Training. Who’s Stupid Now?

However, there’s no need to be afraid talking to your dog. I think it’s more embarrassing being in public with a dog who is not listening to you, than acting like a crazy.

After all, being attractive, funny and loud guarantees a success in most dog training situations. By “in most” I mean, when it’s necessary.

In example, if you want your dog to heel, permanent contact is a must, and so is talking to your dog like you would to a baby. On the other hand, when you want your dog to sit, and remain sitting until you release, being calm and steady is a must. And again, if you want to release your dog from sitting, all you have to do is jump up, clap your hands or make a rapid step backward.

Sometimes those actions may look funny, or even stupid to people who know nothing about dog training. But they usually look stupid only untill observers notice what impact they have on your dog.

Photo By: El Frito.

During first days of the heat your dog can’t get pregnant. It’s true, but that does not save you from your dog running away. Even if she is not giving you a crazy face when  male passes by, she may run after him and not respond to you calling. My dog once jumped over a fence, and it was really hard to call her back.

How do you know how long it’s safe?

Despite the fact, your dog can’t get pregnant in the first days of the heat, problems arise if we need to define “first days”.

• Phase when dog can get pregnant during heat may be as short as three days. While on average it’s nine days, it may be as long as 17 or as short as three days. 3 days? Starting from when? Is it from the day you found out about the heat, or since it began? And how can you tell, when exactly it began? You don’t!
• It’s easy to miss the beginning of the heat. First sign is a bloody discharge from the vulva. I usually identify it when I see small drops on the floor. But what if the discharge is not red, but pink or yellow? What if your tiles are so dark, it’s not possible to notice them? What if a dog cleans after her? Most dogs do. While you may notice if your dog is licking herself a bit more often than before, the truth is, few dog owners are close enough to their pets to notice it.
• Sperm may survive up to seven days inside uterus. It’s a security nature provides. While professional breeders are able to tell, when to breed, dogs mating naturally do not know that. This is why sperm has the ability to survive inside the body of a female, until the time is right. Luckily there is another protection, female dogs do not allow males to jump on them in the beginning of the heat. However, I would not rely on this, because, first, exceptions happen, and a male trying to mount a female, with her not allowing it, may result in aggression from both sides.

Even if we consider (I often do) we can start with moderate protectiveness in the beginning, and increase it gradually as the heat progresses, make sure it happens rapid, as things will get crazy soon.

This post is a part of ongoing series about dogs in heat.

Photo by djg0333.

It’s not rare when owners think it’s just a piece of advice, and the vet will not know, if the dog was fed a little something. “How would he tell?” some may ask. Well, if a dog starts vomiting, choking, and eventually dies during surgery, he will know.

While, telling the owner, not to feed his pet before surgery is a routine task before every surgery, it should not be treated like a recommendation, but a serious order. I’ve asked several veterinarians, and they all confirmed – pet vomiting during surgery is not a rarity. In some cases, the outcome is lethal.

Vomiting during surgery may cause choking

Most drugs, used for anesthesia, has vomiting listed as a side effect. Possibility of it happening is hard to perceive as it depends on each individual’s resistance to medications, breed of the dog and maybe even weather conditions on the day.

You have to consider vomiting would happen. It’s safer than relying on luck.

If a dog starts emptying his stomach during surgery, there is a significant risk of choking. Especially if your pet is lying on his back, as in most surgeries they do. To avoid choking, a vet (or someone else) has to turn pet’s head, so the vomit may escape safely.

However, depending on a stage of operation, it’s not always safe to do it. Many parts of surgery are dramatic and may not be interrupted. However, if a pet starts choking, a vet may have to take a decision (a fast decision), which problem to solve first.

It’s a risk, that is easily avoided by not feeding your pet before surgery. It’s not just a recommendation, like, a vet told you have to feed a Royal Canin’s breed specific dry food for Boxers, or not to offer your cat a soup and cookies.

Not feeding a pet before surgery is a necessity. It helps to avoid serious trouble, or even death of your loved one.