Estrus in dogs: signs and features of caring for your pet

Estrus is a natural phenomenon that is better known as estrus in a dog. The first signs of this natural process indicate that the animal is ready to mate, since the main phase of puberty is completely completed at this point. Breeders of four-legged females need to know everything about what estrus is, when it first appears and whether there are any peculiarities in the behavior of the pet during this period. The owner can do everything possible to ensure that unwanted fertilization of the female does not occur.

Nuances of physiology

Estrus first begins in dogs at six to twelve months.
It is a sign of puberty for the four-legged “bride.” Here are the signs by which you can tell that your dog is going into heat:

the appearance of bloody discharge from the “causal site”;
increased loop size;
frequent urination;
persistent flirting with male dogs. This behavior will be noticeable in a dog at the height of estrus (from the ninth to the fourteenth day of this period);
wayward behavior. An obedient pet turns into a wild, disorderly creature. The dog does not respond to the owner's commands;
decreased appetite.

The second phase of estrus is “marked” by the appearance of transparent discharge from the loop. It is on these days that the probability of a bitch becoming pregnant is incredibly high. It is important to keep an eye on your dog during heat, preventing her from interacting with male dogs. If the owner has coped with this task, the riot of hormones will gradually subside.

You will see that the dog calms down, its irrepressible passion for “suitors” is subsiding. The animal becomes lethargic and apathetic.

The duration of estrus can vary from twenty-one to twenty-seven days. A healthy female dog comes into heat no more than twice a year. The first estrus can be short, almost bloodless. It's no secret that experienced dog owners anticipate heat with some confusion. But estrus is a natural phenomenon. If your pet has not experienced this condition before the age of two, she may have hormonal imbalances. To find out if everything is okay with the animal, take the bitch to the vet.

Is it possible to breed a dog during its first heat?

Even though estrus is a natural process, it is stressful for the animal. After all, this is a signal of puberty, which, in turn, indicates that the dog can be bred. But experts do not recommend using the first heat for mating, as this can harm the health of your pet.

As a rule, the first heat, as well as the second, is skipped and for mating they focus on the third. Until this moment, your pet is already fully matured for bearing puppies and normal childbirth. If you want the mother and puppies to be healthy, then it is better to abandon the idea of breeding a dog during the first heat immediately.

In addition, having missed the first heat and analyzed the second, the owner will be ready to breed the pet correctly and at the right time.

Main stages of menstruation

The entire estrus cycle can be divided into 4 stages:

Proestrus (or precursor) . Lasts about a week. At this time, the vulva swells due to the flow of blood to it, and burgundy bloody discharge appears, although there is very little of it. At this time, the female is not ready to reproduce, because ovulation has not yet occurred. However, the males begin to show interest in her, and she begins to sniff the bushes on a walk and sits down to urinate in order to leave a sign for the males. But when trying to mating, there will be fierce resistance to this.
Estrus. The actual active phase of ovulation or rutting. During this time (the first 2 days), pregnancy may occur. However, at first, the female may stay away from the suitors and growl at them when trying to get closer. But after a day or two, she can begin to communicate on her own, raise her tail, squeeze her vulva and show her readiness for copulation. At this moment, she is motionless and awaits the males’ reaction. Bloody discharge changes to pale pink or disappears completely. The loop increases significantly in volume.
Metaestrus. The final stage usually takes a couple of days. The discharge disappears, and the vulva becomes of its previous volume. The female again shuns the suitors and snaps at them. If the mating is successful, the bitch becomes quiet and calm. However, changes are also possible due to the restructuring of hormonal balance. True, this happens regardless of whether pregnancy has begun or not. This condition is the source of false pregnancy, which does not cause visible harm to the dog and calmly goes away on its own.
Anestrus. At this time, sexual calm sets in and the owner can finally exhale. This good time lasts about 100–130 days and allows the female’s reproductive system and the entire body to put itself in order and gather new strength for the next estrus.

Can I be spayed during heat?

