If you own an unspayed female dog, once she reaches maturity, she will go into heat, or rut, regularly once or twice a year. This period is also called "mating season." If you intend to breed your dog, then you, of course, need to keep him healthy, and also learn about when and how to go through the rut, how to handle it, and how to take care of him. Caring for a dog during the mating season is somewhat more difficult than caring for a spayed female dog. So, if you have decided to breed, then let's look at the 10 most frequently asked questions about female dogs, their estrus and mating season.
How to prevent unwanted pregnancy in a female dog when she is in heat?
This could be a big challenge for you! Males can smell from quite a distance that your dog is in heat, even if you keep her at home or in the garden. Any available dogs in the area will likely congregate near your home, waiting for a possible mate with your bitch.
You will still be able to walk your bitch while she is in heat, but you will need to do so with extreme caution. Not only will the males be interested in mating, but she herself will want to mate with them. During this time, you will have to keep your dog on a leash at all times and limit your walks to areas where other dogs roam freely.
If a dog gets old, will it go through menopause?
As your dog gets older, she will still be able to conceive and become pregnant while in heat until the end of her life. Her fertility may decrease somewhat, but she will not go through the same menopause as humans. As your female dog gets older, you can still have her spayed, even after she has nursed several litters. This will help reduce her chance of developing potential complications associated with uterine infections and pregnancy.
One day an alarmed girl called me and asked for an urgent consultation. She was worried about the behavior of her little corgi, who stopped eating and sleeping, clicked his claws on the floor at night, ran from side to side, whined, and during a walk stopped responding to calls.
The owner did not know who to contact. Run to the vet? Canine neurologist? Animal psychologist?
I asked her only one question: “Does any of the neighbors in the building have a bitch and has the bitch started to come into heat?” The answer was: “Yes, exactly!” And, after ten days, the corgi returned to normal, began to eat “like a horse” and sleep “like a bear.”
Many (oh, how many!) owners buy a male dog so as not to suffer from heat. Naive! A bitch is in heat twice a year, and a male is in heat any time he meets a bitch in heat!
By its nature, a male dog is determined to immediately transform the brain from the “live/hunt” mode to the “reproduce” mode and join the “dog wedding.” A dog wedding is when a flock of males wanders after a bitch in heat. Males try to please the bitch and win her favor, and, at the same time, drive out opponents and competitors.
Mating season in cats and dogs
Your cat's serenades and your dog's restless behavior are actually requests for attention. Petting an animal and giving it a treat will distract it. You can look at a good encyclopedia on how to properly keep cats and dogs, go to https://pets-expert.ru/chem-kormit-taksu/
While you may feel like your pet's thoughts are all in one direction during mating season, he will actually appreciate other forms of attention. Offer him his favorite toy or just sit next to him on the floor and rub his tummy. The game will help him take his mind off things.
Let him listen to music
Animals going through the mating season sometimes calm down when they hear pleasant music. Animals are receptive to classical music, especially Mozart. But avoid sharp rhythmic sounds that may remind your pet of the cries made by other animals. Some sounds, on the contrary, can arouse sexuality,” says veterinarian Michael Fox.
Don't open the windows
Male dogs and cats can smell females in mating season. A cat senses smells at a distance of 3 km, a dog - at a distance of about 9 km. If your “girl” is going through mating season, keep the windows closed, otherwise suitors will gather on your doorstep.
Pet stores sell Vike ointment with a strong odor that repels unwanted suitors. Apply a little of this ointment to the area under the tail of a female or on the nose of a male.
Chlorophyll tablets, sold in pharmacies, can also neutralize the odor of a female during the mating season.
During mating season, female dogs begin to bleed and your furniture and carpets may become stained. Cats don't bleed, but they often start urinating all over the house to attract potential mates. Try to isolate the animal in a bathroom or cage that is easy to clean.
Keep your pet locked up
During the mating season, dogs and cats will do anything to get out of the house. Make sure they don't slip out unnoticed when you go outside (for example, to get the newspapers or to go to work in the morning). If your dog or cat lives in the yard, “lock him in a kennel or behind a fence where the male cannot enter. Make sure that the male does not climb over the fence. For dogs only Keep your dog clean
If you regularly wash your dog when he is bleeding during mating season, the odor that attracts males will be reduced. Bathe your dog once or twice a day.
Buy a special drug called Last Buster. If you spray it under a dog's tail, it will smell like a pregnant female and males will lose interest in her.
