Estrus in a Labrador: when it appears and what to do, duration

How many times and when to breed a Labrador

According to the RKF regulations, the breeder (your pet) can give birth to cubs no more than once a year and no more than seven times in total.
The exception is receiving two litters in a row with an interval of six months, if a year passes before the next litter. This situation should be perceived as undesirable: the mother’s body does not have time to fully recover before the next pregnancy, which can lead to complications. At the first mating, the female Labrador must be at least 18 months old (at about this age the third heat occurs), and the male must also be at least 18 months old at the time of mating. Females are removed from breeding when they turn 9 years old, but there is no such restriction for males. However, it is recommended to stop breeding a bitch earlier and not plan offspring if she is more than 7 years old: pregnancy and childbirth can negatively affect the health of an older animal.

Biologically, a Labrador female is ready to become pregnant during her first heat: the egg matures and fertilization can occur. However, this does not mean that you should breed a dog in its first heat. Her body is still developing and is not ready to endure pregnancy without significant losses. Early childbirth is often complicated, fraught with the birth of not the healthiest offspring and deterioration in the health of the bitch.

You will become a parent together with a dog

Women always play the main role in the reproduction of offspring in nature. They have to bear, give birth, feed and raise children. It is they who bear all the responsibility. Dogs are no exception. And Labrador Retriever bitches cope well with the responsibilities that nature has assigned to them. They are caring mothers and take excellent care of their babies.

However, their owner must also decide for himself: is he ready to become a parent with his Labrador girl? Whatever one may say, after six to eight more little puppies appear in the house, his life will definitely change.

Some Labrador owners consider it necessary for the bitch to give birth to puppies at least once in her life. This is supposedly necessary for health. We assure you that this opinion is wrong. Childbirth will not bring her any benefit.

Therefore, if you are the happy owner of a Labrador female, then think again about the need for mating. Remember that you will incur certain material costs, and the puppies that are born will need to be placed somewhere. And if you don’t have a queue of people waiting to buy a puppy for money, then you may end up at a loss.

Only for that person who consciously takes such a step, the cheerful squeaking of puppies in the house will bring extraordinary happiness. And our further story is intended specifically for these people.

What is estrus?

From a physiological point of view, estrus occurs in all female dogs. This is a process that indicates the female's puberty; it is at this moment that she is ready for mating. In Labradors, this process occurs later than in representatives of miniature breeds.

In many ways, the sexual development of a dog, and the course of physiological processes inside the body depends on factors such as:

During this period of time, a cloudy liquid begins to be released from the dog’s genitals, which feels like liquid jelly to the touch.

At this time, the chemical composition secreted by the female body begins to attract males, but at the same time the dog does not allow them to approach him and shows some degree of aggression. After 3-5 days, the female begins to reciprocate the male’s feelings, but does not let him get close, mating does not occur.

At what age do Labradors begin their first heat? Estrus, as the first heat is also called, occurs in these dogs between 7 and 10 months.

Main features

The presence of an animal in heat can be determined when:

there are brown spots and stains on the sleeping mat;
for no apparent reason, the animal’s mood changes: the pet either falls into melancholy or becomes overly playful;
short-term refusal to eat is possible.

It is impossible to accurately describe the behavior of an animal, since it depends on the individual processes occurring in the body.

When walking, the dog becomes extremely disobedient (which is uncharacteristic for it in everyday life) and tries to get away. The dog leaves marks every 4-7 meters. This is a kind of signal for males, a chemical signal to the opposite sex about full readiness for sexual activity and the birth of puppies (procreation).

NOTE!

Another obvious sign is shedding, which tends to appear during puberty in dogs.

Upon closer examination of the genital area, you can notice (if you look closely) a slight swelling and slight discharge of sexual secretion , which is dark brown in color and has a consistency similar to very liquid jelly.

Features of care

During heat, the dog needs to be given close attention, although the females of this breed are extremely clean and lick themselves very often. If the dog is well trained and understands commands, it will carry them out while remaining in its place and without polluting the home with excretions.

If the dog is well trained and understands commands, it will carry them out while remaining in its place and without polluting the home with excretions.

