How to determine a dog's mating? - briefly
To determine a dog's mating, observe for signs of proestrus and estrus in female dogs, such as swelling of the vulva and vaginal discharge. Additionally, male dogs may exhibit increased interest and mounting behavior towards the female during these stages.
How to determine a dog's mating? - in detail
Determining when a female dog is in heat, or estrus, is crucial for successful breeding. Here are the key signs and stages to look out for:
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Proestrus (Early Heat): This stage typically lasts around 9 days, although it can vary from 5 to 20 days depending on the dog's age, breed, and overall health. During this time, you may notice:
- Swelling of the vulva due to increased blood flow.
- A bloody or straw-colored discharge.
- Changes in behavior such as increased urination (to mark territory), restlessness, or clinginess.
- Male dogs may show interest but the female will usually refuse their advances.
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Estrus (Heat): This is the ideal time for breeding and usually lasts about 9 days, though it can range from 3 to 17 days. Signs include:
- A clear or slightly bloody discharge may still be present, but it's usually reduced.
- The vulva remains swollen.
- Behavior changes such as flagging (raising her leg to urinate), increased receptiveness to males, and even some aggression towards other females.
- Ovulation typically occurs around day 10 of the heat cycle, but it can happen anytime between days 3 and 17. To maximize pregnancy success, breeding should occur on or before ovulation.
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Diestrus (False Pregnancy): After estrus, if no fertilization occurs, the female enters diestrus, which lasts about 60-90 days. During this time:
- The vulva returns to its normal size.
- Discharge stops.
- Behavior may return to normal, but some dogs may exhibit false pregnancy symptoms such as nesting behavior, mammary gland development, or even milk production.
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Anestrus: This is the period of sexual inactivity, which lasts until the next heat cycle begins, typically around 6 months later. During this time:
- The female's body prepares for the next heat cycle.
- There are no outward signs of heat.