During heat, the pet's mood changes and its behavior may surprise the owner. So, the dog becomes uncontrollable, tries to run away somewhere, and can show aggression. If you are not ready for such manifestations, then you need to make a decision and sterilize your pet.

Today, the sterilization process is carried out in two ways. The first method is tubal ligation. This procedure will eliminate the possibility of fertilization without changing the body systems. The dog will still be in heat and can be bred.

The second method is to remove the ovaries. This procedure not only eliminates the possibility of fertilization, but also stops estrus itself. The pet becomes calm, males do not rush at her, and there are no physical signs of estrus.

There may also be situations when a dog needs to be sterilized, for example, in case of diseases of the reproductive system.

If the decision to spay the bitch arose during heat, you should wait until it ends. Although such a procedure is possible even during this period and many clinics perform it. If the dog has constant discharge, sterilization is even indicated in this case.

It is also possible to sterilize an animal during normal pregnancy, but at an early stage. But the idea of sterilizing a female dog during a false pregnancy should be abandoned. By the way, if you sterilize a dog, you can stop the development of diseases such as breast cancer, uterine tumors and others. That is, the sterilization process can sometimes save a pet’s life, and also save the owner from unnecessary hassle. But, if the animal is ideal for reproducing offspring, then it would be much more correct to find a worthy groom and carry out mating.

Is it possible to prevent a pet from mating “with just anyone”?

Even before your pet goes into heat for the first time, you should decide whether you want to have offspring from her in the future. If an animal's pregnancy is not part of your plans, you should think about sterilizing your ward.

An owner who wants to breed a female dog should wait until her second heat. By this time, you will be able to find a healthy purebred “suitor” for your four-legged pet.

We inform you of the rules that a vigilant owner should follow during a difficult time for a dog:

Avoid visiting exhibitions, festivals and other places where there may be male dogs.
Keep your pet on a leash during every walk.
Do not exhaust the animal with training. The character of dogs, as a rule, does not change for the better during estrus. Be loyal to your pet, and after the “critical days” she will become as disciplined as she was.
If you have mixed-sex pets in your premises, separate the female and male animals for three weeks.

Hormonal changes cause the bitch to behave anxiously. A purebred pet flirts with yard dogs. Of course, its owner is not happy about this...

In what cases are diapers for dogs used?

A diaper is a necessary accessory that is used when caring for animals. Many owners of four-legged pets are faced with its use for the first time. Dog diapers are mainly used in the following cases:

Incontinence in elderly animals. As dogs age, their urinary function often becomes impaired and the pet can no longer wait until the next walk.
After surgical interventions. During the recovery period, the animal cannot fully control the process of emptying the bladder.
During a pet's illness. With some diseases, it is not possible to walk the pet, so the owners use diapers.
During travel. When traveling with a dog by car, plane or train, the best way to maintain cleanliness is to use diapers.
When bitches are in heat. In such cases, diapers are simply irreplaceable as a hygiene product.
In the absence of owners for a long time. Dogs that are left home alone for a long time can make puddles on the floor. To avoid dirt indoors, diapers are used.
When the cable has a habit of marking territory. You can’t do without diapers if your dog constantly marks the boundaries of his property in the apartment by urinating.

Diapers are an opportunity to make life easier not only for the owner, but also for the pet itself.

Dogs that are left home alone for long periods of time may make puddles on the floor.

Effectiveness of drugs

Some manufacturers actively advertise special medications that help calm your pet. And we are not talking about sedatives - there are special means aimed at regulating the cycle. Some are similar to contraceptives and are designed to suppress estrus. Others remove the smell that “drives” male dogs crazy.

However, the effectiveness of the funds is extremely doubtful. Very often, buyers complain that drugs do not bring results. Simply put, they simply don't work. Therefore, it is best to simply wait out the entire period.

Is bathing an unnecessary “luxury”?

Many owners dream of forgetting about the “charms” of estrus in their pet. Sterilization solves this problem. But you will have to say goodbye to the prospect of getting puppies from your dog.

