Signs That a Dog Is Going Into Heat
If your unspayed female dog is acting peculiar, she may be about to go into heat. Canines will display certain behaviors when they are approaching their cycle, and your pooch may show some of the telltale signs of doing so. Most dogs go into season twice a year, and knowing if your dog is going into heat can help determine when you should breed her or when you should keep her away from other dogs.
Swelling of the Vulva
One of the definite signs of a dog going into heat is the swelling of her vulva. To examine her vulva, have her stand up with her rear facing you. Under her anus, going toward her stomach, you will find her vulva. A normal vulva is small and can be difficult to see, depending on the dog. A swollen vulva, however, is enlarged and rather easy to find. If you are unsure about the size of your dog's vulva, take her to her veterinarian, who should be able to tell you if it is swollen and if she is in heat. You may also want to examine her vulva at times in which you know she is not in season so that you will have a point of reference for which to compare next time you are unsure about if she is going into heat.
Vaginal Discharge
Another sign of a dog going into heat is vaginal discharge. Vaginal discharge only occurs in the first of the three cycles a dog goes through when in heat. This first cycle, called proestrus, lasts about five to 14 days, during which your dog can have a clear discharge, as well as bleeding. Many folks think that once the dog has stopped bleeding that she is out of heat, but she actually still has two more stages to go through.
Abnormal Behavior
As your dog is going into season, you may notice some behaviors that are different than what is normal. She may constantly lick her vulva area, which could be due to the swelling, as well as the discharge. She may also have to urinate more frequently. However, excessive urination can also go along with infections of the bladder and urinary tract; therefore, if you are concerned, take a sample into your veterinarian's. Dogs who are in heat may "flag" their tails, meaning they will hold their tail to the side. In addition, the pooch may also "stand" for her male, which means she is standing in a position that is easy for him to mate with her. If your dog is going into heat, she may also whine or hump other dogs, inanimate objects or legs. You may also find a few male dogs visiting your lawn if your dog is going into season.
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