Protect your furniture
To prevent your dog from staining your furniture and carpets when he bleeds, put him in a “protective suit.” Pet stores sell special sliders; You can choose pants for a dog of any size - from a tiny Chihuahua to a huge St. Bernard. The sliders are equipped with special absorbent pads and a hole for the tail. Boost your pet's appetite
Aggressive behavior in dogs
Here are just a few facts about dog aggressive behavior in North America:
90% of bites are caused by dogs familiar to humans;
the vast majority of biting dogs bite members of their own family;
60% to 70% of dog bites occur in children or the elderly;
when children are bitten, 40% of the damage occurs on the face (lips, cheeks, etc.);
half of personal insurance claims are due to dog bites.
Increased dog aggressiveness has several causes, but all of them can be combined into 3 large groups: poor breeding, inadequate imprinting (improper maintenance at an early age) and poor upbringing.
The environment can also influence the severity of aggression. Living conditions characterized by insufficient socialization, excessive punishment, attacks by aggressive dogs, incorrect and unjustified praise from owners, lack of communication with people, vulnerability to attacks from ill-mannered children, physical inactivity - all this leads to perverted behavior in dogs.
An aggressive dog does not become a monster overnight. There are definitely signs that indicate her inclinations and possible unwanted behavior. Or she is too timid and cowardly that she fears for her life and in a dangerous situation, from her point of view, tries to protect herself and therefore shows aggression. Or it may have developed slowly, first manifesting itself towards people who passed near her toys or food bowl.
Male repellents
BioVax Spray “Flirting? No!" Apply before walking, treating the area of the croup, hind legs, and tail. The effect of the spray lasts for 2-3 hours. In addition to the fact that the spray helps hide the odor of heat, it contains triclosan, a substance that has an antibacterial effect that helps prevent skin diseases. Approximate cost of BioVax Spray “Flirt? No!" 130-170 rubles per bottle.
The elimination of estrus odor in dogs “True Friend” is produced by Russia in the form of a deodorizing spray. Biologically active enzymes are responsible for neutralizing the odor, and phytoncides of essential oils are responsible for repelling males. It is used before walking, and the manufacturer recommends treating not only the back, lower parts of the body, and tail of the bitch, but also the owner’s clothes. If we are talking about a dog living on the street, then it is recommended to spray the dog house and the front door of the house. The cost of a deodorizing spray is about 170 rubles.
Spray "Touchy" from the company Le Artis (Le Artis) is effective for 2-3 hours. The product is applied to the croup, under the tail, and on the hind legs before each exit to the street during the entire period of estrus. The approximate cost of the male repellent is 150 rubles.
The enzyme preparation ANTIKOBELIN® is produced by the Russian company. The drug is based on pheromones, so the drug is safe for animals. The area of the tail and hind legs is treated in the morning and evening. Antikobelin can be used to remove blood stains and secretions left by a bitch on carpeting, bedding, and wooden surfaces. For this purpose, the product is sprayed onto a pre-moistened surface. The cost of anti-kobelin is about 100 rubles. According to reviews from dog owners, the drug Anticobelin is quite effective and repels male dogs in most cases. Some males do not pay attention to the bitch at all.
Dog Stop Forte (dragée) and Dog Stop Spray (spray) from the German company Canina. Products based on chlorophyll (the green pigment of plants) help at the beginning and end of estrus, but are ineffective at its peak (day 10-15). Dog Stop tablets or spray should be used throughout the entire period of estrus. Dragees are given in the amount of 1-2 pieces daily up to 6 times a day, depending on the weight of the dog, and the spray is used to treat the inner thighs, base of the tail in the morning and evening, and also as needed, for example, before walking, during the exhibition. By the way, the Dog Stop dragee helps fight unpleasant odor from the mouth, and the spray helps fight the odor of fur; the products can be used for male dogs. The cost of dragees and spray is about 950-1200 rubles.
Spray for dogs “No Love” anti-cobelin from the company Beaphar (Netherlands) does not affect the course of estrus, but helps to neutralize the specific odor that attracts male dogs. The manufacturer recommends using the spray 2-3 times a day (although the number of uses is not limited), treating the inner thighs. The price for the “No Love” spray is about 570 rubles.
