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What is Estrus (Heat)?

Estrus, or heat, is the phase of sexual receptivity in females when they are predisposed to mate with males.

Taking care of a female dog or cat in heat can be a challenging task for the owner due to potential behavioral changes and discomfort that the female may experience.

However, being well-informed and prepared can help minimize inconveniences and ensure the well-being of females during this time.

 

 

Key Challenges During This Phase:

Behavioral Changes: During heat, females may exhibit behavioral changes such as restlessness, excessive vocalization, and a constant search for males. This can be uncomfortable for owners as the female may appear more restless and difficult to control.
Blood Stains: Vaginal bleeding during heat can stain furniture, carpets, and clothes. This requires more frequent cleaning and may raise concerns about preserving objects and fabrics.
Attracting Males: During heat, females release hormones that attract males in the vicinity. This can result in unwanted visits and increase the likelihood of the female escaping to find a partner.
Need for Supervision: Owners may need more attentive supervision during heat to prevent access to males and potential unwanted mating. This demands extra time and effort.
Difficulty in Maintaining Cleanliness: The bleeding and changes in female hygiene during heat can make the task of keeping the environment clean more challenging. This includes ensuring that the female is always comfortable and clean.
Health Risks: After heat, females are more susceptible to uterine infections and other health complications. Owners may need to be vigilant for signs of health problems and take preventive measures.
Pregnancy Concerns: For owners who do not want pregnancy, heat can be a constant source of concern. Avoiding access to males and ensuring pregnancy prevention can be a demanding task.

 

Care Tips During This Phase:

Isolate from Males: If you do not want the female to mate, keep her away from unneutered males. This may involve keeping the female indoors or in controlled areas where there is no access to males.
Use of Diapers or Clothing: Some people choose to use diapers or specific clothing for dogs or cats in heat. This can help contain bleeding and reduce stains.
Avoid Public Places: Avoid taking the female to public places frequented by other animals during heat, as this can result in unwanted interactions and an increased risk of contamination.
Insect Control: During heat, females may attract insects like flies and mosquitoes due to bleeding. Keep the environment clean and use insect control measures to prevent health issues.
Feeding and Hydration: Ensure the female has access to a balanced diet and fresh water. Some females may lose appetite during heat, so monitor food intake.
Comfort Zone: Create a quiet and comfortable space where the female can rest during heat. This can help reduce stress and ensure she feels safe.
Each animal is unique, so it's important to tailor care to the individual needs of the female. If you have any doubts or concerns, consult with a veterinarian for specific guidance on caring for your female during heat.

 

 

Additional Information about Heat in Female Dogs and Cats:

Functioning of Heat in Female Dogs:

How to Identify Heat in a Female Dog:

In addition to the characteristic bleeding, swelling of the vulva is an evident sign that the dog is in heat. Behavior can also change, becoming more affectionate and demanding more attention.

 

When Does the First Heat Occur?

The first heat varies depending on the breed and adult weight of the pet. In small breeds, it usually occurs between 5 and 8 months, while in larger breeds, it can occur around 1 year of age.
Duration of Heat: Heat lasts an average of 21 days, ranging from 14 to 28 days. Female dogs usually go into heat every 6 months.
Menstrual Cycle Phases:

Proestrus:

Duration: 6 to 14 days.

Ovary prepares for ovulation.
Vulvar bleeding with attractive pheromones.
Increased urination to spread pheromones.
The dog licks herself more frequently to stay clean.
Males are attracted, but females are not receptive.

Estrus/Heat:

Duration: 5 to 15 days.
The female becomes more receptive to males.
Raises hips and places the tail to the side to show the vulva.
Clearer vulvar discharge.
Ovulation occurs.
To prevent pregnancy, keep the male away for at least 21 days.

 

Diestrus:

Duration: 2 to 5 months (variable).
The female is not receptive, and males do not attract her.
Little interest in males.
Possibility of pseudopregnancy (false pregnancy).
Period between heats, with no ovarian activity or sexual interest.

 

Functioning of Heat in Female Cats:

Heat in cats differs substantially from other species. The estrus/heat cycle in felines does not follow a regular pattern, and its duration and intervals are influenced by the environment.

 

When Does the First Heat Occur?

The first heat usually occurs between 8 and 10 months. The duration varies depending on the health, weight, living conditions, and breed of the cat.

Duration of Heat: Varies between 5 to 20 days, with the possibility of restarting due to environmental stimuli.

Frequency: No fixed recurrence, influenced by the environment. External factors, such as the proximity of males and increased daylight, affect heat. Generally, it occurs in the spring, every 21 days.

Identification of Heat: Altered behavior, increased affection, and sociability. Mating posture, territorial marking with urine, and genital licking.

 

 

Menstrual Cycle Phases:

Proestrus:

Duration: 1 to 2 days.
Initial signs of affection and body rubbing.
Males are attracted, but there is no receptivity.

Estrus:

Duration: Up to 19 days, averaging 6.
Mating posture with the elevation of the hips.
High concentration of estrogen.

Diestrus:

Duration: 30 days (without fertilization) to 35-70 days (with fertilization).
Absence of sexual behavior.
Possibility of pseudopregnancy.