Probably, all beagle owners would like their pets to produce healthy and beautiful offspring. This needs to be approached with increased responsibility and attention.
You should find out in advance all the details of mating dogs of this breed: features of estrus, what is the ideal time for mating, how to care for a bitch during pregnancy, and other equally important issues.
General recommendations for breeding beagles
Breeding beagles is a very responsible and labor-intensive job. Especially if you plan to breed pedigree dogs. The breeder must know all the intricacies of mating, the correctness of the mating process, and the peculiarities of pregnancy. Even in the early stages of planning, you need to think through all the outcomes of the event and ask for advice from an experienced specialist.
Estrus
Beagles' estrus lasts from 7 to 28 days and occurs 2 times a year. The first 8 days are the beginning of estrus. At this time, the dog's body is subject to hormonal changes. The genitals are slightly swollen. There is slightly noticeable bleeding.
The most favorable time for mating is from 10–15 days, lasting 7–10 days. During this period, changes in behavior occur: it becomes disobedient, begins to show attention to male dogs and, when meeting, moves its tail to the side.
This is when mating is done. Next comes “calm.” It occurs approximately on the 16th day from the start of estrus and lasts up to 30 days. The dog does not allow males to approach him.
The first heat can occur at six months. You should especially monitor your dog and remember that pregnancy and childbirth for up to a year are harmful to the body.
The absence of estrus in your pet or its occurrence more than 2 times a year indicates hormonal imbalances and the need to visit a veterinarian.
Pregnancy and mating of a beagle
Undoubtedly, every beagle owner wants his pet to produce healthy and full-fledged offspring, especially if breeding is planned, so it is important to know when beagles come into heat, how to properly prepare a dog for mating, at what age to breed a pet and features care during pregnancy.
Beagle mating
Puberty in Beagle bitches occurs at the age of 7-10 months, so owners must be on alert and not miss the moment of the onset of the first heat of a Beagle or Puberty. A clear sign of estrus is swelling of the genital loop, the presence of yellowish or bloody discharge, and a change in the dog’s behavior. However, puberty should not be confused with physiological maturity. The beagle's body is fully formed at the age of 1.5-2 years, therefore, if you are not indifferent to the health of your dog, you should not breed your pet before the onset of physiological maturity. Pregnancy can occur with complications, the offspring can be born weakened, defective and even dead. Estrus in beagles lasts from 19 to 23 days, with an interval of 5-6 months, less often - once every 3-4 months, depending on the physiological characteristics of the body.
Estrus in dogs has its own periods:
- proestrum;
- estrus;
- metoestrum;
- anestrum.
From the 1st to the 8th day - proestrum, the period of the beginning of estrus. Hormonal changes occur in the dog’s body, and follicles grow and mature. The genitals are swollen, light bloody discharge is noticeable.
Estrus, sexual heat is observed from 10 to 15 days and lasts 6-10 days. It is this period that is considered the most favorable for mating due to the complete maturation and release of the egg from the follicles. After being released within 22-24 hours, the egg remains immature and, after 2-3 days, is ready for fertilization. The discharge takes on a specific odor, is light yellow in color, and watery. Changes in behavior are noted, the dog becomes disobedient, shows interest in male dogs and, when “getting to know each other,” moves its tail to the side. It is during this period that beagles are mated.
Metoestrum, or the lull after hunting, begins on the 16th day after the start of estrus and lasts 30-60 days. The body produces progesterone, creating optimal conditions for implantation of the egg if it has been fertilized. With the onset of this period, the dog stops allowing males.
Anestrum is a period of complete rest or a stage of lack of sexual desire, which lasts from 90 to 160 days.
Beagle's first mating
Before carrying out planned mating, worms are driven away a month in advance and preventive treatment against ectoparasites is carried out. It is very important to record the day of the onset of estrus so as not to miss a favorable period for mating. 2-3 days before mating, owners should carefully monitor the behavior and condition of their pet. The dog must be active, energetic, and have a good appetite. Before mating, you need to introduce the pet to the future “groom” on neutral territory to establish contact. There are cases that, for one reason or another, dogs simply cannot find contact with each other, showing aggression, even despite their physiological needs. An unprepared dog should not be allowed to breed, as this can lead to big problems in the future - the dog may not accept or harm its offspring. Mating is best carried out in the morning, in a calm environment where there are no external stimuli. Control mating is carried out after 20-24 hours.
Beagle, pregnancy
If the mating was done correctly, the main signs of Beagle pregnancy include:
- Increased appetite or, conversely, lack of
- Gradual expansion of the costal arches, enlargement of the abdomen.
- Change in the dog's behavior. The dog becomes calmer, more balanced, and less playful
- In late stages of pregnancy, the fetuses can be clearly felt
- Discharge of colostrum from the nipples.