Note
The effectiveness of special agents for repelling male dogs depends on the frequency of treatment. It is recommended to treat the belly, tail, area under the tail (protecting the mucous membrane), and hind legs three days before the start of estrus, before each trip outside. The day before mating, you should not use sprays.
Do not allow the product to get into the dog's eyes or nose. The products are sprayed, after shaking the bottle, from a distance of 15-25 cm.
Rutting in dogs
As is known, puberty in males and females occurs unevenly. Despite the fact that their ability to reproduce occurs at approximately 8-12 months, it is not advisable to breed them at this time. It is difficult for a fragile body to withstand overload. The most favorable period for mating is at the age of 24 months for males and 20 months for females.
The behavior of a dog during the rut is individual and cannot have certain stereotypes. Common signs include the following changes in behavior: the dog becomes disobedient, excitable, sometimes loses its appetite or, conversely, its appetite increases, and urinates frequently.
The onset of estrus is characterized by swelling of the loop (vulva), and after some time the appearance of bloody discharge from it. By the time of ovulation, the loop becomes maximally enlarged and soft, and the discharge becomes yellowish-pink. In this regard, as a rule, the dog’s behavior also changes. She starts flirting with male dogs. When “courting” them, it takes the appropriate position, moving its tail to the side. The mating season in dogs begins on the 12-15th day of estrus, and ovulation lasts 3-5 days. But all the terms are somewhat arbitrary.
It is worth letting a dog near a male dog in the middle of heat, but not when the first signs appear. Otherwise, the dog may turn out to be “empty”.
Physiological changes
Estrus in dogs (estrus) is a natural physiological process.
Hormonal imbalances occur in the female's body. At the beginning of the cycle, a lot of estrogen is produced, which promotes conception. Then progesterone takes over, preparing for pregnancy. These hormones affect reproductive function, the activity of the brain and nervous system. Hormonal levels affect behavior. During the critical period, the female's attitude towards the opposite sex changes.
At the beginning of the cycle, the bitch behaves aggressively, growls and moves away from other dogs.
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In a week, the pet will begin to let suitors approach, but will not allow cages.
In a few days, estrus (sexual heat) will begin. Ovulation occurs. The egg is ready for fertilization. A male dog can calmly approach the object of desire. The female waits for mating and takes the appropriate position in front of the male. Spreads its hind legs, tail moves to the side. During this period, the dog breeder plans mating, which increases the likelihood of conception.
Some females are aggressive towards males throughout the emptying period. This does not mean that they cannot be bred and continue the pedigree. Contact a knitting instructor. The service will cost a certain fee. After the first mating and birth, the pet's sexual behavior will change.
The owner may notice that the animal urinates frequently before going into heat. This is how the pet marks the territory, giving a signal to the male dogs. Males use scent marks to find their beloved. The pet marks on the street and at home. This happens involuntarily. An animal cannot be scolded for such incidents.
Tips for the breeder
One of the first pieces of advice to a breeder is this: study your dog, study its individual characteristics in order to promptly determine the optimal days for mating. Feel free to make notes and keep a calendar for when your heat starts and ends. This will make your task much easier in the future.
If you do not have your own male to breed, but have doubts about the correct choice of mating day, it does not matter. You can check the bitch to see if she will “stand.” To do this, carefully place your hand on the rump at the root of the tail, and with your other hand, use your finger to lightly tap the skin of the perineum (just below the anus) or on the loop itself. If the bitch is ready to mate, she will stand with her legs spread wide apart, her tail twitching slightly, lifting it slightly upward, and her tail will be bent to the side. These are all signs that the dog is ready to mate within the next 48 hours.
It is also important that during the period of heat, both the female and the male become incredibly cunning. Therefore, it is extremely important that the bitch is isolated from male dogs during her entire period of heat. Don't lock her in the room (someone will forget to close the door). But close the windows, no matter where the female is located, it’s better to close the windows. However, even a fence is not an obstacle to mating.
One more tip. Before you walk your dog, think about whether all the nearby males will come running to your doorstep. If the dog is small, you can carry it to the walking area in your arms, or use special preparations to prevent the spread of odor. However, they can be used several days before mating.
And it is especially worth noting that during estrus it is necessary to monitor the health of the bitch as closely as possible, since on such days they are very susceptible to colds and inflammation of the reproductive system. Finally, I would like to say that a good owner should know his dog no worse than himself. This is the key to not only successful breeding, but also the health of your pet. What could be more important for us dog breeders?