In this case, the owner will need to change the bedding on time. If the animal does not know the “place” command, then it will move around the entire house, leaving dark brown stains on the sofa, bed, sheets and other things that the dog comes into contact with.

To avoid this situation, you can use pants for four-legged friends or special diapers. By using such simple devices, you can protect your home from contamination, and the animal from acquiring an infection (during estrus, there is a high probability of various infectious agents entering the animal’s body).

To ensure that the bitch does not become pregnant during her first heat, it is necessary to closely monitor her. All contact with male dogs is completely excluded. You should only walk your animal if you have a very short leash, since during heat, any dog, even the most trained, may not respond to commands or even deliberately ignore them.

IMPORTANT!

Dog mating must be excluded by any means, since during this process it is almost impossible to separate the animals. You should never take your dogs in heat to all the different shows or competitions.

During heat, the dog is very vulnerable, so you should not allow your pet to swim in open bodies of standing water, which, as a rule, contain a huge number of pathogenic microorganisms. In the future, a person can easily become infected from his pet. To prevent the development of infections, you should contact your veterinarian.

When the first signs of bacterial damage by infectious agents occur, the dog is isolated until the results of a bacteriological examination are obtained.

There are also special medications designed for use as a sexual regulator in dogs during estrus.

You should like the new apartment

They are looking for a special place to support an extended family. Don’t wait until the last minute to resolve your housing issue. The woman in labor should have time to get used to and love her new “corner”.

It is best if it is some kind of separate room. If this is not possible, a fenced space of at least 1.5 x 2 m should be prepared for the mother and children, free from drafts and dampness. The height of the sides is approximately 20 cm. A dog can easily overcome such a barrier, but little ones cannot yet. As a result, they will not scatter across the territory.

While the puppies eat only mother's milk, the bitch will eat all their waste products. But when feeding begins, the character of the feces will change. And you'll encounter a lot of piles and puddles. So make sure in advance that it is easy for you to clean your little Labrador's living area. Old newspapers are suitable for this purpose as bedding. They have quite soft and highly absorbent paper. It will be easy to change them more often.

It happens that after mating, conception does not occur. However, after the allotted time, the bitch begins to behave like an expectant mother. She is worried, looking for a secluded place for a “nest”. There are also external signs - swelling of the nipples and even the release of milk from them. This condition is called false pregnancy. A possible reason is an inaccurate determination of the start date of estrus and the organization of mating on the wrong day.

To get rid of “pregnancy” and adjust your further actions, it is best to consult a veterinarian. He will recommend the necessary medications. But often all these signs go away on their own and without any medications, you just need to increase physical activity.

Care features

Caring for a dog during heat includes the following:

Wearing sanitary panties to prevent your pet from dirtying furniture and other surfaces. It is recommended to put them on your dog after the animal learns to lick itself. During this period, you can remove carpeting and protect sofas and armchairs with covers.
You should only walk your dog on a short leash.
You should walk in places where there are no other dogs.
In cold weather, it is worth limiting your walks.
There is no need to allow your pet to swim in open water.
The bitch should not be allowed to approach male dogs.

Warm clothes for walking your dog

General condition of the dog

You can find out that a female dog is in heat by several signs, which were discussed above. Changes occur both physiologically and behaviorally.

How to help a dog in heat

The most important thing is to protect your pet from hypothermia, to protect her from infectious diseases, to which she is especially susceptible during the period of estrus. Therefore, it is better to reduce the number and duration of walks and always use a leash.

If the female is not feeling well, she behaves restlessly, whines, or shows apathy, you should carefully touch the pet’s belly. If your dog starts whining a lot, it means he is experiencing pain caused by spasms. In this case, you should contact your veterinarian, who will select an antispasmodic and set the correct dosage.

To correct the behavior and calm the pet, the dog can be given a sedative (on the recommendation of a veterinarian).

Important! It is extremely undesirable to give an animal drugs to reduce sexual activity.

Possible problems during estrus

The most common problem that owners of female dogs face is urinary incontinence in their pet. If the dog is small, it is recommended to train it to the tray in advance. In other cases, you will have to increase the frequency of walks. If the weather is cold, the dog should be dressed in special insulating clothing for animals.