Preparing and giving birth to a beagle
Labor begins 58-62 days after conception. Throughout the entire period, owners must constantly monitor the dog’s condition, pay special attention to the diet and systematic care of the pet, and protect the animal from stress, hypothermia, overheating, and active games. From the 4th week, the pregnant bitch is switched to a 3-course diet, which should be balanced and nutritious. From the second half of pregnancy, the dog is fed based on the nutrition of puppies, increasing the caloric content and vitamin value of the diet. A few days before the onset of birth, you need to prepare a place, away from heating devices and drafts, where the expectant mother will feel comfortable with her newborn puppies. A large cardboard box with warm bedding or a fenced area in the corner of the room will do just fine. For the first 2-3 days, you should not show increased attention to the puppies and anger the young mother.
If any symptoms indicating a deviation occur, you must immediately take your dog for a routine examination to a veterinarian.
Mating
Puberty in Beagles occurs quite early, at approximately 6–12 months. It is worth remembering that pregnancy is a great stress, which can be destructive for a young, not yet strong body, and bring with it many diseases. Therefore, according to the requirements of the RKF, the first mating is carried out no earlier than from the 2nd heat upon reaching the age of 15 months.
Selecting a dog for mating is a very labor-intensive process, and knowledge about this cannot be done without it. It is advisable to consult with an experienced breeder on this matter, or better yet, with several.
When selecting a male dog, it is recommended to rely on certain arguments: correct proportions and volume of the head, exterior, stable psyche, quality of his offspring, pedigree .
Make a list of applicants so that the male covers the female's shortcomings in body structure. There is no need to rush and go and look at each one in person. First, study each candidate more carefully. First of all, analyze the dog's body structure. Find out about previous offspring and compare all the results obtained.
Now you can study the pedigrees. There is a possibility that some will be related to your bitch. They can also be ignored, because mixing of blood (inbreeding) in animals is just as unacceptable as in humans.
The list has noticeably shortened.
You can go and “get to know” the applicants. Don’t be shy and examine the dog: examine his mouth, feel his testicles, etc. Does he live up to the advertisement?
If the owner has nothing to hide, he will not interfere with the inspection. If not, then feel free to move on to the next candidate. Now you need to make the final choice and set a mating date. What happens next is no longer up to you. All you can do is prepare the bitch by giving her enough attention, nutrition and care.
IMPORTANT! The mating process must be carried out under the close supervision of a professional: a dog handler or a breeder.
Pregnancy
The main signs of pregnancy are:
- increased appetite or lack thereof;
- expansion of the ribs;
- abdominal enlargement;
- enlargement and pinkishness of the nipples;
- calmness in behavior.
During pregnancy, the dog requires close attention. The most important thing is to monitor your diet. In the first half of pregnancy, it does not undergo any special changes.
You just need to introduce vitamin and mineral supplements. In the second half, intensive growth of the fetus begins. Therefore, the dog should increase its daily food intake weekly by 10–15%.
False pregnancy is a fairly common phenomenon and is only hormonal in nature. It has all the same symptoms as a normal pregnancy. The main thing is not to let everything take its course at this time, thinking that the dog will calm down on its own.
In order to avoid false pregnancy, it is recommended to follow the following steps:
- increase physical activity (make walks longer and more intense);
- limit your diet to foods containing large amounts of proteins and carbohydrates;
- reduce water consumption;
- Give your dog sedatives.
If it was not possible to avoid a false pregnancy, and it still occurs, you should pay more attention to the pet. Do not scold for the discomfort caused to you. She whines and “makes a nest” out of your favorite blouse, not with the intention of harming you.
The dog can suck its own milk. This should not be allowed to happen: it is recommended to wear a blanket or treat the nipples with some oil with a strong odor, such as camphor.
In prolonged cases, treatment with hormonal medications should be carried out.
IMPORTANT! Before starting treatment and local treatment of nipples, consultation with a veterinarian is necessary.
Childbirth
Labor in Beagles begins 58–62 days after conception and lasts on average 6–12 hours. If they have not started at this time, you should immediately contact your veterinarian. A few days in advance, you need to take care of the place for delivery. An excellent option would be a large cardboard box with soft bedding away from drafts and radiators.
It needs to be equipped in such a way that the mother can easily access her puppies, and they, in turn, feel safe. In the first days after birth, it is not recommended to pay increased attention to newborns. Mom is angry at this time and protects her children.
One of the most common postpartum complications is eclampsia. It occurs due to a decrease in calcium levels in the blood. To avoid this, it is necessary to give the bitch a diet with sufficient calcium and vitamin D during pregnancy.
