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BREEDING FOR PET OWNERS

2.  Oestrus and mating

When does a bitch first come into heat?

Puberty, or sexual maturity in the bitch, usually occurs around six months of age although it is variable.  The smaller breeds tend to mature earlier and some bitches can have their first heat or oestrus as early as four months.  On the other hand the large and giant breeds can be up to two years old before they mature and come into heat for the first time.

How often is my bitch likely to come into heat?

On average this occurs about twice a year.  However it is variable.  After the first heat there is always a great deal of variation in the frequency and this is normal.   Some bitches sometimes take a year or even eighteen months to settle down to a regular cycle.

Despite claims to the contrary there is no evidence that irregular heats predispose to false pregnancies or pyometra (pus in the womb).  Small  breeds tend to cycle more regularly than the larger breeds and three, and occasionally four heats in a year can be normal in some individual bitches.

Very large breeds may only cycle about once every 12-18 months.  In most giant breeds (Great Danes, Irish Wolfhounds, St Bernards etc) a yearly heat is usually normal.

How long does heat last?

From beginning to end allow at least three weeks.   Heat should be considered to begin with the first signs of discharge and with the bitch paying attention to her vulva.  This on examination will appear swollen.  It ends when all discharge ceases and the vulva has returned to its normal size.

What are the signs of heat?

The most notable sign is vaginal bleeding.  Sometime this does not become apparent until a few days after the bitch has actually come into heat in which case vulval swelling should be taken as the first sign, plus the bitch paying a lot of attention to her rear end.

From the beginning of the heat period she will be attractive to male dogs but does not usually allow mating until about 7-10 days later.  Then the discharge will be less bloodstained.

In some bitches the discharge can be heavy bleeding. If you are concerned please consult us.

You may also find the bitch is passing small quantities of urine more frequently.  This is her way of advertising to any interested males that she is soon to be receptive.

How do I know when it is the best time to mate the bitch?

This can be difficult.  Some bitches can ovulate either early or late during the heat period.  However most bitches ovulate and are receptive around the 11th day.  The discharge will then be less bloody and the bitch will be actively looking for a male.

Are there any tests to determine when to mate my bitch?

Yes there are two simple tests available from your practice. 

1. Vaginal smear test.  A simple microscopic examination of vaginal cells will detect changes in cell appearance and numbers.  This has been used for many years and is reasonably reliable.  As far as the bitch is concerned it is non-invasive and does not cause discomfort.

2. Blood test.  This  determines changes in the progesterone level in the blood.  This test is very sensitive.

Both tests can be  carried out in-house at the veterinary practice.  The blood test gives a very good indication of when mating is most likely to be successful and is very useful for bitches that have a history of unsuccessful mating or for breeding bitches that have to travel a fair distance to the stud.

What can I do to ensure mating is accomplished satisfactorily?

Surprisingly male dogs appear to be more stress sensitive than bitches thus successful matings are more common when the dog is in its own environment.  It is for this reason that bitches are usually taken to the stud dog.

The time of mating is extremely critical and it is for this reason that it is worthwhile having tests carried out at the practice.  For most bitches the most fertile time is between 10-14th day of oestrus.  Some bitches ovulate as early as the third or fourth day or as late as the eighteenth day.  Blood tests will give an indication regarding this.

It is also quite usual to arrange for two matings for your bitch, often 24 or 48 hours apart.   Check these details with the owner of the stud when making initial enquiries.   Also check the situation if your bitch does not become pregnant as a result of the service.  It is commonplace for owners of studs to offer a free service next time.

I was told that my bitch had tied well with the dog and that only one service was necessary.   What does this mean?

The genital anatomy of the dog and bitch is such that during coitus part of the dog's penis (the bulbis glandis) enlarges and is held firmly by the muscles of the vagina which contract, thus preventing the penis from being withdrawn.  This is the tie that is considered a desirable feature of a successful mating although pregnancy can occur without a tie.  Once tied the dog will often step over the bitch or be turned by handlers into a position so that the animals are back to back.

I found my dog tied to a bitch during a mismating.  Was there anything I could do to separate them?

There is little point in trying to separate animals that are locked in this way.  Buckets of cold water, water pistols, cap guns etc. do little to speed up the process of separation and merely upset the animals.

If a mismating has occurred, discuss it with your vet.  Prompt veterinary intervention can often prevent an unwanted pregnancy.