Period Drama
Estrus in dogs
All mammals have a menstrual cycle. Some have covert menstruation, which means that the endometrium (lining of the uterus) is so thin that it is absorbed by the body if the egg is not fertilised. Other mammals have a thick endometrium, which partly sheds through the vagina if the egg is not fertilised.
Dogs, being mammals, also experience menstrual cycles, but they do not menstruate like humans. They have ‘estrus’ or heat cycles. The blood seen as a discharge from your dog is not a result of unsuccessful mating. In fact, dogs begin bleeding before they become receptive to mating. Without going into technical details (I am not qualified to discuss those), dogs bleed because the changing hormones increase the blood flow to the dog’s genitals and reproductive organs. They also increase the permeability of the capillaries, so the blood kind of seeps through and is the blood you notice in the discharge.
What happens when a dog is ‘In heat?’
The dog heat cycle has 4 phases, each marked with different symptoms:
Proestrus
Marked by swelling of the vulva and light bleeding that increases as the stage progresses, Proestrus can last from 3 to 17 days but lasts for 9 days for most dogs. Some dogs become clingy and affectionate, while others may seem grumpy. A change in appetite is expected. In addition to the swelling of the vulva and a bright red discharge (as the blood in it increases), you may notice dogs tucking their tail in or sitting down whenever another dog approaches.
Estrus
This is the time when your dog is fertile and begins to accept a male dog for mating, inviting the male by turning her rear towards him or flicking her tail, or moving it to the side. This stage is the actual ‘heat’ part of the heat cycle. It can last for as little as 3 days, but the average length is 9 days. You will notice the discharge become pinkish (as the blood flow decreases). The swelling in the vulva decreases a little, making it softer.
Diestrus
When Estrus is complete, Diestrus begins. It is the part of the cycle that lasts for 60–90 days after Estrus. If pregnancy occurs, Diestrus ends when the puppies are born. If the mating does not happen or is not successful, the uterine lining is absorbed into the dog’s body. The vulva returns to normal — this usually takes about a week. Due to the change in hormones, the bleeding initially increases, then reduces and eventually stops altogether. The dog is no longer interested in mating and stops trying to entice a mate.
Anestrus
Described as the ‘uterine repair phase’ and the ‘resting stage,’ Anestrus is the part of the cycle where the dog shows no hormonal activity or sexual behaviour. It is the period between the end of one Diestrus and the beginning of the next Proestrus and can last anywhere between 90 to 150 days.
While the exact timing of the first heat can vary between dogs, most dogs experience their first heat at 6 months of age and come in heat every 6 months thereon. Unlike humans, dogs do not experience menopause and can come in heat and have litters throughout their lives.
Keeping your dog comfortable
Since the lining of a dog’s endometrium does not shed (unlike in humans who menstruate), there is no discomfort associated with muscle contraction and spasms. However, the changing hormones and restricted access to a willing mate can make your dog cranky, tired and uncomfortable, and the blood and discharge may freak her out. She may even need more attention than usual and require extra TLC.
Here are a few ways to keep your beloved dog comfortable during her heat cycle and prevent accidental pregnancies:
Increase snuggle time
Snuggle with your dog more often. You can give her her favourite toy or blanket or keep a hot water bottle under some towels for her to snuggle with — there’s no cramping, but these can provide warmth and comfort like snuggling with you would. Bring her up on the bed with you, or sit next to her if she’s in her bed. It is a weird time with several changes; your mere presence can be comforting.
Meals & water
Ensure your dog has access to plenty of fresh, clean water by refilling her bowl often. Your dog may show a decrease in appetite, and that’s perfectly okay. She may be picky about food and prefer eating particular things or light, soupy meals. Let her do so, as long as she eats something. You can indulge her by preparing her favourite treats or meals. Some dogs’ appetite increases during heat and if that happens to yours, increase her food intake for a few days.
Be kind
This is advisable all the time, but you should be especially accommodating of accidents in the house right now. Please don’t scold your dog for any blood stains or mess she leaves behind. She has no control over this and is not doing it to spite you. Clean it up and calmly reassure her. Most dogs clean up their discharge by themselves, but a stain here and there can be expected if you decide to bring an animal into your house.
