Estrus in Chihuahua dogs, how long does it take to treat when it starts.

How does estrus begin?

Each bitch is individual. The entry into maturity can begin in a four-month-old individual, but there are cases of the first heat in a year or even 2. This applies to mini Chihuahuas.

• As the hunt begins, the animal’s behavior changes and external signs appear. Although clean females lick themselves so well that blood discharge may not be noticed. Not everyone's behavior changes. But not all animals control excretion. Upholstered furniture, carpets, textiles are at risk. A bitch in heat has:
• Discharge of bloody mucus;
• Aggression (towards bitches);
• Hyperactivity;
• Marking territory with urine.

The bitch's coat becomes dull and the pet sheds. She falls on her paws if you touch her back or belly.

A sign of the onset of estrus is swelling of the nipples, swelling and redness of the loop.

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In order not to miss a moment, starting from 4 months, you need to monitor your pet. Unplanned mating is dangerous. During the first heat, this is dangerous for the female and the puppies. The young female has not reached physical maturity and cannot bear pregnancy. Interbreed mating with a large male (for example, a terrier) can cost a baby Chihuahua's life.

Females are allowed to mate from 1.5 years of age (second, third estrus), weighing more than 2 kg. A male of the same breed is chosen as a partner, but not a blood relative.

Chihuahuas are in heat: signs

Here is a list of signs by which you can determine the onset of estrus:

• While this process lasts, the Chihuahua will try in every possible way to attract the opposite sex. How else can you do this, besides labels? Quite odorous puddles can appear throughout the entire duration of estrus, and outside the tray.
• The dog’s behavior is changing, and, I must say, dramatically. The previously calm Chihuahua suddenly becomes more playful and active. Or, on the contrary, shows aggression. Most often to dogs of the same sex. After communicating with the groom, she becomes the same again.
• I recommend paying attention to the wool. The cover becomes duller. Shedding is also normal at this time.
• Other external signs will also serve as signals. This is bloody discharge, swollen nipples. If you touch the dog's lower back or stomach, it will begin to crouch to the floor.

Oestrus frequency

In their natural environment, dogs give birth to puppies once a year. In domestic breeds, estrus occurs every 6 months, but once a year is also the norm.

Sometimes hunting happens more than 2 times a year. If it occurs with uncharacteristic symptoms (blood clots, heavy odor, inappropriate behavior of the animal), consultation with a veterinarian is required.

The first heat may be asymptomatic; the animal’s body has not matured. Often the dog does not understand what is happening to it, but for an adult male there is no secret in the situation. Therefore, from the age of 4-6 months, it is useful for the owner to monitor the behavior of the pet.

The regularity of estrus is established only by 1.5 years.

Periodicity

The first heat in a Chihuahua, as a rule, begins at the age of six months, and since then it occurs twice a year. It happens that your Chihuahua may only go into heat once a year. There is no need to worry if the process is regular, because in the wild dogs give birth once a year.

Related article: When does shedding occur and what to do about Chihuahua shedding?

But when a Chihuahua goes into heat more than twice a year, this indicates health problems (in most cases). The reasons why blood clots are often released may be hormonal imbalances, illness or inflammation. Although in some representatives of this breed this phenomenon is also considered normal. To accurately determine whether everything is okay with the dog, a visit to the veterinarian is necessary. Remember that any self-medication can do more harm to the animal than good!

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The main signs and stages of estrus in dogs

Duration or how many days the heat lasts

Sexual heat does not depend on the season, but its duration is affected. The age of the bitch also matters. The permissible duration of estrus is 18-25 days. But most representatives of the breed last 3 weeks.

The reproductive annual cycle of a female dog consists of 4 phases:

1. Proestrus. It lasts 6-9 days and is accompanied by bleeding from the genital opening. There is no ovulation, and the dog does not allow males to approach. She is distinguished by her aggressiveness towards everyone. When the base of the tail is touched, she raises her tail, indicating her readiness to mate. Preparatory stage. The bitch secretes pheromones that attract males, but mating and fertilization are excluded.
2. Estrus. Ovulation occurs during this phase. Only during this period of time is conception possible. The period lasts from a week to 2. The discharge is light. The female in heat is actively searching and is ready to contact any interested male.
3. Metestrus begins in the third week of hunting. The duration of the phase is 7-21 days. The discharge stops and the bitch's interest in partners fades away. The body is restored, the reproductive system is normalized. If she is mated, pregnancy will occur and puppies will appear in a couple of months.
4. Anestrus. The period until the next hunt. The bitch does not show interest in the opposite sex and is not of interest to them.

