Content
- The heat, indicator of fertility
- Can a female dog be sterile?
- Should you cross a bitch in heat?
- Is it important to neuter or spay a female dog?
the period of heat in bitches it tells us when they are sexually receptive, that is, when they are fertile. If you want to prevent a pregnancy or if you are thinking about having your dog breed, you must know how her sexual cycle works.
However, remember that you must be a responsible owner and think through the situation if you want the arrival of puppies in your home. Thinking about your personal situation as well as your dog's well-being should be your priority.
In this article by PeritoAnimal we will help you to know the fertile days of a bitch in heat.
The heat, indicator of fertility
Estrus in the dog usually manifests itself twice a year. We can notice it mainly due to the bleeding and, this is where the bitch is sexually receptive and ready to generate offspring. To know the fertile days of a bitch in heat, we must pay attention to the two phases of the estrous cycle:
- proestrus: can last between 3 and 17 days and during this period the bitch is not fertile. It will expel a bloody substance, although it may sometimes go unnoticed. The most obvious signs are excessive licking and inflammation of the vulva.
- estrus: like proestrus, estrus can last between 3 and 17 days and we can notice it when the bleeding takes on a darker tone and is more abundant. At this stage the bitch is fertile.
The dog's heat can vary greatly depending on its size, age or health status. While some bitches bleed only 6 days, others can bleed more than 20, it depends on each case.
Knowing your dog is essential, only then will you be able to identify heat duration to be able to calculate the specific phase of the estrous cycle in which it is. Generally speaking, the most fertile days of the sexual cycle are between the 8th and the 16th, however it may vary with each bitch.
Can a female dog be sterile?
Like the human being, the bitch too may be sterile or suffer from infertility for some reason. It usually occurs in older females, in bitches that suffer from an infection in their reproductive system or when they suffer from some disease.
In some cases it may happen that, after a mount, the bitch does not become pregnant. This could be because it occurred in an infertile time, despite the fact that she accepted the male. If you suspect your dog may be infertile, consult the veterinarian to make sure you are in good health.
Should you cross a bitch in heat?
Many people still believe in the false myth that you must mate a female dog at least once in your life. It is very important to realize that this is not true. The dogs don't need to have offspring to have a full and happy life, they just need a home that offers them affection and good care.
As PeritoAnimal is in favor of adopting dogs, we cannot recommend this practice. In addition, we would like to mention some specific cases in which it is not advisable to carry it out, mainly due to the risk of problems in the bitch's delivery:
- Bitches under a year old
- Bitches over seven years old
- sick bitches
If you still want your dog to go through a pregnancy, you should think carefully to see if you have the minimum requirements for space, money and time. Also, make sure the future of the puppies goes through some house and not abandonment. Must be a responsible and conscientious owner above all.
Is it important to neuter or spay a female dog?
Many people think about spaying or neutering their dog, mainly to avoid unwanted pregnancy. However, there are other advantages of spaying a female dog, such as preventing uterine cancer and different sexually transmitted diseases, improving personality and increasing life expectancy. In addition, we eliminate the risk of the bitch suffering from a psychological pregnancy.
Spay or neuter a female dog it is an important decision that must be thought through correctly. It is ideal to carry it out in the first years and inadvisable when they are in the final stage of their life.