Extra walks
Your dog may exhibit a frequent urge to pee during the active part of her cycle. Take her out for walks more often so that she can relieve herself. Some dogs may not want to go out so often and prefer to rest instead. Gauge what your dog requires and act accordingly. If your dog is trained to pee in the balcony or the bathroom, you can leave those open for her.
Extra caution
Be cautious on walks and around other dogs. Dogs in heat leave indicators for male dogs through the hormones and pheromones in their vaginal discharge. Your dog in heat can attract male dogs from far away while out on a walk, and male dogs attracted to a female in heat can be quite aggressive. You may also notice some lovesick lulus wandering outside your house when your dog is in heat — keep them out!
Never let your dog go off-leash on walks, even if she is the best-behaved dog out there. Always supervise outdoor time, even within the limits of the house. Don’t take your dog’s mating instinct lightly. If your dog is prone to running away when in heat, invest in a GPS tracker.
Managing discharge
Dogs are quite self-sufficient in managing their discharge. However, as a part of a household, they may require additional measures to clean up after themselves. Keep in mind that the products mentioned below are more for human comfort than dog comfort.
Disposable dog diapers
These are like regular diapers but with a sealed hole at the back for the tail to pass through. These are available as per the dog’s size and absorb the discharge. Diapers in the correct size will be leak-proof, comfortable and secure. Ensure you get the right size and change them often so that your dog does not develop rashes or infections.
Reusable dog diapers
Reusable dog diapers are easier on the pocket and better for the environment. They are absorbent and washable, so you can get a couple of them, and you’ll be set. They’re available in many colours and prints, and some options are machine-washable as well.
Dog undies
You can also find undies made from thin fabric with a space to hold an absorbent pad. These are also washable and reusable (some disposable options are available), and you can change the absorbent pad frequently.
These may be available in a full-body version, which is helpful for dogs that cannot keep the regular diaper on.
Never force your dog to wear or use something she’s uncomfortable in, and try different options if she doesn’t like one. If she is not comfortable in the options above, you can assign a blanket that goes on your bed or couch whenever she has to climb up. You can also get training pads or absorbent sheets (also available in washable options) and lay them out over your furniture. Remember that your dog’s comfort trumps having stain-free furniture.
Remember that estrus is as natural a process as breathing; so is the discharge that accompanies it. It can be a confusing and overwhelming time, both for your dog as well as for you. The more you learn about it, the more manageable it becomes; the better you deal with it, the safer your dog feels.
Recognise the signs and track your dog’s cycle so that you can be prepared and so that you can keep an eye out for any unusual bleeding. If your dog experiences bleeding outside her cycle, please consult a veterinarian. It could be a urinary tract infection (UTI), ovarian cysts, uterine infections like Pyometra, etc. Remember, the bleeding decreases when the dog becomes receptive to mating, then increases again for a bit, so don’t freak out if you notice that. If you have any doubts about your dog’s heat cycle, consult your veterinarian. There are some resources in the next section. Use them to read up more on your dog’s heat cycle.
The only way to stop dogs from coming in heat is by getting them spayed. It is advisable to wait until your dog has fully matured (at least two heat cycles or more, depending upon the breed) before you sterilise her. Spayed dogs should not experience bleeding from their vulva. Your dog DOES NOT have to have a litter before she can be spayed. Even if you want to mate your dog (not recommended: mating contributes to the overpopulation of dogs; please decide judiciously), she should go through at least 2 heat cycles before being mated.
Resources:
Do Dogs Have Periods? | American Kennel Club | https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/do-dogs-have-periods/
Why Do Dogs Cry When in Heat | Wag! | https://wagwalking.com/behavior/why-do-dogs-cry-in-heat
Dog In Heat? Here’s Everything You Need To Know. | Tractive | https://tractive.com/blog/en/good-to-know/dog-in-heat
Dog >> Reproductive cycle | Britannica | https://www.britannica.com/animal/dog/Reproductive-cycle
How to care for your dog in heat | Figo | https://figopetinsurance.com/blog/how-care-your-dog-heat
