PET HEALTH
The Female Cycle
A female dog will have her first estrus cycle, or what is commonly referred to as “in heat”, once they reach puberty. On average, puberty is reached around 6 months, but this will vary by breed. Larger breed dogs may not reach puberty until 18 months to two years of age, while smaller breed dogs may have their first period earlier than 6 months of age. This cycle can last around 18 days, or 2-3 weeks.
It can take up to two years for a female dog to regulate their cycles, but most dogs come into heat about twice a year. Some smaller breed animals will cycle more often- three times a year, while giant breed dogs will cycle much less, around every 12-18 months.
Signs of Estrus:
Believe it or not, they do make dog diapers for females in heat.
The Controversy of Spaying Your Dog
This topic causes a lot of emotion and passion for many pet owners and veterinarians. As with many important decisions regarding health, there are both positives and negatives.
Positives:
Negatives:
For female dogs, the number of health benefits from spaying may outweigh the potential long-term problems. Unfortunately, weighing these risks and benefits will vary from dog to dog. Breed and age are variables that must be considered when decided whether or not to keep your female dog intact. If you choose not to spay your dog, consider reading up on what medicines you may be allowed to give your dog for pain during their periods.
Consider Investing in Dog Insurance
Looking for more ways to keep your pup happy and healthy? Consider investing in a dog insurance policy with MetLife Pet Insurance.1 Our dog insurance policies can provide the coverage and care your furry family member deserves. Get your free quote today.
Nothing in this article should be construed as financial, legal or veterinary advice. Please consult your own advisors for questions relating to your and your pet’s specific circumstances.
1 Pet Insurance offered by MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC is underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company (“IAIC”), a Delaware insurance company, headquartered at 485 Madison Avenue, NY, NY 10022, and Metropolitan General Insurance Company (“MetGen”), a Rhode Island insurance company, headquartered at 700 Quaker Lane, Warwick, RI 02886, in those states where MetGen’s policies are available. MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC is the policy administrator authorized by IAIC and MetGen to offer and administer pet insurance policies. MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC was previously known as PetFirst Healthcare, LLC and in some states continues to operate under that name pending approval of its application for a name change. The entity may operate under an alternate, assumed, and/or fictitious name in certain jurisdictions as approved, including MetLife Pet Insurance Services LLC (New York and Minnesota), MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions Agency LLC (Illinois), and such other alternate, assumed, or fictitious names approved by certain jurisdictions.