You might be here for two reasons: Either you are thinking about breeding your dog or Worried about your dog getting pregnant. Having a bunch of puppies from a female. As a dog owner, this question might stuck Can dogs get pregnant when not in heat? The answer is “NO” because dogs get pregnant at a specific time in their reproductive system, which is known as their “Heat cycle”.
In this article, we will try to uncover the heat cycle of dogs, their stages, their pregnancy, and how we can understand when they are in heat.
Can dogs get pregnant when not in heat?
The right and quick answer is “NO”. Dogs cannot pregnant when they are not in heat, they can only get pregnant when they are in their specific time period called the heat cycle or estrus cycle.
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Estrus cycle:
The other name for a puppy’s estrus cycle is their “heat cycle”. usually, it can occur for most dogs every six months of period. During this estrous cycle, hormonal changes prepare the female dog’s body for their possible pregnancy.
During the estrus cycle, a female dog’s body releases eggs, that cause pregnancy in dogs. However, after the heat cycle, the chances of pregnancy are very low.
How do I tell if my dog is in heat?
As we know there are many breeds of dogs. so every breed’s heat cycle expression is different from others. Your un-spayed dogs might show some symptoms when they are in their first heat cycle.
Signs of heat:
Here are some signs that indicate your female dog is in heat and ready for mating:
- Increased affection
- Swollen vulva
- Bloody discharge
- Increased urination
- Raised tail or tail flagging
- Initial interest from male
- Temporary mood
If you’re in trouble while determining and recording your dog’s heat cycles, it’s better to contact a veterinarian to seek advice.
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How can I treat my dog during her heat cycle?
Here are some key points by following these it can be helpful for you during your dog’s heat cycle:
Hygiene:
- Your dog cleans herself by licking, which is important for her well-being.
- Don’t stop her from licking herself.
- When giving her a bath, be gentle because her swollen nipples and vulva may be sensitive.
Mood swings:
- During this time, she could be moody or extra affectionate.
- She may want to be near you and not leave your side.
- Your dog might go to quieter parts of the house to be alone.
- Remember, a dog in heat can get easily upset, so be patient and respectful.
Male attention:
- Secure your home backside with proper fencing to stop her from escaping.
- Be careful when opening the front door to stop her from running out, especially when you come back from work.
- Her body indicates that it’s time to mate, by her acute sense of smell to locate available males.
- You may notice strays or other dogs in the neighborhood sniffing and marking territory around your home.
- A female dog’s cycle usually lasts up to three weeks but it can be as short as five days.
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FAQs: Can dogs get pregnant when not in heat?
Still not satisfied here are some frequently asked questions:
Can dogs mate without being in heat?
The answer is “NO” When female dogs are not in the “heat cycle” they can’t even allow intercourse. In fact, the reason is that their reproductive system will not open for penetration.
What is silent heat in dogs?
The condition where some dogs ovulate, without showing the usual indicators of being in heat, like swelling and discharge. That condition of dogs is known as silent heat.
What are the 4 stages of a dog in heat?
The four stages for dogs in heat are:
- Proestrus: The start of heat, lasting 7 to 10 days.
- Estrus: The mating time in the cycle.
- Diestrus: Lasts 10 to 140 days.
- Anestrus: Downtime before the next cycle, about 6 months.
Is mating painful for dogs?
During the heat cycle mating won’t be painful.
How long is a dog pregnant?
Dogs’ pregnancies, known as the gestation period, usually last 57 to 65 days, with an average of 63 days.
Do dogs always bleed when in heat?
“YES”, you may notice her vulva looks big, red, or swollen, with some bleeding or pinkish discharge. This bleeding phase usually lasts 7 to 10 days, which is about half of her entire cycle.
How is pregnancy similar in dogs and humans?
The similarities between dog and human pregnancies are given below.
- Weight gain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Bigger appetite
- More naps
How is pregnancy different in dogs and humans?
There are some differences between dog and human pregnancies:
- Duration – Human pregnancies last about nine months, while dog pregnancies are only eight to nine weeks.
- Confirmation – Dogs don’t require a urine test to confirm pregnancy, unlike humans.