Dogs on heat (sounds like a spoof film title!)

Say goodbye to Carlo the bassett and Hugo, the chichuahua who are packing up their chews, toys and luggage to fly off to Dubai this week to start  a new life in the sand, sunshine and scorching heat.  They were real characters and will be missed by us and by all who met them every day in the park for the past 3 years.
                           

This week's topic  is about coming on heat. Several people have  discussed the subject with me, and have been tearing out their hair at the number of male dogs that have  followed them around  with dogged persistence (pardon the pun)! 

DOGS ON HEAT – (Sounds like a spoof film title!)

Many puzzled owners are unsure of when their pet is coming on heat. The average bitch has its first cycle at about six months of age. Some start earlier and a few as late as 14 months.

People often ask “how can I tell when my dog is coming on heat?” The signs start with a lot of licking of the genital area and it becomes swollen. There is also blood spotting which later becomes clear. Some bitches lick this away to keep clean, so if she is licking herself too much then investigate. 

The ten most asked question about dogs in heat.

1. What exactly is heat?

Heat is more properly called the "oestrous cycle". It is during this cycle that female dogs are most likely to get pregnant.

2. What are the symptoms?

The first symptom is a lot of licking of the vulva and increased peeing. Don’t expect bleeding to be like a human menstruation. You will stop the occasional drop of blood but she will lick furiously to clean herself. The most noticeable sign will be your sudden popularity in the neighbourhood and the trail of eager, salivating male dogs that follow you and your pet around the streets and the park.

How long does the heat last?

 

The cycle lasts for 3 weeks (bad luck). In some cases its two weeks but generally is 21 days from start to finish. If you haven’t had your dog spayed, then she will have two heat cycles a year.

How many times will she come into heat?

Most female dogs have regular cycles every six to eight months. It is quite typical to be in heat twice a year.

Can she get pregnant during her first cycle?

Oh! Yes! Definitely! Pregnancy only occurs when the dog is on heat and this is the time when any male can mount her. Her manners and taste in men will go by the board and she will be anybody’s. Females don’t ever accept a male if they are not on heat no matter how hard the male dog tries.

Can I take her on walkies during this cycle?

Not a good idea to take her out where there is a chance of many male dogs roaming. Walkies will be a stressful duty because during this time you will be like a  magnet for every male dog in the neighbourhood. It’s a better idea to put her in the car and take her somewhere for a walk that doesn’t have any dogs for miles around. Unfortunately, walking around the block and then back to your front door will attract stray males because her urine and vaginal discharge will blaze a trail to your home. It will be an invisible placard saying “Hello! Boys, come up and see me anytime”, (with apologies to Mae West - who? she was an actress in the 40s.  Oh! never mind, you'll get the gist). 

When can I have her spayed?

It’s a good idea to talk to your vet about spaying your dog unless you are planning to breed from her. Your vet can tell you about the benefits and disadvantages of having an unsprayed dog. Ok! So she will be “Miss-never-Had-it” but she wont experience all those little problems that occur as she gets older.

*Tip

Buy a can of ‘Antimate’ from the pet shop and spray this along the back end of your dog. It has a strong eucyalptus scent that makes humans ask "Phew! what's that stink?"
It is  even more effective on male dogs as it makes them sneeze enough to realize that “she just isn’t worth all the hassle.”

You can also get little nappies that are held on by a special thong from http://www.petplanet.co.uk, the vet or the pet shop.  The dog doesnt seem to mind wearing them and its for sure you wont hear them asking  the phrase  "Does my bum look big in this?" as they step out of the door!


Seeing nappies on a dog,  makes people helpless with laughter for some unknown reason.  I know it seems an indignity to put your dog through but it does deter amorous males.  When used in the house it will stop spotting on carpets and furniture.

Another good tip for keeping the randy males at bay is to rub a blob of Vick’s Vapour Rub onto your hands and then smooth it over your dog’s fur  - along the tail and on the lower back. Another good remedy is Olbas Oil on some cotton wool rubbed along the lower back fur but not on the skin. This can be pretty off putting for any male since it will make them sneeze the moment they get within range of the female. “Strewth! Im outta here” will be their first instinct.

I have found two videos on the internet that show how caring dogs can be towards other dogs.  Thankfully animals are not governed by petty  'Elf and Safety rules and always act on instinct. Very heart warming and certainly puts humans to shame. 

That's it for this week.  Thank you for all your nice emails. Why not leave a comment in the box?  Incidentally I came across this site offering presents for dog owners, www.personalisedgiftstoremember.com.  If you mention my name Dawn21 when ordering an item, they will give you a special 20% discount.

Enjoy your week.


Dawn   (.".")