Generally speaking, female dogs, regardless of the breed, become mature between the age of six months to one year old. When your female dog is ready to mate and produce progeny, we say that the bitch is in a breeding season or she is in heat. The period usually lasts for 21-28 days, but may vary among different breeds or even individuals of the same breed. You will observe two heat cycles a year with phases between the two cycles to rest the reproductive system and heal the uterus.
Signs of female dogs in heat:
A breeding season has four stages.
First Stage: Proestrus
• The vulva becomes larger and may appear swollen
• Minor bleeding from the vagina with bloodstains observed where she sits
• Increased frequency of urination
• Behavioural changes: jumps or attempts to jump onto edges or raised objects, becomes more affectionate to you, keeps tail near the body, refuses to let any dog comes near (as she is not ready to mate)
Second Stage: Estrus
• Clear or brownish discharge from the vagina
• When a male dog approaches her, she will move tail aside. This is a typical sign that she wants to mate. This signal is referred to as “flagging”.
• Bitches show aggression to each other
• Releases pheromones to attract adult male dogs
Third Stage: Diestrus
• Refuses to take a dog
• Discharge from the vulva ceases, vulva gradually becomes smaller and returns to normal
• With hormonal changes in the body, she may behave like a pregnant dog. To confirm, you should visit a vet as pseudopregnancy may cause problems
Fourth Stage: Anestrus
• The resting stage is necessary to prepare her for (another) pregnancy. Varying from three to five months, this is the lengthiest stage among the four.
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