You may be tempted to give your dog hormonal drops to reduce his sexual activity. This should be done only in the most extreme cases. For example, if you need to go with your pet to a prestigious exhibition, and she is in estrus.

A natural question that comes to the owner’s mind is: “Is it worth washing a dog during heat?” Most veterinarians say that you should refrain from bathing your animal. There will be no benefit from this procedure on critical days for the bitch.

The animal should not be allowed to splash around in the headquarters or in the river. Otherwise, your ward may contract an infection. The activity of the uterus during estrus in a bitch goes through the roof. The animal's loop is not tightly covered at this time. To avoid infecting your four-legged pet with germs, keep it away from open water bodies.

You should pay attention to where your pet plays and sleeps. If a dog has a habit of sitting for a long time in the hallway, near dirty shoes, during the period of heat, the animal may become infected with microbes. A dog's immune reserves are significantly reduced during estrus. In addition, the bitch’s excited loop is an easy “target” for pathogens to enter. To prevent illnesses in your pet, wash the hallway and hallway more often using disinfectants.

Is it possible to vaccinate a dog while in heat?

Everyone knows that there is a certain vaccination schedule. Pets begin to be vaccinated from a very young age. But any veterinarian will tell you that only a healthy animal can be vaccinated. Of course, estrus is not a pathology, but it causes certain temporary changes in the body. Vaccinating a dog when it is in heat may not only be ineffective, but also harmful to health.

It is strongly not recommended to vaccinate a dog during heat. You shouldn't do this right after estrus either. Therefore, all necessary vaccinations must be done before the onset of estrus, and in advance. If the time to vaccinate your pet coincides with the estrus period, it is better to reschedule the procedure. Moreover, the vaccination should not be done immediately after estrus, but after a certain period.

DIY dog diapers

Caring for pets is greatly facilitated by the use of hygiene products, but they are expensive. You can make simple diapers yourself. You will need a diaper for children. The manufacturer doesn't matter. You definitely need to choose the size. It is also indicated on the packs with numbers. Number 3 or 4 will be optimal for weight 4-14 kg. You will also need scissors, a stapler, strong threads and a needle.

You should unfold the diaper, determine where the hole for the dog's tail will be, and cut a circle to size. Seal the edges so that the inside contents do not fall out.

The diaper has elastic bands on the sides. They need to be cut off. Remove the Velcro and secure them with a stapler where the product will be fixed to the dog’s body. The sharp ends of the staples should extend outward so as not to come into contact with the animal's body. The result is a convenient, inexpensive hygiene product made to your individual size.

Larger dogs may benefit from adult diapers. Only in the back part you need to make a hole for the tail and process its edges. During fitting, determine whether the Velcro should be left in place or whether it needs to be moved.

If you don't have baby diapers, an old cotton T-shirt or sheet (any soft fabric) will do. You also need to take an elastic band, ties, scissors, thread and a needle. Measure the girth of the dog's tail, belly, and hips. Sew a diaper according to the baby diaper pattern, folding the fabric several times. The product will be reusable. It is machine washable. To make it stronger, sew along the contour several times and insert elastic bands. To make it convenient to attach to the animal, you need to use buttons and Velcro. They should be on the outside so as not to injure the pet's skin.

It is convenient to use baby panties that fit in size as a reusable diaper. A pocket is sewn inside for absorbent pads, which are changed as needed. A hole is made in the lower part for the tail. Soft oilskin swimming trunks are good for babies.

You can sew a hygiene belt for male dogs who like to mark their territory. This is a wide ribbon length from the last ribs to the groin. Make a pocket inside for gaskets. They will absorb urine, odor, mucus, and perspiration. All parts should be sewn together with strong threads, and do not use metal fasteners, zippers, or buttons. For this product, it is necessary to use ties so that it fits snugly to the body and does not fall off when jumping and running.

Why are dog diapers needed?

