What does it mean when a female dog is in heat?
The time during which your b itch’s reproductive system is active, i.e.,the time when the ovaries produce hormones and the b itch displays changes in her behaviour,is known as her “cycle” or “heat”. It is also described as the b itch being “in season”. The first stage of this “season” is known as Pro-oestrus – This is when the ovaries produce hormones which stimulate the womb to swell and prepare for a pregnancy. The vulva enlarges and becomes firm, discharges blood stained fluid and drops further downwards between the b itch’s hind legs. At this point the female will be attracted towards the male but will not accept the male for mating. She will be quite aggressive towards any attempt by the male to mount her. On average, this stage lasts approx 9 days. However, this stage can range from 2-27 days, depending on the individual b itch and breed. The second stage, or Oestrus of her season – is where she will seek out males and stand with her tail raised or “flagged” to one side. The disc
