Heat and Pregnancy - The Most Stressful Times in a Dog's Life?

Any woman who's experienced PMS or been pregnant can empathize with other women going through the same thing; it's not much different for your dog! When she's in heat or due to be, she'll experience rapid and turbulent changes to her hormonal levels that may temporarily alter her character.

The heat cycle - also known as 'season' or estrus - usually happens for the first time when your dog is around eight months old but some breeds don't start until they are eighteen months old. After that, it should occur every six months but this differs with each breed.

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The signs that she's about to come into season include changes to her personality such as signs of distress and restlessness, changes to her appetite, swelling of the vulva and often a pink discharge and tucking her tail in if another dog comes near her.

During this time, you may find that she's clingy and doesn't want to 'share' you with anyone. She might also become aggressive towards other dogs - even dogs she's familiar with - especially if they are male. She may become difficult to control outside and might try to 'flirt' with male dogs but then become aggressive if the dog tries to mount her. Unless you specifically want to breed from her, it's usually best to keep her as close to home as possible with as little contact with other dogs as possible.

If she becomes pregnant, you may notice that she again becomes aggressive and/or anxious. This is normal and is nature's design to help the bitch keep her and her puppies safe at this vulnerable time. The average gestation period for dogs is about 63 days and it's very important to pay special attention to her diet; obesity during pregnancy can cause blood sugar disorders that endanger the lives of mother and pups.

Her need to protect her unborn pups is paramount to her so try to avoid putting her in situations that are likely to trigger that protectiveness into aggression or distress. For instance, avoid having new people around her and don't try any obedience training during her pregnancy. Don't make changes to the home such as moving her basket or redecorating; she needs things to be as calm and 'same-old' as possible.

During the final three weeks of her pregnancy, she needs seclusion as much as possible. This includes stopping contact with any other dogs you may have. The past few months will have been a difficult and confusing time for your dog. On the one hand, she's doing what nature intended and reproducing but on the other, she's not used to doing this and some dogs cope less well with change than others.

Being in heat and being pregnant are very stressful times for a bitch but you can help her by ensuring that her world is as comfortable and unchanging as possible. Stability and wellness matter more now than probably at any other time in her life so whether she's in heat or pregnant, treat her as you would expect to treat a human female; gently and with understanding!

Heat and Pregnancy - The Most Stressful Times in a Dog's Life?

The author is the owner of DogSymptoms.org. Learn about dog parvo symptoms and pregnant dog symptoms from an expert at his dog symptoms site.

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