Dogs are man's most loyal friends and pets in many families. If you have a female dog, you may find that they sometimes come out with some blood, which is their menstrual period, also known as the heat or hot phase. What is the difference between menstruation in dogs and menstruation in humans? When do dogs get their periods? What should I pay attention to when my dog has menstruation? These problems are the concerns of many dog owners, let's find out together.
What is the difference between menstruation in dogs and menstruation in humans?
Human menstruation refers to the process of endometrial shedding and bleeding in women every month, which is a physiological phenomenon and has no direct relationship with fertility. Menstruation in dogs refers to the process of estrus and ovulation of female dogs at regular intervals, which is a reproductive phenomenon and is directly related to fertility. A dog's menstruation is for reproduction, so they will become interested in male dogs during menstruation, and they will also be sought and pursued by male dogs. During the menstrual period of dogs, their ** will shed some blood, but the amount is not much, and it is not every day, but it changes with the stage of estrus.
When do dogs get their periods?
The menstrual cycle of dogs is related to factors such as breed, body size, and environment, generally speaking, dogs will start their first menstrual period at the age of 6 to 12 months, that is, the first estrus. Small dogs develop faster than large dogs, so their periods will also come earlier, and some small dogs will even go into heat at 4 months. Large dogs develop more slowly than small dogs, so their periods will come later, and some large dogs will not come into heat until they are 18 months or even 2 years old. A dog's first menstrual period is a sign of their sexual maturity and means they can get pregnant, so be careful to avoid accidental mating.
A dog's menstrual cycle is generally semi-annual, that is, twice a year, but there are individual differences, some dogs will be more frequent, and some dogs will be more sparse. A dog's menstrual cycle can also be affected by factors such as environment, diet, health, etc., sometimes it will be earlier or delayed, sometimes it will be shortened or prolonged, and sometimes it will even skip. A dog's menstrual cycle generally lasts until they are old, but as they age, their menstrual cycle can become irregular, which can also affect their fertility.
What should I pay attention to when my dog has menstruation?
When dogs menstruate, they will undergo some physical and psychological changes, so give them more care and care. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Keep your dog clean and hygienic. When dogs menstruate, their ** will come out with some blood, which may stain their body and the surrounding environment, so wipe and clean them frequently to avoid infection with bacteria and inflammation. You can put on some special sanitary pants or sanitary napkins for your dog, or you can prepare some clean mats or blankets for them to lie comfortably. Do not bathe your dog, as this can disrupt their natural protective layer and increase the risk of infection, and can be wiped with warm water and a clean towel.
Avoid unwanted pregnancies in dogs. When dogs menstruate, they will become interested in male dogs, and they will also be sought and pursued by male dogs, so be careful to control their range of activities and not let them come into contact with unwanted male dogs. You can wear some *** or contraceptive rings for dogs, and you can also give them some contraceptive pills, but they should be used under the guidance of veterinarians, and do not use them at will, so as not to cause *** If you don't want your dogs to give birth, you can consider sterilizing them, which can avoid menstruation of dogs and reduce some diseases of the reproductive system.
Pay attention to your dog's physical and psychological condition. When dogs menstruate, they will have some changes in their body and psychology, such as appetite, spirit, emotion, etc., so it is necessary to observe their performance more and find and deal with some abnormal situations in time. You can provide your dog with some nutritious and easily digestible food, and you can also give them some foods that supplement calcium and vitamins to enhance their physique and resistance. You can give your dog some proper exercise and play to relieve their stress and anxiety, but don't overexert them and avoid strenuous exercise and collisions. You can give your dog some warm and comfortable environment to rest and sleep quietly, and also give them some love and comfort so that they can feel your company and support.