Another problem is that the pet stains furniture and carpets. Also during this period there is a risk of unwanted pregnancy. Hygienic panties for animals and walking only on a short leash will help solve both problems.

Vaccination during estrus

There is no single medical opinion on this matter. However, it is known for sure that in the presence of chronic pathologies, as well as intense pain, you should wait until the end of the emptying period. If the pet feels normal and no dangerous diseases have been diagnosed, vaccination is allowed.

Dog vaccination

Does estrus stop after mating?

In most cases, estrus remains intense after mating. For this reason, the female must be monitored until her sexual activity is complete. Otherwise, the girl may go on a spree again.

Signs and symptoms of estrus in dogs.

During the period of heat, the behavior of the bitch can change greatly. She becomes playful, active, mobile and listens to commands worse. During this period, training a dog is quite problematic, therefore, it makes sense to send it on a well-deserved vacation, after which, usually, it works even better.

Sometimes, a bitch “performs such numbers” that will stupefy any sane owner. Her behavior is difficult to explain, and no less easier to describe in words. In general, there is nothing wrong with strange behavior; the main thing is to be able to control the dog. More on this below, but now let's look at the estrus cycle.

Proestrus (from 1 to 8 days). These days the first spotting (bright and abundant) appears. The animal cannot control its heat, so be prepared for stains on the floor; you can remove rugs and carpets in advance. The males are already actively interested in the bitch, but she behaves quite coldly, only allowing herself to be sniffed.

Over time, the bitch behaves more and more playfully and willingly accepts the attention of the opposite sex, but does not allow mating. The functions of the mucous membranes of the female genital organs are enhanced, swelling of the loop, thickening of the vagina and walls of the uterus are noticeable

Estrus (from 9 to 16 days). On what day of heat should I breed my dog? Just on these days you need to plan mating. The bitch is completely ready for fertilization, but it is better to plan mating for 2-3 days from the beginning of estrus (hunting). If you are not planning puppies, then you need to be especially careful these days.

During this period, the discharge is slightly colored, almost colorless. Even if the bitch is in her first heat, she can allow the male to mount her. So you need to be careful.

Metaestrus (from 17 to 22 days). During this period, the bitch’s discharge becomes less and less, and the loop decreases in size. The previously burning passion subsides, and the female drives away all suitors. If mating does not occur, then the bitch’s sexual functions will gradually subside and the body will go into a state of rest. Anestrus (until the next heat). Even the body of a female who is not pregnant is exhausted, and therefore time is needed to recover. After a certain period (on average, twice a year), everything repeats itself.

By the way, during estrus, do not allow your dog to swim in ponds, as the dog’s genitals are open and become a kind of bait for bacteria.

If blood stains are a problem for you, then in addition to removing all carpeted floors, you can use special panties. There is no need for them on the street, although panties will not allow a male dog to mount a bitch. It is better not to use various pills that will help avoid pregnancy and not to consider them as an option at all, otherwise hormonal imbalances and cancer are guaranteed.

How to learn to control a bitch and a dog?

Be careful when walking an empty female dog. She will try to spread her scent over as wide an area as possible to attract males. This risks the fact that she may wander too far from you and get lost. Just keep her in your control zone, calling her to you in time. The “come to me” command should ideally be learned no matter what gender the dog is. By the way, don’t forget to stock up on some very tasty treats, then the dog will be under even greater control.

And in general, you may notice that the bitch has become less obedient. Although heat does affect obedience to some extent, a properly trained bitch will follow commands even during heat. But it is better to postpone training for the period of heat, and make do with using the most necessary commands, like “come to me”, “fu”, “nearby”.

That is, it is more than possible to control the current bitch. You just need to work with her before her heat. It is also possible for male owners to control their pet even when it smells a leaking bitch. These are all fairy tales that a dog loses his head as soon as he catches the smell of an empty bitch. Most - yes, but with a responsible approach to training, the male will at least always come running when the owner calls, ignoring the smell of the female.

Read how to train dogs with commands to start training and control your pet in any situation. And rest assured that your dog, be it a male or a female, will always come running to the owner’s call as soon as they hear their native voice.