It is necessary to establish why such diapers are needed. For many reasons, the dog cannot cope on his own when he needs to go and diapers will come to the rescue. There are times when you decide to go on a hike with your animal, but the dog cannot endure a long journey, in this case you can take diapers with you. So, diapers will be needed in the following cases:

Flight and trip for a long time, as a result of which the dog will definitely need diapers;
Urinary problems arising after surgery;
If there are stitches on the dog's body, it is best to use high-waist diapers, which will help fix the stitches on the body and lead to rapid healing;
Unaccustomed to a specific place to fulfill one's needs;
The bitches are in heat, in which case you will definitely need a diaper for the dog;
The old age of the dog and the inability to control the need;
Visiting trips that can last for a long time;
The presence of open wounds that can become foci of disease.

As you can see, diapers will help you avoid unpleasant situations and provide comfortable conditions for your pet. You can buy diapers for your dog at any pet pharmacy or pet store. Of course, you can make them yourself, but it is best to purchase a ready-made one.

To begin with, do not take the entire package of diapers, because they may not fit and cause discomfort; take a few to try. If they suit your pet, you can purchase the entire package, since it is much cheaper. Ready-made diapers for dogs have a number of advantages, which include:

Comfortable and well-thought-out design helps the diaper to fit correctly and not slip;
The diapers are made from high-quality material, which is why they are so soft and do not cause discomfort;
They perfectly maintain moisture, thereby ensuring dryness for a long time;
Convenient Velcro on the accessory facilitates proper fastening.

In any case, if it is not possible to purchase a ready-made accessory, you can make it yourself, which will not differ much from the finished one.

How to choose a diaper

To choose diapers for large dogs, you should know what sizes exist:

The smallest size is S, which is intended for small breed animals;
Size M is suitable for medium-sized dogs, for example can be used for Pekingese;
L is suitable for spaniels and dogs of this size;
If your pet is the size of the Schnauzer breed, then you can take size XL;
For huge dogs, you can choose XXL size diapers.

When choosing diapers, pay attention to this table, taking into account the size and breed of your pet. You can ask the seller to give you the exact size, so there is a high chance that the diaper will fit perfectly. If the size does not match, then even the highest quality diaper can become a problem.

Hygiene tricks

Some bitches have a hard time going into heat.
Periods of increased activity alternate with apathy and drowsiness. The owner of a four-legged ward is interested in how to care for the animal. You should not wash your pet. Bathing with soap is the same. The bitch usually licks the discharge herself. But this doesn't always happen. Red stains on the carpet or on the owner's slippers are an annoying occurrence. There is a trick to help avoid such problems. These are special panties for dogs. You can find dog shorts for any size dog.

Note that in small animals estrus occurs more easily than in large “young ladies”. Owners often have problems caring for female Great Danes, pit bulls, and retrievers.

Is it possible to bathe a dog during heat?

It would seem that washing a dog during heat is a mandatory procedure necessary to maintain the cleanliness of not only the animal, but also the house. But, not everything is so simple. During estrus, the dog is more prone to inflammation and infections, and excessive water procedures can cause them. Although, this does not mean that the pet cannot be washed.

Also, natural discharge from the dog’s loop is accompanied by more frequent urination. The pet will leave marks in any case and this can complicate the process of maintaining cleanliness. Certain hygiene requirements must be observed to avoid the risk of infection.

By the way, a pet can catch an infection in an open body of water, so you should not swim in a lake or pond during heat. The animal's genitals are poorly protected during estrus, and the risk of contracting an infection is very high. If you bathe an animal in a lake during estrus, this may result in the development of an inflammatory process, which will make itself felt after the discharge has ended.

In nature, the animal has access to a body of water, so if desired, the dog can swim even during estrus. As for your pet, today you can maintain hygiene and keep the animal clean without a full bath.

So, during estrus, you can put on your pet special underwear, which will protect the furniture and carpets in the house. You can wash your paws after a walk in a special bath and do not bathe the animal completely.

