Do dogs have periods? Do cats have periods? Although these questions may seem bizarre, they may be more relevant than you think! According to the Humane Society of the United States, more than 7 million dogs and cats are euthanized every year in the United States alone! This number doesn’t even take into account the millions of cats and dogs that are abandoned or lost every year, so it’s clear that too many animals find themselves without homes or with families who can’t or won’t care for them properly.
What Is An Estrous Cycle?
Most mammals, including dogs, experience an estrous cycle. This is also called the heat cycle, and refers to the time when the female is fertile and able to mate. The estrous cycle is controlled by hormones, and can vary in length from species to species. For example, a dog’s estrous cycle lasts about 21 days, while a human’s estrous cycle lasts 28 days.
There are three stages of the estrous cycle: proestrus, estrus, and metestrus. Proestrus is when estrogen levels start to rise in preparation for ovulation; this stage typically lasts five days. Estrogen continues to rise during estrus (or heat), which typically lasts six or seven days. Finally, during metestrus estrogen levels fall off sharply as progesterone levels increase; this stage generally lasts two or three days before menstruation begins.
The differences between humans and animals’ cycles are due not only to hormone levels but also differences in egg structure (e.g., some animals produce eggs that release all at once while others release them over a period of weeks).
Do dogs have periods?
Most people are surprised to learn that dogs do indeed have periods, though they are not exactly the same as a human’s. For starters, dogs are in heat or in season during their estrus cycle, which occurs about twice a year. This is when they are most fertile and able to mate. However, they will only bleed for a few days during this time, and it is usually not as heavy as a human period. In fact, you may not even notice it if your dog is house-trained. So if you’re wondering whether or not your dog’s occasional spotting is normal, the answer is probably yes!
When Does A Female Dog Come Into Heat?
A female dog will come into heat, or estrus, anywhere from six to 24 months old. The estrus cycle usually lasts about 21 days. During this time, your dog’s behavior may change and she may be more affectionate than usual. She may also urinate more frequently to mark her territory. You may notice that she has a pink vaginal discharge as well. If you see any signs of bleeding during this time, call your veterinarian right away. It is not unheard of for a female dog to get pregnant during the estrus cycle.
Signs Of Heat In Dogs
- One of the most common signs that a dog is in heat is vaginal bleeding.
- This can be anything from a light spotting to a heavy flow, and it usually lasts for 9-18 days.
- Some dogs may also have swelling of the vulva, which can be quite pronounced.
- You may also notice your dog licking her vulva more frequently than usual during this time.
- Your dog may also seem restless, agitated, or moody during this time.
- She may also urinate more frequently than normal, and this urine may contain traces of blood.
What Happens If My Female Dog Comes Into Heat While At My Vet’s Office?
If your female dog is in heat and you take her to the vet, the staff will likely be able to tell. They may ask if you are planning to breed her. If so, they will probably recommend that you wait until she is out of heat. If you are not planning to breed her, they may recommend spaying her. This is because a female dog in heat can be very attractive to male dogs, and this can lead to unwanted pregnancies.
How Can I Tell If My Male Dog Is Intact (Not Neutered)?
Most male dogs will lift their leg to urinate. If your dog does not do this, he may be neutered. Another way to tell if your dog is neutered is to look for the presence of testicles. In some cases, it’s possible that a veterinarian might use an incision instead of surgery to remove a dog’s testicles; therefore, it can be difficult to determine whether or not a male dog has been neutered unless they show signs of being intact (not neutered).
Spaying Or Neutering Your Pet: Pros And Cons
When it comes to spaying or neutering your pet, there are pros and cons to consider. On the plus side, spaying or neutering can help your pet live a longer, healthier life. It can also help reduce the number of unwanted animals in shelters. On the downside, spaying or neutering can be expensive and it’s a permanent decision for your pet. Ultimately, the best decision is the one that’s best for your individual pet.
What Should I Do About My Unspayed Pet Coming Into Heat For The First Time?
Many pet parents are surprised to learn that their unspayed female dog will come into heat, or enter estrus, for the first time when she reaches puberty. This can happen as early as six months of age in small breeds and as late as 18 months of age in large breeds. While there are a few things you can do to help your pet through this time, the best solution is to spay her before she comes into heat. This will not only prevent unwanted pregnancies, but will also help to keep her calm and comfortable during this time.
Conclusion
It’s true, dogs do have periods as part of their estrus cycle. This is also sometimes called a heat cycle. During this time, your dog may be more affectionate, and you may notice some changes in her behavior. However, there’s no need to worry – this is perfectly normal! Just be sure to keep an eye on your dog and provide her with plenty of love and attention during this time.