How to reduce heat odor
Many owners of bitches during the period of heat reduce the walking time to 10-20 minutes. You should only walk your dog on a leash and have a spray with you, which may be needed if the male dogs begin to show interest in the bitch. To keep dogs at a distance, you can carry a stick with the dog, using it purely for intimidation, but not physical impact.
Maintaining hygiene will reduce the concentration of odor. It is recommended to wash the dog in the loop area in the morning or at night, as well as the hair on the tail and hind legs, since discharge remains on them.
If different-sex individuals live in the house, then during the period of heat (even after treatment with repellents) they need to be kept in different rooms, or even better, transport the bitch in heat to another apartment, if such a possibility exists. If there are several males in the house, then it is important to separate them, because they can fight over the female.
There are special diapers and pants for dogs on sale that are convenient to use at home. Of course, some owners take their dogs outside in diapers; if the bitch wears them, the males do not feel the smell and do not pester the dog, but the animal cannot relieve itself in them, and it is inconvenient to constantly take them off and put them on. But when worn at home, the dog will not be able to stain furniture and flooring.
The most effective way to ward off male dogs from a female dog in heat is sterilization. But this method is not suitable for individuals participating in breeding and exhibitions.
As a rule, a sedative for dogs is required in three cases - when you are getting ready to travel, when the bitch is in heat, when the pet is too aggressive. In this article we will tell you what sedative to give your dog in each of these cases.
Can a dog be sedated?
Many people do not know whether it is possible to give a dog a sedative, so first of all we will answer - yes, it is possible. Just not human ones, but special products for pets. After all, human and dog organisms are different, and therefore different substances are required to obtain the same result.
Sedatives for dogs
First of all, we note that many sedatives are made on the basis of natural and plant substances. The advantage of this approach is the low likelihood of allergies, but the disadvantage is that the product affects each dog differently. As a result, you often have to try several until you find an effective one.
Sedatives during heat
The medications listed below do not overcome the procreation instinct in your pets, but they do help calm dogs during periods of sexual arousal. Before using any of them, read the instructions for use!
- “Sex barrier” - drops for females that suppress sexual arousal. They are used to delay and shift estrus, regulate sexual desire, and also prevent unwanted pregnancy.
- "SexControl" - sedative tablets, used to correct behavior and reduce sexual activity in males, to interrupt and delay estrus in females.
- "Stop-Intim" - tablets for correcting the behavior of dogs during the period of sexual heat. There is an option for males, which reduces their attraction to females, and for females, which causes a delay and interruption of estrus.
- “Four with a tail” is a product in the form of tablets, intended to regulate sexual heat in dogs and cats.
- “EX-5”, “EX-7.5” - reduces sexual activity in males, shifts and interrupts estrus in females.
- “CounterSex Neo” - tablets for dogs and cats that eliminate problems associated with sexual activity (aggression, territory marking, pregnancy prevention, increased excitability, etc.).
Sedatives for aggression
- Cat Bayun is a herbal remedy that helps correct overly aggressive and hostile dog behavior. This could be sexual aggression, an attempt to dominate the owner, aggression as a result of fear or phobia, aggression associated with the hyperactivity of the pet.
- "Fitex" - drops that calm dogs against intraspecific aggression. The product is quite universal; it can be used to reduce hyperactivity, during transportation, to relieve stress at exhibitions, and for fears and phobias.
Sedative for the road
- “Stop-stress” - drops and tablets designed to reduce the dog’s agitation during stress, which is usually the case with moving/flying. Also used for phobias, increased sexual arousal (together with contraceptives) and aggression for no apparent reason.
- "Vetspokoin" - soothing drops and tablets for dogs, used to prevent stress on the road (during transportation in cars, airplanes) and relieve symptoms of motion sickness. They also help with phobias, increased sexual arousal, and excessive anxiety.
- “Fospasim” - drops and injections used for neuroses, phobias (fear of noise - fireworks, thunderstorms, etc.), stress (transportation, weaning a puppy from its mother, separation from the owner), increased excitability.
- “Sanal Relax” is a sedative in the form of tablets that reduces stress on the road from a trip and prevents motion sickness. Helps in other stressful situations (noises, exhibitions, haircuts, etc.).
Funds for other occasions
- “Adaptil” is a spray that is plugged into a socket and sprayed around the apartment. Recommended for stressful situations, such as fear of fireworks, thunderstorms, when a puppy is moving to a new family, after a visit to the veterinarian, etc.
