Support for Bitches in Heat

With Darcy in her 3rd season, I thought it was time we talked about how we deal with it as nature intended! Though it may be hard to believe, Darcy doesn't always like to be smothered. However, that all changes when Darcy is in Season, or any kind of discomfort for that matter so I try my hardest to support her the best way I can whilst keeping things as natural as we can. Though it can take a little more work (Some may say) I believe it’s better to let dogs be dogs.

So what happens when a bitch comes into season?

The Four Stages Of A Bitches Heat Cycle;

Proestrus: Proestrus is the start of the heat period where your dog’s body is preparing to mate. Signs seen during this phase include a swollen vulva, blood-tinged discharge, excessive licking of the genital area, clingy behaviour, and aggression toward male dogs. Your dog may also hold her tail close to her body. 

Estrus: The estrus phase is the mating phase where your female dog will be receptive to males. You may notice that your dog seems to be urinating more frequently than normal, as she is marking spots to indicate her readiness to breed. Although she may be leaving urine marks in areas, her vaginal discharge will slow and may change to a straw colour. Since your dog is ready to mate, she will approach males with her tail held to the side but will be aggressive towards other females. 

Diestrus: This phase occurs directly after the “in heat” stage and allows your dog’s body to either return to normal or develop into a pregnancy. Her vulva will return to normal size and vaginal discharge will disappear.

Anestrus: Anestrus is an inactive phase, and no signs of hormonal or sexual behaviour are noticed. 

How Often Will A Bitch Come Into Heat?

A bitch will typically have 2 heats a year - usually around 6 months apart. A bitch can experience their first heat as young as 6 months old. Some females will have irregular cycles, especially if they are very young or very old. Small breeds may cycle three times per year, while giant breeds may only cycle once every 12 months. Unlike some other species, canine oestrous (heat or season) cycles are not dependent on the seasons, sunlight, or temperature. Some seasons can vary in length from two to four weeks. But the average is 4 weeks in length.

What Signs Indicate That My Dog Is in Heat?

The more aware you are of your dog's cycle, the more prepared you will be for any physical and behavioural changes that may occur during her heat. During each phase of her heat cycle, you will notice different changes, and they may include the following signs;

• Mucus discharge from the vulva 

• you may smell a strong odour from the bitch just as she comes into season - during this time the bitches scent is so strong.

• Significant increase in the bitch self-cleaning her vulva 

• Swollen vulva - usually a few days before any signs of bloody discharge

• Bloody discharge 

• Increased urination 

• Mood changes - you may find the bitch is more clingy, restless and generally showing more signs of timidity. During this time training commands may relapse.

• Loss of appetite 

• Mood swings caused by the increase in hormones. 

 How To Deal With Bitches In Season - Naturally?

You don’t need to do anything at all, you’ll find she will instinctively deal with it on her own - Darcy had her first season around 6 months and I was amazed at how quickly she learned how to keep herself clean and tidy! You ‘ may’ notice the bitch becomes a little clingy to you or maybe a little more moody, just support her, and try and not make too much of a ‘big deal’ out of what she is going through. 

You may find that your dog may cry a little, and carry around soft toys in her mouth ‘ mouthing’ them like puppies & a bit further into the season, she may ‘ nest build’ and scrabble up the bedding, this is normal behaviour. 

If she’s on your bed or carpets, you may need to cover her with pants / but generally, she is best left to clean herself - you can use nappies if you wish or other knickers but just keep an eye as They can lead to infection as you can imagine they will undoubtedly toilet in the nappie too. I like to cover the sofas with old blankets and the beds with washable blankets - for darcy, I introduced washable nappies slowly and for a small period at a time. I only use these at night time between 11 pm - 7 am as during this time Darcy is on the bed and asleep and doesn’t clean herself as much as she typically would through the day. 

When your bitch is in season, it’s important to be very wary of her being near to any male dogs, or if she is left in the garden (only particularly if your fence is short) this is because male dogs can smell a bitch in heat from a great way off. If you have a safe place to walk her, keep her on a lead but be careful and try to walk at quieter times. If you have to take your dog to the vets during her season, ensure you let the receptionist know your bitch is in season - that way they can manage any intact males that may be in the waiting room at the same time. 