Responsible moment
To be prepared for childbirth and not get confused, it is better to prepare everything you need in advance:
- sterile diapers, gauze and napkins;
- dry towel;
- scissors with rounded edges (the dog can move actively, there is a risk of injuring it or the puppies);
- antiseptic;
- clean oilcloth;
- medical gloves;
- electronic scales, notepad and pen;
- colored threads - mark puppies;
- silk thread (put in a disinfectant solution);
- a box with a warm heating pad.
If you deliver your dog yourself, keep your veterinarian's phone number handy!
Beagle labor lasts from several hours to a day . The process can be divided into three periods.
- Start of contractions. The cervix opens and the birth canal softens. The contraction normally lasts from 10 to 30 seconds, between them the dog rests and calms down.
- Loss of amniotic fluid, pushing and, in fact, the birth of babies. This is a very painful process, so the owner must give the dog maximum attention. During a multiple pregnancy, the mother in labor cannot always reach the amniotic sac and free the puppy from it - in this case, you need to quickly and carefully open the amniotic sac and cut the umbilical cord without pulling it. The umbilical cord is tied with silk thread.
- After each puppy, the placenta and membranes leave the placenta; instinct dictates to the dog to eat it. There is no consensus among veterinarians as to whether eating afterbirth is beneficial. It’s better not to let it all be eaten, as this can lead to stomach upset. Check whether the placenta came out after the last puppy - if it is not removed, inflammation will develop (if the placenta does not come out within a few hours, a doctor's intervention is required).
Beagles , as a rule, give birth to 4 to 6 puppies (the first time less, most often two). The mother should sniff and lick the puppy. After this, rub it with a dry towel and put it in a box with a heating pad. Let the box be in plain view of the dog so that it does not worry.
When all the puppies have been born and the placenta has come out, place them next to their mother - after 2-3 minutes they will begin to suckle. This will mean that everything is in order, and you have several interesting months ahead of watching the little beagles grow up.
Sterilization and castration
Castration and sterilization is a surgical violation of the reproductive system in males and females.
They entail quite high risks of developing diseases such as osteosarcoma, bladder and urethral cancer, hemangiosarcoma, hypothyroidism, obesity, and diabetes.
Advantages of castration and sterilization:
- increase in life expectancy by an average of 1.5–2 years;
- in bitches there is a complete disappearance of the risk of developing cancer on the uterus, ovaries and cervix;
- calmness of the animal, reduction in aggression, the pet becomes more obedient and controllable;
- disappearance of all hormonal problems;
- in males, the risk of developing prostate diseases is reduced.
Many owners worry that their pets will feel disadvantaged after surgery and become lethargic and inactive. In fact, this is far from the case. Dogs need sexual intercourse only to prolong the race. They do not have the ability to think logically and do not feel regret about their inability.
Mating and breeding beagles, like other purebred dogs, is a very labor-intensive task that requires a lot of time and effort. But if you approach this matter with increased responsibility and with all the love, then all these painful actions will only be a joy for you.
At what age does a Beagle dog go into heat?
Sexual cycle, estrus
Details
Parent category: Health and care
Category: Owners of bitches
Every dog breeder, regardless of the gender of his dog, is one way or another faced with the phenomenon of estrus: owners of female dogs - directly, owners of male dogs - let's say, indirectly. Even if you don't intend to breed your dog, it's a good idea to at least have a basic understanding of the physiology of this period and take a few precautions.
What should a dog owner know about estrus?
Puberty in females occurs at the age of 8-10 months, in some large breeds later. It is at this time that the first estrus, or estrus, appears, and the bitch is ready for mating and fertilization, and therefore can become pregnant. However, the physiological maturity of a bitch (the readiness of a fully formed organism to bear and feed offspring) occurs much later - by 1.5-2 years.
The duration of the sexual cycle - the interval from the beginning of one heat to the beginning of another - for most bitches is 5-8 months, individual and breed variations from 4 to 15 months are possible.
In the sexual cycle without fertilization, there are 4 phases: proestrum, estrus, metoestrum and anestrum.
Days 1-9: Proestrum (the period of the beginning of estrus, preparation for hunting) - lasts on average 7-10 days. During this phase, follicles grow and mature in the ovaries, which produce estrogen hormones. Under the influence of estrogens, characteristic changes occur in the dog’s genital organs: swelling, enlargement and tension of the external genitalia (loops), bloody discharge from it, scanty at first, then more abundant, frequent urination. Behavior also changes (in a wide range from aggressive to lethargic), the bitch becomes disobedient, excitable, and sometimes loses her appetite. Males are already paying attention to the dog, but the dog itself does not let them in and may even show aggression. Gradually, the dog begins to flirt with male dogs, but does not allow them to mount, she herself mounts familiar bitches.
