How to understand that a dog has finished its heat? - briefly
To determine if a dog has finished her heat cycle, observe for any remaining signs of estrus such as vaginal discharge or swollen vulva. If these symptoms have ceased and her behavior returns to normal, it indicates that the heat cycle is likely over.
How to understand that a dog has finished its heat? - in detail
To determine if a female dog has completed her heat cycle, several indicators can be observed. The heat cycle in dogs typically lasts around 18-21 days and consists of four stages: proestrus, estrus, diestrus, and anestrus. Understanding these stages is crucial for accurately identifying when the heat cycle has ended.
Proestrus: This initial stage usually lasts about 9 days. During this time, the dog's body prepares for ovulation. The most noticeable sign is a swollen vulva and some vaginal discharge, which may be bloody or straw-colored. Male dogs will show interest in the female but she will not allow mating.
Estrus: This is the main stage of heat where the dog is fertile and ready for mating. It typically lasts 9 days as well. The vulva remains swollen, and there may be less vaginal discharge than in proestrus. During this phase, the female will allow males to mount her.
Diestrus: This stage marks the end of estrus and signals that the dog is no longer receptive to mating. It usually begins around day 14 of the heat cycle and lasts for approximately 60-90 days. During diestrus, the vulva returns to its normal size, and any vaginal discharge should stop or become minimal. The female will no longer show interest in males.
Anestrus: This is the final stage of the heat cycle, which lasts until the next proestrus begins, typically around 6 months later in non-pregnant dogs. During anestrus, the dog exhibits no signs of being in heat, and her reproductive system prepares for the next cycle.
In summary, a female dog has finished her heat when she enters the diestrus stage, characterized by a return to normal vulva size and minimal vaginal discharge. If the dog is not pregnant, the anestrus stage follows, indicating that the reproductive system is at rest until the next cycle begins.