Understanding Your Dog's First Heat: A Comprehensive Guide
In this week's blog post, we'll be taking a look at the journey through your pup's first heat. We'll explore what to expect during this phase and how it impacts your decision on whether to spay your dog. Join us as we review the major milestones we experienced with our pup, Willa, and share valuable tips along the way.
Swelling and Physical Changes: About a month before Willa went into heat, we noticed her vulva gradually becoming more swollen. Her nipples also swelled up, and during her heat cycle, the swelling intensified and persisted for an additional month. It's important to note that these changes are normal, but keep an eye on them to ensure they don't become excessively swollen or infected. Swelling is the first indication that your pup is transitioning into maturity.
Bleeding and Duration: At 10 months old, Willa started her first heat, following the earlier swelling. The bleeding was more substantial than we anticipated, especially considering we had previous experience with smaller dogs. Research revealed that smaller breeds generally have lighter bleeding, while larger breeds may experience more significant bleeding. Willa bled quite a lot, even leaving behind drops of blood if we left her without a diaper for a few seconds. To manage this, we purchased washable diapers and covered our furniture with blankets.
Differences between smaller and larger breeds: Smaller dog breeds typically reach sexual maturity earlier than larger breeds, with their first heat occurring as early as six months of age. On the other hand, larger breeds may not experience their first heat until they are 12 to 24 months old. The duration of the heat cycle can also vary, lasting around 2 to 3 weeks for smaller breeds and 3 to 4 weeks for larger breeds. In Willa's case, her heat lasted about 5 weeks, which felt longer than usual.
Behavioural Changes: While we didn't observe significant behavioural changes in Willa, it's common for dogs to exhibit changes during their heat cycles. If you have both a male and female dog at home, both their behaviours may be affected as this is a significant change for both of them. Increased restlessness, anxiety, clinginess, aggression, or attention-seeking behaviours are not uncommon. It's important to be patient, and understanding, and provide your dog with extra love and attention during this time of adjustment.
Supervision and Interaction with Other Dogs: Living in an apartment posed a challenge for us during Willa's heat cycle since every walk involved encounters with other dogs. To prevent any unplanned pregnancies, we kept Willa on a leash for about two months while she was swollen and in heat. Male dogs can be attracted to females in heat, even from a distance, so remaining vigilant and ensuring your dog avoids contact with intact males is crucial.
Spaying Considerations: Many viewers asked why we decided to get Willa spayed after her first heat. For us, it was not only due to a contractual agreement with our breeder but also because living in an apartment with a female dog means we cannot afford an unplanned pregnancy. Spaying your dog, if you don't intend to breed her, is highly recommended. It not only prevents unwanted pregnancies but also provides long-term health benefits, such as reducing the risk of certain cancers. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate timing for spaying, generally recommended after the heat cycle has ended.
Managing Discharge: After Willa's heat, we noticed a clear, gooey discharge from her vagina. This discharge can be quite pungent and may leave an unpleasant smell if she licks herself on furniture. We recommend promptly wiping the discharge with paper towels or tissues to minimize any odour. If left unattended, shampooing the affected area becomes necessary to remove the smell. Managing discharge is just one part of the experience of being a female dog.
Understanding your dog's first heat is essential for responsible pet ownership. By being prepared and knowledgeable about the physical and behavioural changes that occur during this time, you can provide the care and attention your furry companion needs. Remember to consult with your veterinarian about spaying options and timing, and always prioritize your dog's health and well-being.
Thank you for joining us this week. If you found this blog post helpful, please leave a comment and stay tuned for more valuable content. I appreciate your support, and I'll see you in the next post!