The dangerous time for conception begins a week after the start of the hunt. During this period, the mutual attraction of both sexes intensifies.

How does estrus occur in Chihuahua dogs?

And the first question, the answer to which interests the owners of these babies, is how long the Chihuahua’s estrus lasts. Although this time is calculated individually for each dog, on average it can be said that the duration of the hunt is three weeks. In some animals it lasts 18-19 days, while in others it lasts for 25 days.

It must be remembered that this depends on a number of factors, such as the number of years the dog has lived, the time of year, the health of the Chihuahua and a number of other points. But you need to count, first of all, on the figure of 21 days. This period is divided into three unequal intervals, during which both the physical and psychological state of the animal change.

First period of heat

This period is called proestrus and lasts for 6-9 days, and it is during this time that the dog is most aggressive and restless. Along with the behavior, the physiological state of the bitch also changes, swelling appears on the labia and nipples. At the same time, aggression manifests itself not only towards people and other animals, the baby drives away male dogs as well. But when you touch the rump or tail, the Chihuahua freezes and moves its tail to the side to facilitate mating. Moreover, such a reaction is observed with any touch, accidental or intentional.

But if the owner wants to get puppies, then it is important for him to remember that during this period the bitch is not yet ready for mating. Proestrus is essentially a preparatory stage during which the canine body prepares for possible fertilization. And at this time the bitch drives away male dogs in the same way as everyone else. Although she is already releasing pheromones to which males react, there is no hope that mating will occur at this time. This is impossible from a physiological point of view.

Second period of heat

It is called estrus and is the shortest in time - its duration does not exceed one week. It often begins on the 8-9th day of hunting, and ends on the 12-13th day, and only at this time the bitch is actively looking for a partner and happily makes contact with males. But no matter how long estrus takes, puppies can appear only during this period, so breeders should prepare for this moment in advance. For some dogs, the duration of the hunt depends on the number of years they have lived. Moreover, in some dogs, estrus lasts longer with age, while in others it shortens.

If the owner has not sterilized his animal, and has not had time to use drugs that interrupt the hunt, then it is during this period that he should be most attentive. During estrus, the bitch is controlled only by instincts, and there is no way to come to an agreement with her. She will try to find a partner for mating by any available means, she can run away and then bring puppies from the first yard dog she comes across. Therefore, at this time the dog should be walked only on a leash, and its communication with male dogs should be limited in all possible ways.

Third heat period

Metestrus, the third stage of estrus, begins at the end of the second week of estrus and lasts until its end. Regardless of whether the dog was bred or not, it calms down, stops being interested in male dogs and returns to normal. In case of successful mating, pregnancy begins, but if the bitch does not conceive, then her physiology returns to normal, as does the state of her reproductive system. The owner can breathe easy and not be afraid that his Chihuahua will run after the first yard dog he comes across. Well, if mating was carried out, then it would be reasonable to start preparing for childbirth in advance. By the way, according to experts, there are not three, but four periods of sexual activity in dogs. And this is why the fourth period is usually not mentioned:

“Strictly speaking, the sexual activity of dogs is divided not into three, but into four stages, and the fourth stage is called anestrus. But this period is not included in estrus, because at this time not a single process associated with sexual activity will take place in the animal’s body. Anaestrus is the very period between one estrus and another, and the bitch at this time is absolutely indifferent to males. But that is precisely why this period is not included in the hunting cycle.”

Signs of heat

How does estrus manifest itself? You can determine when a dog is in heat by its behavior, and it changes significantly. The female becomes more active, becomes overly playful and may ignore commands. This is all the result of a hormonal surge.

Among the main signs of estrus are:

• The dog begins to sit down to urinate more often (it marks its territory so that potential suitors are aware that it is ready to accept advances);
• Bloody discharge oozes from the noose;
• She often licks the area under her tail;
• The bitch begins to flirt with the males, they show active interest;
• Estrus is preceded by molting.

At first, dogs do not allow members of the opposite sex to approach; they may even show aggression when courtship is too intrusive; their body is not yet ready for mating.

After one and a half to 2 weeks, the structure of the dog’s discharge changes; it will look like yellowish mucus. During this period, the female feels a strong sexual desire, especially if she notices males nearby, her tail moves to the side, and her body takes the stance necessary for sexual intercourse. The loop increases significantly in size.