That's all. Now you know when dog estrus begins and how many days it lasts, and how to proceed depending on your goals. By the way, watch the funny video below! The cats are completely insolent

The third one is not superfluous

Labradors have well-developed instincts. In the right period, the bitch behaves in an approachable manner. And the male, carried away by her scent, shows activity. Therefore, even young Labradors very often successfully mate on their own and naturally. However, when selecting a pair for a “girl,” it is better to choose an experienced male. And vice versa. The mating process will be easier if at least one of the partners knows exactly what needs to be done.

Since the male is the active participant in mating, it is better to organize the meeting on his territory. This could be a yard or a room. He himself should also be prepared. It is necessary to trim the nails if they are long. It is also advisable to file them smoothly. Then he will probably not hurt his partner. As for age, by the first mating he must be at least two years old.

If you doubt that Labradors will cope with the task on their own, then you can turn to the kennel club for help. The meeting can also take place there. The instructor will help the dog mount and hold the bitch in the desired position. This method is called manual.

Use some tips to prepare for mating:

feed the dog 3-4 hours before the date;
prepare a cup of drinking water in the area where the meeting will take place;
have Vaseline on hand (it will come in handy if the bitch doesn’t have enough lubrication);
just in case, take a muzzle with you (you should wear it if the dog shows aggression);
do not forget to get the necessary vaccinations,

Some experts advise washing the bitch’s genitals with a solution of rivanol before mating. This is not necessary for Labrador Retrievers, but it will not cause harm.

In order to select a pair, it is best to contact dog handlers. The kennel club will do this professionally. All the characteristics of the partners will be taken into account: their weight, height, appearance, pedigree, health.

Preparing the dog

In order for mating and further pregnancy to go without problems, you need to follow some rules:

Carry out a comprehensive bacteriological analysis. A month and a half before estrus and potential mating, contact a veterinary clinic to have your dog examined. Tests will reveal whether there are any viruses in the dog’s body that can negatively affect future offspring.
Treat your dog's skin for parasites. This must be done in a month. You can use different shampoos.
The dog must undergo deworming.
Vaccination course. This course must be completed after seven, when the deworming course is completed.

For a male dog, these recommendations will be enough - males, for the most part, do not need overly thorough preparations, because they only participate in conception.

It would also be a good idea for the female to undergo the following tests:

Analysis for brucellosis - this bacterium can cause miscarriage or stillbirth of puppies;
Ultrasound of the uterus and ovaries - you need to make sure that there are no tumor formations or cysts;
A blood test and a vaginal smear - this way you will know whether there is any inflammatory process going on in your pet’s body.;
A blood test for progestron is a motherhood hormone. Its level in the body indicates whether the dog is ready to become a mother in the future or not;
X-ray. Only needed for females who have already had a caesarean section to exclude the presence of adhesions.

Labrador 7 years old in heat

Disorders of the reproductive cycle in bitches are observed quite often in both young and old dogs. Violations manifest themselves in the form of delay, absence of estrus, or excessively long estrus. These diseases have become widespread recently.

Delayed, absent (anostria) or mild (subostria) estrus are symptoms of hormonal disorders associated with changes in ovarian function, in some cases - insufficient production of hormones by the anterior pituitary gland or thyroid gland. If a young dog aged 14–18 months. there was no estrus, suggesting congenital ovarian hypofunction. Dysfunction and diseases of the ovaries are manifested by irregular estrus or anostria after childbirth. If necessary, estrus is induced by injections of low doses of estradiol and gonadotropin (according to the scheme: 4 injections of 0.1–0.6 mg estradiol every third day from the 4th to the 8th day after the appearance of signs of estrus, 25–50 IU of gonadotropin every other day) . However, such bitches are most often infertile, even if estrus can be induced.

Anostria or subostria can be observed throughout the dog's life and does not cause him any discomfort. However, ovarian dysfunction can contribute to cystic formations. Therefore, it is sometimes recommended to castrate such a bitch.