Make sure that after water treatments your pet does not go to sleep on a cold floor. This can cause inflammatory processes.

If you wash your dog during heat, put panties on it and change the bedding, then there can be no talk of any problems in the form of stains on the carpet or diseases.

Diapers for dogs of small, medium and large breeds, panties for estrus

There are a variety of pet diapers on sale. They are purchased in pharmacies, veterinary clinics, pet stores, and ordered online. They select the quality of the material based on the breed of the dog, its size, country of origin, and price.

The following are considered popular:

Name	Description	Price, rub
Savic Comfort Nappy (Belgium)	Comfortable, absorbs a large volume of liquid.	550-800
Camon (China)	Retains unpleasant odor and discharge.	450
Trixie (Germany)	The filler of the product is hypoallergenic. Suitable for sick individuals.	490
Dobrozveriki (Russia)	There are diapers for large and small breeds of animals.	470-650
Cliny (RF)	Universal hygiene items suitable for cats and dogs. Practical for those who have different types of pets.	380
Simple Solution Fashion (USA)	Diapers have different designs.	940-1400
Luxsan (RF)	Diapers of this brand are popular, easy to use, and do not damage the skin.	620

In the ranking of popular brands, Savic, Camon, Luxsan, Simple Solution are in first place.

When choosing hygiene items for pets, take into account weight and size. There are special markings on the packages.

Legend	Dog breeds	Weight, kg.
XS	Puppies, Toy Terriers, Miniature Spitz, Yorkies.	1,8-3,6
S	Pomeranian, Chinese Crested, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Chihuahua.	3,6-6,5
M	French bulldogs, bichons, pekingese, pugs, toy poodles, beagles.	5-12
L	Fox terriers, Welsh corgis, spaniels, cockers.	9-14
XL	Collies, Dobermans, Schnauzers, Huskies, Cardigan Corgis, Pembroke Corgis.	12-20
XXL	Shepherds, Great Danes, Dalmatians, Labradors, Rottweilers.	from 20

A more accurate method is to select a diaper based on the girth of the animal’s belly. It is measured and compared with the indicated numbers on the packaging. Each manufacturer may have different sizes. It is more practical to buy one diaper and try it on your dog. In this way, select the desired option.

Diapers for animals are divided by purpose:

Standard. Designed to absorb liquids and neutralize odors. Designed for puppies and adult dogs. Can be secured with Velcro.
Hygienic belts. This is a strip of special membrane material with absorbent layers inside. They are convenient to use for collecting small amounts of secretions from older dogs. Also useful for males who are difficult to wean from marking their territory. It is not recommended to use such diapers for a long time.
Underpants. They are worn on bitches when they are in heat. There is a special pocket inside for replacement pads.

For short-term use, it is practical to buy disposable diapers. If your pet requires a long stay in diapers, then it is more practical to purchase reusable products. They are more expensive, but they are washable and come with additional replacement inserts.

Animal hygiene products are different. So panties for dogs in heat are less deep. They must definitely be worn on females. This saves furniture and carpets from discharge and makes cleaning less tedious.

Diapers for male dogs are semi-deep, this is explained by the characteristics of the genitourinary system. Some manufacturers produce diapers for small canines, but the right size cannot be found for every weight. You have to sew this item yourself. For newborns or premature babies, it is better to use waterproof diapers.

When does a dog need diapers?

Everyone knows that small children wear diapers when they do not yet know how to go to the toilet on their own. But they are not the only ones who need these modern accessories. There are also diapers for dogs that are worn on pets in certain cases. They are designed to collect secretions, so they greatly facilitate the process of caring for the dog, allowing owners to avoid incidents with their pets and always have a clean, dry, well-groomed dog. Below you will find useful information about what dog diapers exist, why they need them, and how to make a diaper yourself if you don’t have a store-bought one.