The bitch can remain in this excited state for 5 to 7 days. If the owner wants to breed a dog, then he must mark these days. The right time for mating animals is between the 9th and 17th days, less often on the 21st. Everything is individual and depends on the breed of the pet.

How to recognize that a Chihuahua is in heat

Husky heat: when does it start, how long does it last and how often does it happen?

Starting from 6 months, the owners of the female should be constantly on alert - “these days” can come at any moment. First of all, you need to pay attention to changes in the animal’s appearance: on the eve of estrus, the female’s nipples enlarge, the loop begins to swell, and then bloody discharge appears.

Changes in behavior

Obedient and calm Chihuahuas become agitated, restless and often show unexpected aggression. Sometimes, on the contrary, the dog becomes too playful. In any case, owners who are familiar with the individual characteristics of the pet’s character will notice the changes in behavior that occur.

During the process, the female’s character changes dramatically

Note! Puberty in Chihuahuas is accompanied by a fundamental change in behavior, which is ultimately aimed at one thing - the search for a sexual partner and the mating process.

Step-by-step passage of heat

The entire animal cycle is divided into 4 stages:

1. Proestrus (or called proestrus). Duration 1-1.5 weeks. At this time, the process of blood circulation in the genital area increases significantly, the loop swells, and the first, initially scanty, bloody discharge appears. During this period, the dog is not yet ready for mating; ovulation has not yet occurred. But external signs are already evident - she becomes playful, may not obey the owner, and run away. When walking, he spends more time sniffing out the surroundings and constantly crouches down to leave marks. Males are already experiencing increased interest; when trying to copulate, the bitch growls and snarls.
2. Estrus (active sexual hunting). During this period of time, more precisely the first 2 days, the process of ovulation occurs. But the bitch can keep the gentlemen away for a few more days. A little later, when she sees a potential suitor, the female raises the back of her body, tightens the noose and moves her tail to the side to facilitate the penetration process. She freezes and patiently waits for action from the male dog. The discharge from the loop will vary; normally, the appropriate period for mating occurs when it is light pink or disappears completely. The vulva swells significantly.
3. Metaestrus (the final stage of estrus). The duration of this period is several days. The discharge stops, the noose returns to its previous size, and the bitch again does not allow gentlemen to approach her. If fertilization does not occur, then the female again becomes calm. The dog still experiences hormonal changes - the level of progesterone increases, which is not without reason called the pregnancy hormone. This happens regardless of whether the female becomes pregnant or not. This condition becomes the cause of such a phenomenon as false pregnancy, which mostly passes without outside help and consequences.
4. Anestrus (phase of sexual tranquility). The duration of this stage is approximately 100-150 days and allows the animal’s body to recover before the next heat.

The frequency of estrus varies among dogs due to several associated factors. For example, in domestic dogs it happens 2 times a year - in autumn and at the end of winter. Sometimes flow is limited to once a year.

Dogs that are kept outdoors, pets from the north, breed once a year in early spring to give birth to puppies in the warmer months.

What is estrus

Decorative Chihuahua dog
Estrus is a physiological period that signals the maturation of eggs in the body of a bitch. Indicates readiness for mating, bearing and giving birth to puppies. Estrus (estrus) consists of several stages, accompanied by changes in hormonal levels in the dog’s body. It is manifested by discharge from the genitals and psychological changes in behavior. Small dogs are more emotional during the heat period. The owner should be sensitive to changes in the character of the Chihuahua during the emptying period.

How to avoid mating

This question is most often asked by owners of dogs who do not plan to breed. But it is not alien to people who keep breeding dogs, because an unplanned mating will be an unpleasant surprise.

The main condition is to keep an eye on the dog while walking, do not let it off the leash and do not allow strangers to get too close.

You can purchase a special product at veterinary pharmacies or pet stores that eliminates the odor that attracts male dogs. It is used to treat the back of the pet’s body before each walk.

Each heat is divided into three periods

The first is scientifically called “proestrus” and lasts from 7 to 9 days. In the first days of estrus, the lady begins to attract gentlemen.

The second period is called "estrus". It lasts from 4 to 12 days. And here Madame not only flirts with gentlemen, but is also ready to mate with them.

This is the most terrible period for dog owners, because any dog, be it a Chihua or a Great Dane, at this time is ready to run away with the first furry bandit they come across!

The third period of estrus is called “metestrus” - the lady no longer allows male dogs, and the sexual activity of the young Chihuahua gradually fades away.