Prolonged estrus is usually caused by an excess of female sex hormones (estrogens). This is not as safe as their deficiency. Excess estrogen can cause diseases of the uterus (endometritis) and ovaries. With prolonged estrus (bloody discharge is observed for longer than 25–30 days), skin itching, scratching of the skin and baldness appear, with inflammatory processes in the uterus and ovaries - severe thirst, depression, fever. Males usually do not react to such a bitch. Infertility is common.

Since prolonged estrus is caused by a hormonal disorder, hormonal drugs (for example, choriogonadotropin) can be used for treatment. However, in dogs, hormonal correction is not as successful as for similar diseases in humans, since it is difficult to calculate the exact doses of drugs. In addition, hormone therapy can cause pyometra. To prevent complications and always if the dog’s general condition worsens, a surgical operation (ovariohysterectomy - removal of the uterus and ovaries) is indicated. If the general condition of the dog before the operation is satisfactory, the operation and postoperative period are successful.

This is a general text) in general this is normal for her age. I would advise, of course, to go to the doctor, if the ultrasound and tests do not show any abnormalities, then everything is fine.

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.

How can you tell if your dog is in heat and how long it will last?

A dog's heat is a sign of the animal's puberty. In large breed dogs it occurs later than in small dogs. Depending on the breed of the animal, you may notice the first signs of heat at the age of 6 to 12 months. The onset of estrus also depends on climate, feeding, living conditions and care.

On average, the duration of the sexual cycle is from 20 to 22 days. In some cases, heat in a large breed dog can last for a month. You can find out exactly how long your dog's heat lasts by carefully observing your animal.

A dog's behavior during heat becomes unusual. You will notice the first signs of the onset of sexual heat in your pet during a walk. The dog will begin to show excessive activity, become playful and disobedient. During estrus, an animal makes frequent marks and tries to expand the territory of its walks. This behavior serves as a way to attract dogs of the opposite sex. Before the start of sexual heat, many pets begin to shed

Males at this time pay attention to the dog and sniff it. But the animal does not allow its relatives to approach itself and shows aggression

Physiologically, the onset of estrus manifests itself in changes in the genital organs: the loop becomes swollen, and cloudy pink discharge begins to appear from it.

The reproductive cycle of a large breed dog occurs in several stages:

The first phase of the sexual cycle lasts from days 1 to 9. During this period, you will notice bloody discharge from the dog's loop.

Males begin to pay attention to her, but the dog does not let them near her and can become aggressive. Over time, the animal begins to accept the attention of male dogs, but does not allow mating;

The second phase of the sexual cycle lasts from 10 to 16 days. This phase is called “estrus”. During this period, the dog is ready for procreation. When it sees a male dog, the animal takes a mating position: it raises the upper part of its body and moves its tail to the side. The second phase of the cycle is the most favorable for fertilizing a dog and the most dangerous if you do not plan to breed a pet;

The third phase of the sexual cycle lasts from 17 to 20 days. At this time, physiological signs of estrus pass. The behavior of a dog after estrus becomes calmer, it ceases to be interested in males. If pregnancy does not occur, the animal’s sexual functions gradually fade away, the body calms down;

The fourth phase of the sexual cycle lasts 2-4 months. This is a time of sexual rest: the dog’s body is recovering. After this phase is completed, the cycle repeats again.

Large breed dogs go into heat at different intervals. In backyard dogs, heat occurs once a year. If your pet lives in an apartment, he will tend to reproduce twice a year with an interval of 6 months.

Stages of heat

Proestrus

At the same time, at this stage it is too early to make any meetings with the dog. There is no egg ready for fertilization yet, which means pregnancy will not occur, and the dog is unlikely to let the male dog in. It is especially noticeable at this stage how the pet’s behavior changes

It is possible to determine that estrus is beginning only by the fact that during walks the animal often sniffs the territory and shows attention to the opposite sex. That's why right now your pet can rush at other female animals

The important question is: how long does this period last? As a rule, estrus lasts 7-10 days

During the entire period, you can use panties and prepare for the planned mating.

