How to understand which day of heat a dog has? - briefly
To determine which day of heat a dog is on, observe her vaginal discharge and behavior. The first signs typically appear around day 9-10 of the cycle, with peak fertility occurring around day 13-15.
How to understand which day of heat a dog has? - in detail
To determine which day of heat a dog is on, you need to observe and record several key signs and behaviors. Heat in dogs, also known as estrus, typically lasts about 18-21 days and consists of four stages: proestrus, estrus, diestrus, and anestrus. Understanding these stages can help you pinpoint the specific day your dog is on during heat.
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Proestrus (Days 1-9): This stage begins with vaginal discharge that may be bloody or pinkish in color. Your dog will likely become more attractive to male dogs, but she will not allow them to mate. During this time, you might notice changes in her behavior such as increased urination, restlessness, and nesting behaviors like gathering toys or blankets.
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Estrus (Days 9-13): This is the most fertile period of your dog's heat cycle. The vaginal discharge will change from red to a lighter, straw-colored hue. Your dog may become more receptive to male dogs and allow them to mate. You might observe her standing still with her tail raised when a male approaches. This stage typically lasts for 3-4 days but can vary among individual dogs.
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Diestrus (Days 14-60): Following estrus, your dog will enter the diestrus phase. During this time, the vaginal discharge may disappear or become more watery and clear. Your dog's behavior should return to normal, and she will no longer be receptive to male dogs. If bred during estrus, your dog may show signs of pregnancy during diestrus.
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Anestrus (Days 61-180): This is the period between heat cycles when your dog's reproductive system is at rest. There will be no vaginal discharge, and your dog will not exhibit any behaviors related to estrus. Anestrus typically lasts for about 4-5 months before the cycle begins again with proestrus.
To accurately determine which day of heat your dog is on, monitor her behavior and vaginal discharge closely throughout the cycle. Keeping a record of these observations can help you track her progress and better understand when she is most fertile. If you are unsure or need assistance, consult with a veterinarian for professional guidance.