Usually dogs are trained to go to the litter box or outside when needed. But there are situations when they are not able to do this in the usual way, and then diapers can come to their aid. They are put on dogs:

in the first days of recovery after surgery, when it is difficult for them to walk;
during a long stay in transport (train, bus or plane), when there is simply nowhere for animals to relieve themselves;
for diseases of the genitourinary system accompanied by urinary incontinence;
if they have reached old age and are no longer able to endure until the next walk;
if male dogs have a bad habit of marking indoors;
during the bitch's heat (in this case, diapers act as pads).

Dog diapers, like baby diapers, need to be changed frequently (ideally 2-3 times a day, after each meal), because they get dirty quickly, and also make sure that the animal does not have diaper rash or allergic skin reactions. If they appear, then you need to carefully treat the dog’s damaged skin with special hygiene creams, which can be purchased at any pet store or veterinary pharmacies.

Also, you should not constantly keep your dog in diapers, even if it is sick or elderly and spends most of its time at home. It is necessary to give her the opportunity to periodically rest from them. It is better to clean up a couple of puddles after your pet than to force him to constantly be in a “device” that many dogs do not like.

Frightening changes in dog character

A sensitive person understands that heat is a test for his dog. He is unlikely to have the desire to scold the animal for disobedience. But sometimes a bitch behaves in such a way that an inexperienced owner can become confused.

It is not uncommon for a cute dog to turn into a rebel. On the street she tries to run away from her owner. The bitch is also “capricious” indoors and shows disobedience.

Other oddities sometimes arise in the behavior of the four-legged “bride.” The dog becomes overly intrusive, pestering its owner with affection day and night.

When a dog goes into heat, the animal may behave aggressively with other females. This is how the ancient instinct operates, forcing dogs to see a rival in each individual of their sex, and a “fatal passion” in each male dog.

How to avoid the difficulties of estrus

To cope with the symptoms of estrus in dogs, breeders and dog owners recommend using drugs to regulate sexual heat. Drugs from the CounterSex Neo brand are modern hormonal drugs for regulating sexual desire and preventing unwanted pregnancy during accidental mating. Many breeders and dog owners use CounterSex Neo for the following reasons: High efficiency. With the help of CounterSex Neo drugs, it is possible to effectively correct a dog’s behavior, solve problems of aggression, marks in dogs during heat; prevent unwanted pregnancy. Safety. CounterSex Neo is a new generation bihormonal drug. The drug is safe due to the minimal content of two modern active ingredients. Convenience. The drug CounterSex Neo is available in the form of drops and tablets. Each owner can choose the most comfortable form of the drug for his dog, in which it will be convenient for him to give the drug to the animal.

How to prevent unwanted consequences of estrus

The greatest danger is the accidental mating of a small dog with a large male. Subsequently, large puppies are formed in the dog’s body, precluding independent delivery. This situation requires consultation with a specialist to develop pregnancy management tactics.

For your information! A female intended for breeding, after mating with an outbred male, is forever deprived of the right to participate in maintaining the purity of the pedigree line; she cannot be used to improve the breed.

It is possible to prevent unwanted mating only by completely eliminating the bitch’s contact with dogs of the opposite sex.

You can avoid mating by eliminating any contact

When should a bitch be shown to a specialist?

Realizing that estrus is not something to joke about, you will begin to be attentive to the well-being and behavior of your pet.

You should be wary if your animal develops one of the ailments listed below during estrus:

heat;
brown discharge with a repulsive odor;
nausea;
constant drowsiness;
increased aggression towards your family members;
bleeding;
refusal to eat.

Do not try to prescribe treatment for your dog yourself. Only an experienced veterinarian can decide how to help your ward!

Rules of hygiene and use of a diaper

The use of diapers helps to avoid many unnecessary problems when caring for pets. But with frequent use of such a hygiene product, problems with the pet’s skin may occur. To prevent health problems for your dog, when purchasing even the highest quality diapers, you should remember the rules for their use:

Do not wear diapers more than three times a day. With prolonged use, cracks and wounds often form on the skin.
Use special skin care products. Powder or special protective creams can help prevent diaper rash.
Take a break between changing diapers. After removing the used diaper and applying a new one, at least fifteen minutes should pass. This period is enough for the animal’s skin to be saturated with oxygen.
Use disinfectants when wearing diapers for a long time and regularly. If there is a need for constant use of hygienic diapers, then the dog should be washed regularly and the skin should be treated with antimicrobial agents. When in heat, change diapers at least twice a day.