Lastly, it’s important to mention and note that Her Vulva will enlarge quite a bit throughout however this is normal.

If you find your bitch is more out of sorts than normal then you can give raspberry leaf tablets for dogs from Dorwest Herbs (canine supplement company) it is a veterinary licensed medicine  - it’s recommended to give 2 tablets a day per 10kg - I've been giving these to Darcy and these have helped her settle more. Raspberry leaf tablets provide symptomatic relief of problems associated with whelping, and they help in the prevention of pseudo-pregnancies in dogs and cats. The raspberry leaf tones the smooth muscle such as the uterus - in other words, they help with cramping and are great at preventing false pregnancies/phantom pregnancy in dogs and cats – a condition where milk is produced in the absence of actual pregnancy and which is often persistent after each heat.

Another good aid is Bac to nature’s bitch spray - it’s a natural, trouble-free and highly effective means of deterring unwanted attention from other dogs while bitches are in season. This product has been specially formulated to remove the scent which leads to the initial attraction. It is sprayed directly onto the bitch's vulva and surrounding areas several times each day, beginning a few days before the start and continuing throughout the bitch's season. I only use this when walking at busy times but it would also be good to use for households with entire males and bitches.

Once your bitch has finished her season, another good herbal support is evening primrose oil capsules - they help to restore your bitches hormones back to normal and can help to avoid the behavioural changes if your bitch particularly struggles with the hormonal rush.

Phantom Pregnancies In Bitches

Pseudopregnancy in dogs usually occurs from 6 to 12 weeks after the female dog is in “heat". The various symptoms are caused by levels of the hormones progesterone and prolactin. Prolactin, for example, is the hormone that stimulates milk production. False pregnancy can also be caused by exposure to and subsequent withdrawal from progesterone, the hormone that regulates ovulation and menstruation.

 Phantom pregnancies in dogs seem to be influenced by many factors such as environmental, nutrition and genetics. The age of the dog and the number of times she has given birth also affects her likelihood of developing this condition. Scientists have estimated that around 50% of dogs who haven’t been spayed will develop a pseudopregnancy during their lifetime. 

Sometimes it can be as high as 75%, particularly in some breeds – including Afghan hounds, Beagles and Dachshunds. Once your dog has had a phantom pregnancy, the chances of it happening again after future estrus cycles are also increased. Some dogs experience a false pregnancy after every season if they weren’t successfully mated.

Symptoms Of Phantom Pregnancies

At the end of diestrus (the period following estrus), your bitch may show behaviours seen with impending motherhood, even though she is not pregnant along with these other symptoms; 

• Mammary development

• Lactation

• Abdominal distension

• Refusal to eat

• Nesting instincts

• Mothering of toys

• Restlessness

• Panic like behaviour

• Moving around of bed or sleeping area

How To Prevent/Treat False Pregnancy 

A pseudopregnancy in dogs is usually self-limiting and it's important to remember that most cases are mild and don’t need treatment.

The one thing that vets do recommend is to stop your dog from licking her mammary glands. It also helps to avoid brushing and touching this area.

 That being said, Prevention is the best answer for a bitch who is prone to phantom pregnancies. natural supplements can help reduce phantom pregnancies, as mentioned earlier,  Raspberry Leaf Tablets are a licenced veterinary herbal medicine which is authorised to aid false pregnancies, you give these to your dog at soon as you see signs of a season, depending on the weight of the dog varies on the dosage supplied. Your bitch should continue to take the tablets until one week after whelping which is usually twelve weeks. Raspberry Leaf for dogs has a very successful rate in preventing phantom pregnancies and is highly recommended by many owners.

Other Natural Remedies Which Are Used To Help Phantom Pregnancies Are:

Pulsatilla 15C – Again this helps dogs experiencing a false pregnancy but also helps soothe tender gums and soothe the mouth and throat. This should be given every 2 hours for the first 12 hours and then four times a day until the symptoms reduce. 

Urtica urens 3C- This increases milk flow in lactating pets. A natural calming remedy or supplement (Check out my remedy and supplements highlights) may support your bitch through the Psychological aspect of the phantom pregnancy.

Note: Always consult with you vet first, before using any types of medication for your pet.