Estrus

Next comes the second stage, when the dog is ready for mating. The duration of this period is only 4-12 days. But, as already mentioned, these terms are relative. It is noteworthy that as soon as the pet notices that a male dog is coming towards her, she immediately changes her behavior: she takes a characteristic pose and moves her tail. If she doesn’t let the male dog near, it means she’s not ready yet. In this case, the discharge stops, but the loop is still enlarged. During this period, the animal often pees at home and one should not scold her for this. You can make careful comments and walk your pet more often. Considering that this period does not last long, you should determine the favorable moment for mating in time. When the smearing stage passes, you can no longer use panties.

Metestrus

The third phase of the reproductive cycle. At this stage, the dog’s active phase of estrus ends, when it attracts males and the restoration of all natural processes in the uterus begins. How long does the metestrus stage last when a dog ends her heat? On average, this period lasts 60-105 days. Throughout the entire period, the bitch drives away the males. If the dog has had its first heat, the chest and vulva become slightly larger than they were before.

False pregnancy - spotting gradually disappears, and the swelling of the external genitalia also decreases. During this period, the dog’s level of progesterone (the so-called “pregnancy hormone”) increases, regardless of whether fertilization has occurred or not. Therefore, during metestrus, false pregnancy can sometimes be observed in some bitches.

In this state, the dog shows all the signs of pregnancy, although in fact there are no fetuses. During this period, the animal shows anxiety, strives to build a shelter (nest) from its bedding or other objects, and often carries toys, mistaking them for puppies. Also, false pregnancy is accompanied by swelling of the mammary glands, even slight milk discharge is possible. After some time, false pregnancy in dogs goes away on its own without consequences - the hormonal balance returns to normal. But the owner should take care to reduce the dog’s milk production. To do this, you need to limit the animal’s food and water intake and refuse dry food during this time.

Anestrus

The fourth phase of the sexual cycle or the period of sexual rest. Its duration is 100-150 days. Normally, domestic dogs come into heat once or twice a year, usually in late winter and fall. Wild dogs or dogs that are kept outside (in a kennel or enclosure) are more likely to be emptied once a year. This is due to the fact that the most favorable period for conception is early spring, and conditions are created for future puppies for a successful birth in the warm season.

The owner of the animal needs to pay attention to how often and how many days the dog’s estrus lasts, since serious deviations from the norm indicate a general disruption of the animal’s endocrine system, which requires consultation with a veterinarian. Also, the cause of deviations in the reproductive cycles of an animal is poor-quality or low-calorie nutrition.

The expectant mother is a vegetarian

You will learn about pregnancy no earlier than three to four weeks after mating. Main signs: an increase in the dog’s waist and swollen nipples. Sometimes, as a side effect, toxicosis occurs - the dog begins to vomit. Until this time, her lifestyle may not change at all.

Gestation for Labrador puppies lasts 62-64 days. In the second half of the term, discharge appears from the dog’s enlarged loop. Closer to childbirth, body temperature decreases slightly (the norm is 38-39 degrees). The expectant mother begins to look for a place for a “nest” and is capricious with food. Well, you can already see how the puppies move in her stomach if she lies on her side.

After the 40th day of pregnancy, the mother in labor should be given vitamins and more foods containing calcium.

However, two to three days before giving birth, fish and meat are excluded from the diet. They can increase blood pressure, trigger cramps, or cause swelling.

Now, during walks, the Labrador bitch herself begins to be cautious. You just have to help her. You only need to walk on a leash, avoid hard-to-reach places and difficult obstacles.

If the dog produces colostrum (the first milk, which has a thicker consistency) from the nipples, it means that birth is near. You have to wait a maximum of 2-3 days.

Feeding

The Labrador Retriever is a tireless marathon runner and must be capable of long periods of work on land. And the need to swim in not always warm water requires the presence of a developed subcutaneous fat layer. Keeping warm also takes energy.

Therefore, by nature they are characterized by an excellent appetite. They eat as if they had enough left over for a week! Moreover, anything without being picky and sometimes deciding whether it can be eaten at all after the piece has fallen into the mouth.

A zucchini with legs is not a Labrador, but an unfortunate creature with shortness of breath and a bunch of chronic diseases. If you have a genetic tendency towards obesity, it is criminal to feed your dog!