Compliance with hygiene rules will ensure convenient use of diapers for both owners and animals.

To make your pet feel comfortable in a diaper, you need to carefully select the size of the product.

Is sterilization necessary?

Veterinarians strongly recommend sterilizing your pet if pregnancy is not planned. This way you can avoid not only unwanted offspring, but also protect your ward from infectious diseases.

Each empty estrus increases the risk of developing dangerous diseases of the female reproductive organs. In addition, a false pregnancy may occur - when the body shows signs of fertilization, but it has not occurred (or has passed

unsuccessfully).

No heat

With good general health and the state of the reproductive and hormonal systems, the first estrus occurs at the established usual times and then repeats with a certain cyclical regularity. If the dog is older than 18 months, and the first heat has not come, you should consult a veterinarian to find out the reason for this delay. The main reasons for the delay/absence of the first estrus: poor living conditions, incorrect or insufficient feeding; disruption of hormonal regulation of the reproductive system; congenital disorders in the development and structure of the genital organs; ovarian dysfunction (hypofunction, lack of appropriate hormones during the appropriate period); dysfunction of the pituitary gland and/or thyroid gland; tumors and/or other neoplasms, cysts of the pelvic organs or directly on the ovaries; endocrine pathologies; chronic inflammatory processes in the uterus; hermaphroditism (for example, when underdeveloped testes are found instead of ovaries).

Brief overview of popular brands

The most common manufacturers offering diapers for dogs of large breeds, as well as medium and small ones, are: Luxsan (China), Triol (India), Cliny (China), Peligrin (Russia).

The Indian brand "Triol" offers diapers and nappies for dogs of various breeds: from the smallest to the giant. Designed for older or incontinent animals. The absorbent layer retains up to a liter of liquid, so even the most actively peeing pet will retain a feeling of dryness.

Luxsan products include a wide range of hygiene products for dogs of any weight category, age and breed. The innovative filler helps protect against unpleasant odors, and the products themselves look very nice.

Cliny hygiene products have received many positive reviews. There are models for both small dogs and larger males and females. The size range includes all options from S to XXL, while all products are made from environmentally friendly natural raw materials. The risk of allergies is minimized.

Peligrin products are the number four brand on the list of popular ones, which offers dog diapers in an affordable category. “Dobrozveriki” are diapers created specifically for dogs of various breeds. They absorb moisture and odor well and are easy to put on.

Even large breeds can wear a dog diaper

The beginning of the first heat

If we talk about estrus in general terms, then most often this phenomenon is recognizable by specific signs. However, a dog's first heat is distinguished by the presence of its own characteristic features. Usually, a pet’s heat begins after the process of changing teeth is completed, but it is problematic to answer this question as accurately as possible.

In pets belonging to small, decorative breeds, the period of the first estrus occurs at the age of 6-10 months and proceeds with typical signs. In individuals of medium and large species with full development, this phenomenon can begin at 6-13 months. There are situations when the animal’s first desire occurs without any signs (hidden empty space). This onset of estrus in dogs occurs without discharge, while males show practically no interest in the bitch.

The dog owner should not lose vigilance, since such a heat is quite full. The bitch's first desire is shorter than all subsequent ones. In females whose development has approached the moment of puberty, the manifestation of the so-called false estrus is possible. If mated during this period, estrus usually stops without ovulation.

However, literally after a couple of days, symptoms of estrus appear in a dog with the egg already fully released from the ovary, as well as the possibility of normal fertilization. If the owner hopes to receive offspring from his pet in the future, then he simply needs to record the fact of the first heat and carry out such an operation in the future.