How long does German Shepherd heat last? Many dog owners have doubts when it comes to their pet’s reproductive cycle. So we’ve gathered everything you need to know to handle this moment well; check it out!
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How long does German Shepherd heat last?
To understand how long a female German Shepherd’s heat lasts, it’s important to know that it can vary according to the organism of each female. Normally, the canine menstrual cycle lasts approximately 21 days, with the end of the cycle occurring 4 weeks from the beginning of the bleeding. A female dog’s heat is divided into stages, which are proestrus, estrus, diestrus, and anestrus.
Proestrus
Poestro is the first stage of a female dog’s heat. It lasts approximately 3 to 15 days. At this stage, the female German Shepherd is still not fertile, but it is possible to observe swelling of the vulva, followed by vaginal bleeding.
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Estrus
For those who have doubts about how long the b*tch is in heat and her fertility period, estrus is an important moment. With a duration that varies from 3 to 12 days, it is during this period that the dog is ready for reproduction. It’s normal for her to change her behavior, with an increased lack of motivation, sadness, agitation, and stress.
Diestrus
Diestrus is the longest period of the bitch’s heat. It is during this stage that she reaches the peak of hormone production and usually refuses copulation. If there is no fertilization, it is possible that the pet will develop symptoms of psychological pregnancy.
Anestrus
Anestrus is a period of absence of sexual activity that lasts an average of 125 days. At this stage, the uterus and ovaries are small. Also known as the post-pregnancy recovery period, it is marked by low hormone production.
How do I care for my dog while she’s in heat?
The period in which a female dog is in heat is a delicate moment in the pet’s life and requires a series of precautions on the part of the owner. The main points of attention are related to the hygiene and feeding of the pet.
During a bitch’s heat, it is normal for her to change her eating habits, starting to reject food and eating less frequently. One way to keep her healthy is to offer snacks and wet food to stimulate her appetite.
During the menstrual period, which happens during the first stage of the dog’s heat, the vaginal region becomes swollen and bleeding occurs. To prevent the pet from licking itself and contracting diseases, the owner must invest in hygiene products for dogs, such as diapers and pads.
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How do I know if the German Shepherd’s heat is over?
The biggest concern for owners is knowing how long a German Shepherd’s heat lasts. The full period usually lasts 3 to 4 weeks after the bleeding starts. The best way to know that the bitch’s heat is over is to pay attention to the pet’s behavior, which stops being agitated and the vulva resumes its natural size.
When is the bitch fertile period?
Another frequent question among owners is about fertility during a bitch’s heat. The animal’s greatest fertility period occurs during estrus, the second stage of the bitch’s menstrual cycle, which can last approximately two weeks.
When is a dog’s first heat?
The German Shepherd’s first heat occurs between 6 and 8 months of life, which can vary according to the breed and size of the pet. Yeah, a dog’s heat happens when she reaches adulthood. Check out the average age of a bitch’s first heat according to size:
Small dogs: have their first heat between 6 months and 1 year;
Medium or large dogs: between 7 and 13 months;
Giant-sized pet: between 16 months and 2 years.
After the onset of the first cycle, a bitch’s heat recurs twice a year, normally occurring every 6 months. However, this period may vary according to the size and breed of your pet.
Is it possible to avoid a female dog’s heat?
If you are a guardian who does not plan for the pet to breed and want to avoid the pain of heat, a good solution is to castrate the animal, the same way you do when you want to avoid your dog getting pregnant.
In addition to benefits such as the end of pain and bleeding, this practice rids the animal of a number of diseases, such as canine pyometra.
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