- “SENTRY Calming Collar” is a calming collar that helps the dog calm down in stressful situations.
- “Help Dog” is a pheromone spray that calms dogs in various stressful situations.
- Zylkene is a food additive in powder form added to feed. Helps the animal cope with stressful situations more easily.
Folk remedies
In addition to special medications, some herbal remedies that can be used for dogs also have a calming effect. They are usually available in any pharmacy and can be used at home, after consultation with a veterinarian to determine the dosage. Here are some:
- Valerian is an herb that effectively helps with panic and nervous anxiety. Used in small doses for several days. Typically the dosage is 5-15 drops 3-4 times a day, depending on the dog’s weight.
- Passion flower - can be used for animals suffering from the negative influence of a stressful situation, showing jealousy and aggression.
- Motherwort is a more effective herb than valerian, but it should be used after consultation with a veterinarian.
- Baikal skullcap - helps even with the most acute nervous conditions of the dog. Dosage 5-20 drops depending on weight, applied 2 times a day.
Of course, we have not listed all sedatives for dogs; there are many more different remedies. However, this list is quite enough to help you figure out what exactly needs to be applied to your pet. Although it is always better to contact a veterinarian, because even aggression or fear can be symptoms that the animal is in pain.
It is also necessary to remember that all these means are only auxiliary and in most cases an integrated approach is necessary. For example, in order to avoid excessive aggression and disobedience, a pet must be raised from an early age, and in order to avoid using drugs during heat for many years, it is better to sterilize the dog.
Calming for dogs - reviews
Review about “Stop Stress”, writes Elena. I have a Russian Toy who is very excitable. Hearing a dog barking on the street, he immediately runs to the balcony to answer the noise outside the front doors - he immediately goes there to defend the territory. At the same time, he is also cowardly, very afraid of fireworks and firecracker explosions. Another problem is females who are in heat; after meeting them on a walk, he cannot sit still, eats poorly, etc.
In all these cases, I use STOP STRESS for small breed dogs, following the dosage strictly according to the instructions. This drug relieves excessive excitability and a nervous or frightened dog turns back into a normal dog. Over the course of a year, you have to use STOP STRESS for about 3-4 weeks, and I recommend it to you if the same situations happen to your dog.
By the way, many write that this kind of music helps calm their pets:
Review of Sentry Calming Collar, writes Alla. When traveling to Turkey, we used a calming collar with pheromones to make the dog feel better during the flight. The name of the collar is Sentry Calming collar for dogs, at that time the price was about 800 rubles. The collar is packed in a foil bag, the smell from it is somewhat reminiscent of baby powder (not sharp, but noticeable).
For our Jack Russell Terrier it turned out to be a little long, but it can be simply trimmed in this case. We put it on 12 hours before departure, then put it on when traveling by bus and when left alone in the room. I don’t know if he helped, I’d like to think so. The dog was spinning a little in his carrier and was a little worried. But this is his first flight and a long journey, maybe it would be worse without the collar.
Prices for sedatives
- “Sex barrier” (10 tablets) ~ 135 rubles;
- “Sex barrier” (3 ml) ~ 225 rubles;
- “Four with a tail” ~ 55 rubles;
- “STOP-INTIM” (12 tablets) ~ 145 rubles;
- "EX-5" (2 ml) ~ 145 rubles;
- “Stop-stress” (15 ml) ~ 180 rubles;
- “Cat Bayun” (10 ml bottle) ~ 125 RUR;
- “Fitex” (10 ml) ~ 130 rub.
The indicated prices are indicative, current at the time of writing (May 2021), may differ depending on the pet store/vet pharmacy and change significantly over time.
That's all. What sedatives have you used for dogs? What was the result? Share your experience in the comments below!
I’m only writing because the situation has started to worsen. There are females in heat in the area, my 1 year old 8 year old male goes outside to sniff and lick his business, he started doing his own thing at home at night, howling. Recently he brought an infection to his pussy (because he constantly licks it) he was bleeding for a week, now we returned from training there the girl should soon start leaking, he didn’t leave her at all now he’s lying in the corner whining and sometimes howling, I’m worried about him. I’m thinking about castration, but it’s getting closer to summer since he’s running around in my harness now. please tell me the best medicine to give him to calm him down, otherwise I feel sorry for the dog, damn it