The diet must be balanced: either natural food after consultation with a veterinarian, or good super-premium dry food. Plus active workouts to keep fit.

Since the breed's characteristics are omnivorous, hard vegetables and/or diced fruits work well as rewards. Reward is a small piece for flawless execution of a command, and not a kilo of carrots for beautiful eyes.

From an early age, do not spoil your baby with gastronomic delights!

If the Labrador is on dry food, one of the feedings can be moved outside. First, the hungry dog has a good run, and then he works on the skills of obedience, endurance, and sampling. Without barriers, fetch and other fuss - a calm workout, so that there is not the slightest risk from the gastrointestinal tract. You can’t eat or run, because we’re not talking about a treat, but about a full portion.

Prohibit households from feeding the puppy from the table. Explain that he is not a trash can or a starving refugee from Africa. This is true for any breed, but Labras are perhaps one of the most gluttonous, along with Dachshunds. And it’s almost impossible to stop them from eating everything.

Brief characteristics of the breed

The Labrador is a smart, kind and friendly dog that will become a devoted friend and a true family member. Has the following appearance features:

The height of adult representatives of the species at the withers is 56-58 cm.
The weight of females ranges from 25-32 kg, and males 27-36 kg.
The color of the coat is always solid, but can be different: brown, black, fawn.
In the nursery, the cost of a puppy with all documents ranges from $500 to $800*. Without documents, a puppy will cost a little more.
A healthy dog lives about 11-13 years.

Labrador dogs are sociable and intelligent

The difficulties of keeping pets include the constant need for physical activity. You can't leave them alone at home for a long time. Out of boredom and loneliness, they will begin to spoil the owner’s things, causing significant damage to the property.

How long does it last?

How long does a Labrador Retriever go into heat and what are its phases?

Estrus in a Labrador is a purely physiological phenomenon, and, as a rule, tends to be cyclical. The first cycle should be expected from days 1 to 9.

The second phase lasts exactly 6 days, from 10 to 16 days, this is usually called the “estrus” itself; during this period the dog is completely ready to fulfill its natural instinct, that is, to mate and bear puppies.

At this time, the dog, upon seeing the opposite sex, takes a position for mating, the tail is moved to the side, the front part of the body rises slightly upward.

In addition to the presented phases of estrus in Labradors, I also highlight the third, final stage.

This cycle lasts exactly 3 days, during this period of time the female gradually begins to lose sexual interest in the opposite sex, and mistakes males for strangers. If the female was unable to become pregnant from sexual intercourse, then her sexual functions gradually begin to fade away, and her behavior returns to its usual rhythm.

How does childbirth go?

A few days before giving birth, the dog's temperature begins to be taken. If it drops within 1 day, this indicates the approaching birth of babies. Before labor begins, the owner needs to prepare thoroughly. The dog should be given a separate, secluded place. The bitch should feel comfortable.

You will also need clean pieces of cloth or gauze, scissors for cutting the umbilical cord, brilliant green, alcohol for hand disinfection, and silk threads for tying the umbilical cord. The birth process is divided into the prenatal period, which lasts about 16–24 hours, and the labor period. The bitch begins to worry, breathes heavily, hides or follows the owner. The onset of labor is indicated by the appearance of contractions and pushing, and the water breaking. Puppies are born head first or feet first.

If the fetus comes out tightly, the dog should be gently helped: pull it out while pushing, gently clasping it around the body. Usually the dog itself ruptures the amniotic sac and bites off the umbilical cord. If this does not happen, the owner should break it himself in the area of the baby's head, tie the umbilical cord 2 cm from the abdomen and cut it with scissors. The tip is treated with brilliant green. All instruments must be sterile.

If everything goes well, the puppies are born at intervals of about an hour. During childbirth, the bitch should be given warm water in small portions. Two cubs may be born in a row, which means there will be a longer gap before the next one. The bitch herself eats the afterbirth and licks the puppy, otherwise it needs to be lightly wiped and placed in a separate box. When the birth is over, all the cubs are placed near the mother, close to the nipples.

Related article: How long do Labradors live at home?

Stages of heat

The cycle consists of four periods.