Care features

On the eve of the first estrus, the female may experience discharge from the loop, juvenile vaginitis containing a small amount of pus. There is no need to worry, this phenomenon is normal. Everything will return to normal as soon as the heat passes. If this does not happen, then it is worth undergoing an examination to identify various pathologies.

To make the estrus period more hygienic (especially for estrus in dogs kept in an apartment), you can purchase elastic panties for one-time use. They will prevent your dog from leaving bloody spots around the house. But still, you should not wear them all the time; veterinarians advise allowing the female to remove the discharge on her own by licking it.

During the first heat, the dog may not understand how to behave, so it is worth teaching it to remove spots. And to do this you need to remove carpets and rugs from the floor.

During the period of heat, the dog requires care:

• You should avoid long walks in winter to prevent your pet from catching a cold;
• There is no need to take her out to places where other dogs gather;
• Walks are strictly on a leash.

If suddenly it was not possible to prevent an unwanted mating, then it is forbidden to give the dog drugs to help terminate the pregnancy. This will cause significant health problems for the pet, which lead to infertility in the dog.

An important factor is keeping the dog during heat. If you do not plan to breed a dog and get puppies from her, at the first sign of estrus you need to start taking precautions:

• Keep a close eye on your dog while walking and avoid all contact with dogs of the opposite sex.
• Walk your dog on a short leash: even the most well-mannered and docile pet can run away during heat, not paying attention to any commands.
• Do not allow your dog to mate - it is impossible to separate the animals during intercourse.
• Do not take your dog while in heat to competitions or shows. This will cause anxiety among the male dogs present at the show. During heat, a dog does not respond well to commands and can be disobedient.

Features of care during estrus

Sometimes heat brings stress not only to the dog, but also to its owner. You need to take special care of your pet to eliminate the possibility of illness or even unwanted pregnancy. So what should you do if your Chihuahua goes into heat?

Keep your dog under supervision. Always walk her on a leash, and make sure that there are not too many males in the walking areas. If she suddenly attracts too much unwanted male attention, you will have to save her. Keep in mind: when the second stage of estrus (estrus) begins, the dog itself will try in every possible way to attract a male. Unwanted pregnancy is a dangerous phenomenon, especially at an early age, because a girl will be ready for procreation only after reaching the age of one and a half to two years.

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How to properly keep and care for a Chihuahua

Take care of hygiene. Naturally, sheets stained with a strong-smelling secretion are not the most pleasant thing, so you can buy special panties for your Chihuahua. They are sold in pet stores and help protect furniture from secretions, but you don’t have to wear them outside. Although it happens that your pet doesn’t like this outfit, and she will try in every way to get rid of it. If the dog does not particularly resist, you should allow it to lick itself from time to time. You can also use regular pads, changing them regularly to avoid any infection. In addition, if your dog is a long-haired dog, it is recommended to trim the hair slightly in the genital area to make it easier to keep the external genitalia clean.

Related article: What you need to know about giving birth to a little Chihuahua

Protect your Chihuahua from hypothermia.

Any drafts or simply sitting on a cold floor or wet grass can cause serious problems in the future. The dog is also not allowed to bathe. During the cold season, it is recommended to either cancel walks completely (if the animal is litter box trained) or reduce them to a minimum - just enough for the pet to relieve itself.

It is also recommended to put your pet on a diet, since during estrus she eats a lot and can gain a lot of weight. If there is too much discharge (the pad gets completely wet within a few hours), it is of an atypical color or has a strong, unpleasant odor, this may be a symptom of a disease. In this case, it is better to show your pet to a doctor rather than self-medicate.

No heat

With good general health and the state of the reproductive and hormonal systems, the first estrus occurs at the established normal 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.

Reasons for delay/absence of first heat:

• Poor living conditions, improper or insufficient feeding;
• Violation 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 on the ovaries;
• Endocrine pathologies;
• Chronic inflammatory processes in the uterus;
• Hermaphroditism (for example, when underdeveloped testes are found instead of ovaries).

How to avoid the difficulties of estrus

To cope with the symptoms of estrus in dogs, breeders and dog owners advise using drugs to regulate sexual heat.

Drugs from the CounterSex Neo brand are hormonal drugs for regulating sexual desire and preventing unwanted pregnancy in case of accidental mating.

Many breeders and dog owners use CounterSex Neo for the following reasons:

1. 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.
2. Safety. CounterSex Neo is a new generation bihormonal drug. The drug is safe due to the minimal content of 2 modern active ingredients.
3. 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.