Days 10-16: Estrus (actual estrus, sexual heat) - lasts an average of 7 (5-10) days. During this period (usually 1-3 days from the start of the hunt), ovulation occurs - the release of eggs from the follicles. The eggs are released within 12-24 hours, immature, and only after 3 days they acquire the ability to fertilize. The bitch's loop is still enlarged, but softened, and the discharge from it becomes light or yellow-pink or colorless, slimy and "odorous." When pressing with your hand on the sacrum and touching the loop or perineum, the bitch pulls the loop up and moves the tail to the side. She reacts the same way at the sight of male dogs: she takes a mating position, moves her tail to the side and raises the loop, allows male dogs to mount her. On average, the duration of ovulation (the period during which a female dog can be fertilized) is 3-5 days. This is the most favorable time for mating... - and the most dangerous if you do not plan to breed your pet!
Metoestrum (quiet period after hunting) - lasts on average 30-60 days, is characterized by the production of progesterone, which stimulates the preparation processes of the endometrium, creating favorable conditions for the implantation of fertilized eggs and the development of pregnancy. Secretion of progesterone occurs regardless of whether pregnancy has occurred or not. With the beginning of this period, the bitch ceases to allow male dogs for mating, gradually her vulva becomes smaller, the discharge stops, and the likelihood of conception decreases.
Anestrum (rest period) is a stage of relative absence of sexual desire. The duration varies greatly, with an average of 90 to 130 days.
What surprises await you during your first heat?
The onset of the first heat is possible by six months. Consequently, a dog can become pregnant from six months. Therefore, carefully monitor your beloved dog at this time and remember that pregnancy and childbirth before one year are considered harmful to the animal’s body, negatively affecting the development and formation of the body, as well as the offspring.
Many consider swelling of the genital loop to be the beginning of estrus. But most often, the signal for the owner of a bitch is the first drops of blood that are found on the dog bed or on the floor. Write down the date you saw them - this will help you calculate the days on which your dog might breed (and anticipate the possibility of unwanted matings!), as well as find out the most favorable days for subsequent planned matings.
To prevent your dog from getting dirty in the house, you can purchase special “dog” panties, but many experts recommend teaching the bitch to lick herself from the very first heat. In any case, during the empty space, it is better to remove the carpets in the house, and cover the armchairs and sofas with washable covers made of thick fabric.
Young males from 6 to 10 months are most interested in females during the pre-estrus period. Experienced stud dogs usually don't pay much attention to a bitch until they feel they can breed her.
There may be some deviations from the above terms and standards, which is an individual feature of each individual dog. Physiological disorders should be considered the onset of the first estrus earlier than 6 and later than 15 months, the interval between estrus is less than 4 and more than 9 months, the duration of estrus is less than 12 and more than 30 days. The absence of estrus in a dog or its occurrence more often than twice a year indicates hormonal imbalances and requires the attention of a doctor.
It happens that not all signs are equally expressed during the hunting period. Sometimes the discharge only slightly brightens at the time of ovulation, or, conversely, throughout the entire estrus it is not abundant and bright enough. It is extremely rare, but there are bitches with the so-called “bloodless” estrus, when the discharge is so scarce that it is simply impossible to see it, especially if the bitch is clean. There are females whose loop remains rigid throughout the entire estrus and practically does not increase in size. Some bitches even during the period of ovulation show aggression towards the male. All these deviations can have a wide variety of causes, but they do not in any way affect the health of the bitch and do not at all prevent such bitches from giving birth to normal, healthy puppies.
Rules of conduct for the owner of a female dog in heat
The average duration of estrus is 18-22 days, sometimes up to a month. If you are not interested in getting puppies from your dog, at all times adhere to the following rules: • Walk your dog during heat ONLY on a leash: even the most obedient individual these days can simply run away from you, not paying attention to commands, and you will surely you will find your favorite in the castle with some male dog. • When walking, literally DO NOT take your eyes off the female dog in heat, even stopping to talk to a friend or buy bread in a tent. • Do not leave the current bitch alone with the male dog, even for a second. • Eliminate or minimize contact with male dogs, do not allow them to mount your bitch: once sexual intercourse begins, it is almost impossible to separate the dogs. • You should not rely on drugs to terminate pregnancy in dogs: they do exist, but have many contraindications and side effects. • Keeping a male and female dog in heat in the same apartment, separated only by closed doors, is cruel and bad for both the dog and the female. • Try to follow the rules of “dog etiquette” when walking. Think about other people's dogs, if possible, refrain from long walks in your usual “public” place of company at your usual time. There are special Dog Stop preparations (sprays and tablets) that make the smell of a female dog in heat less attractive to males. These remedies can be used, of course, if the bitch will not be bred in the coming days.
