How Often Do Dogs Have Periods Does It Hurt Them

Dogs do not actually have periods but they bleed for other reasons.Female species within the animal kingdom like primates, humans, and lemurs have periods in the usual way. Also, periods is common term used for animals that bleed.Getting a dog is quite easy, but preparations that you need to make to welcome your pup home are a little more than you think. Female dogs go through the estrous cycle mostly referred to as periods, and this is not the same as a human’s period. This bleeding duration is also referred to as heat. So, your dog will go through the estrous cycle or heat cycle when she reaches puberty or is sexually mature. It is unknown exactly when a dog will reach maturity because it varies based on several factors, typically on size and breed. The first heat cycle of a female dog occurs around six months of age. However, large dog breeds might not even go into heat until they reach two years of age, and smaller dogs often mature before 6 months. It is recommended that your female puppy gets spayed before she reaches this age. The heat cycle occurs once or twice a year. So, the reproductive cycle allows the dog to get pregnant (fertile).When the dog is in heat she gives out many signs, which can be every six months. It is possible that small dogs can go into heat three times a year and big dogs may only go into heat once a year. There is no particular time in a year when your dog can get into heat, however, the reproductive cycle in Tibetan Mastiffs and Basenjis usually occurs in spring.If you enjoyed reading these facts about how often do dogs have periods, then make sure to read some more interesting facts about are azaleas poisonous to dogs and can you give a dog Tylenol here at Kidadl.Do girl dogs have periods every month?No, female dogs do not go through an estrous cycle every month like humans but an average of six to 12 months per year after maturity.If your female dog is not spayed then she goes through a reproductive cycle from time to time per year. After the first time, the time period of the estrus cycle can vary in different breeds. During this, if your dog does not become pregnant then bloody discharge happens in her body. While completing one estrus cycle the dog goes through different stages and each stage lasts for varying time periods with varying levels of hormones. There are three hormones acting during the cycle in your pet, estrogen, progesterone, and luteinizing hormone. Estrogen is a steroid typically produced in the ovaries and also to some extent in the placenta and adrenal glands. Estrogen allows the development and production of ova, your dog’s behavior alteration, and many biological processes.Progesterone is produced in the placenta and ovaries. The function of progesterone typically is to maintain and prepare the uterus for pregnancy and suppresses the immune system of the dog’s body so that the system does not reject the development of young puppies. It also intensifies estrogen’s effects. Luteinizing hormone is a hormone for signaling, allowing a change in other hormones in the dog’s body and is produced in the pituitary gland. It only plays a role during acute bursts that last for only a period of time. This hormone also responds to seasonal changes in some animals like cats. However, in dogs, the estrus cycle does not depend on seasons and follows a consistent pattern. Female dogs can also go through silent heat after their first heat cycle where there are no visible signs.How long do dogs have periods?The length of periods can vary from one dog breed to another. The average length is between 14-28 days.During the said time period your female dog goes through different biological phases while some phases occur with signs and other phases have no signs. The Anestrus stage is the longest of all stages lasting about four months and even longer in few breeds. In this stage, the dog’s vulva will be normal with no obvious vaginal discharge. The dog’s body prepares the uterus for the oncoming development of puppies in few months. The level of progesterone and estrogen is low. The proestrus stage increases the levels of estrogen production but the progesterone level is the same. During this phase, the dog’s vulva will start swelling, with a blood-tinged discharge. To avoid mess owners make their dogs wear period panties or diapers. The female is not yet receptive to male dogs but male dogs are attracted to her. The luteinizing hormone increase for two days by the end of this stage lasting for two days. The estrogen level will decrease and progesterone will increase. This is called the estrus phase and the dog is said to be in heat and she can become pregnant. After the luteinizing hormone levels drop, ovulation starts. Your dog will possibly become receptive to male dogs. The bloody vaginal discharge now looks pink rather than maroon or red.Half way through the estrus stage conception takes place lasting for about nine days. The last stage is diestrus that starts when females stop being receptive to fertile males by the end of estrus. This lasts for two months. Progesterone climbs and estrogen remains low. Progesterone is high halfway through this stage, returning to normal gradually. This cycle lasts for an average of six months. Your female dog can be receptive and mate with male dogs during her period and the sperm will stay in the fallopian tube or uterus for up to five to seven days. However, successful mating and pregnancy are highly unlikely before the estrus phase because a female dog is not receptive in the proestrus phase. If your pet is bleeding for longer or bleeding continues even after the vulva shrinks then you need to consult a veterinarian.Do female dogs have periods after being spayed?No, female dogs will not have periods after the spaying process. However, they can bleed due to infections or vaginitis and due to complications after spaying.The bleeding after the procedure is normal but a lot of blood loss or extended period even after the surgery requires the attention of a veterinarian. After spaying, a normal dog will not bleed in her life. The bleeding after the surgery should cease after few weeks. Sometimes the surgery might not be a complete success if any ovarian tissue is left behind in your dog then she might have ovarian remnant syndrome. Though your dog may discharge the odds of this happening are very few. Scans can be done to identify any ovaries left behind and surgery will be done to remove the remaining ovarian tissues. The infection of the vagina called vaginitis is dues to the damage of the vagina’s lining. Mostly a pus-like material accompanies the bloody discharge due to bacterial infection. Anti-inflammatory and antibiotics medication is used to cure this. Blood can also be discharged in your dog’s urine, which is due to water infection or cystitis. If your dog appears to be in the heat it will be due to small amounts of ovarian tissue left behind. Some more signs are swelling of the vulva with discharge, aggression, roaming, and standing to be mounted.What do you do when your dog gets her period?Owners can observe signs of an estrus cycle in their pet and some things that can be done are use diapers and pants, regular changing of diapers, do not let anyone disturb her, put your to sleep in a crate, stay close and keep an eye on her, take her for walks to urinate, stay calm with her, and do not forget to mark your calendars.Being around your pet during her period can be irritating for both a human and the pet. It is suggested to keep your dog in a safe space using baby gates. You can make use of dog diapers and these are slip-ons. You can also use a baby diaper by making a hole for the tail. Diapers can also be made out of old t-shirts. Keep an eye on the diaper as it needs to be changed. It is advised to stay close to your dog during walks as male dogs will try to approach. Lastly, try to comfort your dog during this time. Spaying is not only good to stop her bleeding but also decreases the risk of mammalian cancer and an infection called Pyometra. There can be discomfort in your dog during her period but there is she does not experience pain as humans do.Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestion for how often do dogs have periods, then why not take a look at Why do dogs smell your crotch, or Croatian sheepdog facts?

Dogs do not actually have periods but they bleed for other reasons.