Pets Knowledge

Do dogs get their periods too? 🤔

Avatar of the author: Dr. Elizabeth Claire 07/11/2024 11:59:28
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Did you know that female dogs can also have their periods?

**So, for those who are raising a female dog for the first time, how should you properly take care of our furry friends during their menstrual cycle? Let's take a look together~**

🐶 **When do dogs go into heat?**
✅ **First period timing**
1. Generally, dogs will experience their first heat between 6 to 12 months of age.
2. Smaller dogs may go into their first heat around 6 to 8 months.
3. Larger dogs typically experience their first heat between 9 to 12 months.
✅ **First period symptoms**
1. The female dog's vulva will swell, and a red discharge will appear.
2. Female dogs will begin to clean their vulva and surrounding area with their tongue.
3. During their period, female dogs will be more interested in interacting with male dogs.

🐶 **Menstrual period precautions**
✅ **Period frequency**
1. Typically, a female dog will go into heat twice a year, though rarely three times. This usually happens from March to May in spring and from September to November in autumn, with the heat cycle lasting 6 to 10 days.
2. The length of the heat cycle can vary between dogs, and some may have a longer period.
⚠️If the heat period lasts more than 20 days, it might indicate an abnormality. It is recommended to go to a pet hospital for a check-up to assess hormone levels and check for ovarian cysts or endometritis.
✅ **Wearing menstrual pants**
Prepare pet-specific menstrual pants and pee pads to prevent bacterial infections. At home, both pee pads and pants are fine. When going out, use menstrual pants to prevent blood from dripping and to protect from male dogs' harassment.
✅ **Cleaning**
Use clean, warm water, a basin, and a cloth to clean the vulva daily to prevent bacterial or fungal infections. Keep the dog bed clean to avoid bacteria and parasites.
✅ **Keep warm and protect the tummy**
Ensure your dog stays warm by providing a cozy bed and blankets. Do not let your dog sleep on cold floors.
✅ **Supplement nutrition**
Similar to humans, dogs need nutritional supplements during their long menstrual periods, especially foods that boost blood. Avoid feeding them cold food. Provide nutritious, easily digestible food, and occasionally feed them vegetables or high-fiber dog food.
✅ **No baths during periods**
It’s best to avoid bathing female dogs during their period to prevent infections. Wait until the period ends before bathing.

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Adult dogs have stronger immunity and are less likely to get sick 😷. So, how should we take care of puppies during their early stages⁉️ ⭕️ 0-1 month: Newborn Stage ▪️ The nutrients from the mother's milk are the best source for a puppy’s growth. It contains maternal antibodies to boost immunity. For first-time dog owners, it’s not advisable to adopt puppies younger than 3 months. If the puppy’s mom is not around, you can use lactose-free milk or goat milk powder as a substitute. ⭕️ 1-2 months: Vaccination + Deworming ▪️ This is the weaning period. Start deworming and vaccinations to boost immunity. Puppies can begin internal deworming at one month old and external deworming at two months. The first vaccination can be given at 45 days (deworm first, then vaccinate), with a week interval between deworming and vaccination, and 21 days between each vaccine dose. Ensure the puppy is healthy, active, and has a good appetite before deworming or vaccinating. ⭕️ 2-3 months: Transition to Dry Food ▪️ Puppies at this stage have fully developed senses and physical abilities, with better digestion. Their milk teeth should be complete. Gradually transition from soaked puppy food to dry kibble. This helps prevent double-row teeth. Basic training such as sit, shake hands, and potty training can also be started. ⭕️ 3-4 months: Teething Period ▪️ Puppies will start teething, losing milk teeth, and growing adult teeth. They might chew on things more, so provide teething sticks. Their puppy fur will start to shed, so feed them fish oil or cooked egg yolk to promote a healthier coat. ⭕️ 4-6 months: Growth Spurt ▪️ Puppies enter a rapid growth phase with increased appetite and noticeable growth in body size. Begin increasing meal portions gradually and reduce meal frequency from 3-5 times a day to 2-3 times. Feed them at regular times and amounts. If they eat too quickly, consider using a slow feeder bowl. ⭕️ 7-8 months: Estrus Period ▪️ During this period, puppies may become more irritable and exhibit behaviors like running off or barking without reason. Male dogs might start marking territory, and females will go into heat, so have doggy diapers ready. If you don’t plan on breeding, consider spaying or neutering. Always use a leash when walking them and stay away from dog crowds (large breeds should wear a muzzle to prevent accidents). ⭕️ 9-10 months: Shedding Period ▪️ This is the heavy shedding season, which can be challenging for owners. Regular brushing will prevent matting. Feeding fish oil or cooked egg yolk can also help maintain a healthy coat. ⭕️ 11-12 months: Maturity Stage ▪️ Dogs gradually become adults, growth slows, and their size stabilizes. Their temperament becomes more stable, and they behave better! You'll soon have a well-behaved dog! #Dogs #NewDogOwners #DogDaily #DogCare #PuppyCare #DogCareTips #PuppyLove #DogKnowledge 🐾