Proestrus

At this stage, blood flow to the genitals increases. At this time, bloody discharge appears from the loop. This is explained by the fact that due to the flow of blood in the uterus, small vessels begin to burst, which leads to slight bleeding. Buy panties if you decide to use them. If not, remove the carpets. This indicates that the body is beginning to prepare for pregnancy and childbirth. At the same time, at this stage it is too early to make any meetings with the dog. There is no egg ready for fertilization yet, which means pregnancy will not occur, and the dog is unlikely to let the male dog in. It is especially noticeable at this stage how the pet’s behavior changes

The important question is: how long does this period last? As a rule, estrus lasts 7-10 days

During the entire period, you can use panties and prepare for the planned mating.

Estrus

Metestrus

This period continues after the previous one for another 3-4 months. At this time, organ functions are restored. It is believed that the heat has already ended, but the recovery process begins. If there is no pregnancy and childbirth is not planned, hormone levels normalize. If it is the first heat, then an enlargement of the chest is observed. Naturally, panties are not needed at this time, since there is no discharge

Attention should be paid to the condition of the pets. Often they then develop a false pregnancy with the processes of preparation for childbirth

Each owner should know what to do in this situation, how long recovery takes if there is no pregnancy, and what needs to be done before the next estrus to avoid complications.

Anestrus

This period lasts 110-140 days. It is he who determines the periodicity. In pets with regular estrus, it occurs 1-2 times a year. There is no need to do anything at this time.

When does heat start and end?

It is impossible to accurately answer when dogs come into heat, since the body of each animal is individual. Moreover, puberty depends on the dog’s constitution, breed, living conditions (food, temperature conditions, etc.). In most cases, estrus (or estrus) occurs after the teeth are replaced, at the age of six months to one year.

Attention: if it is intended to produce offspring in the future, then the owner needs to pay close attention to the first estrus in order to know what heat to breed the dog for. The first mating takes place on the 3rd pad

Sometimes owners wonder when their dog stops going into heat. Estrus continues throughout life and does not end at any particular age. With old age, periods of rest increase, the frequency of empty nests per year decreases, but the dog is still capable of conceiving and giving birth to puppies.

How to care for a dog during heat

Although Labradors are recognized as one of the cleanest breeds, the owner of a female in the active phase needs to pay special attention to the pet. Experienced dog handlers advise:

Train your dog in advance to the “place” command. Unquestioningly following the owner’s orders will help protect furniture and carpets from dry cleaning. A well-trained female will constantly stay on her bed and only dirty it. The owner is only required to replace the dirty diaper with a fresh one every day.
Buy special diapers. They will be useful for those females who are simply impossible to keep in one place. In addition, diapers help protect the dog from the penetration of bacteria and infectious agents into the body, which provoke the development of various diseases.
Keep a close eye on your dog while walking. You shouldn’t let the “girl” off the leash if you don’t want to give away cute mixed-breed puppies later.
Avoid visiting exhibitions. The behavior of a female during estrus can be unpredictable. In addition, males react to such a “bride” at any time and place. In order not to create conflict or even dangerous situations, it is better to avoid visiting places where dogs gather for several weeks.
Purchase special medications. You can ask the veterinarian to prescribe the female tablets or drops intended to normalize her condition and behavior during the period of estrus.

Whether or not to breed a Labrador during estrus is up to each owner to decide for himself. The main thing to remember is that the birth of good offspring directly depends on how thoroughbred and healthy both parents are.

How to choose a partner.

A Labrador retriever male is selected for mating based on breeding purposes. If the owner strives to become a professional, he is selected according to breeding characteristics and pedigree. When the owner does not strive for fame at exhibitions and medals, but simply wants to get good offspring from his pet, then the dog is selected according to the following parameters:

experience and swagger;
stable psyche and lack of excessive aggression;
correct appearance and physical health;
lack of blood ties.

Similar article: How to choose a nickname for a Labrador boy and girl

You can look at previous offspring from a potential father to get a rough idea of future puppies. A few weeks before mating, the male dog begins to be fed foods high in protein and rich in microelements. You should also try to walk your dog more often.