Recognizing Female Dog Heat Symptoms For Breeding

If you are interested in breeding your female dog, you will have to learn to recognize the female dog heat symptoms to know when the time is right. The symptoms will be hard to miss, but all dogs are different so you should watch for them carefully.

If you are considering breeding your female dog, you should plan to skip the first heat cycle. The first time your dog will experience female dog heat symptoms is likely to be when they are only six months old. Of course, it could be later for some dogs, but the general age is six months. Your dog’s body is not fully prepared for pregnancy and puppy birth so you should wait through the first cycle. You want your dog to have the best chance of surviving the birth and the pregnancy.

Remember; when you are breeding your dog, sometimes dogs don’t make it through the birth of their puppies. Even with the best veterinary care, some dogs are not prepared and do not have the strength to make it through the difficulties of giving birth to their puppies. There are often times when the puppies don’t make it through the birth as well. You should seriously consider whether you are willing to take that risk with your dog. If she is a beloved pet you may want to reconsider.

However, if she has become your dog for the express purpose of breeding you should prepare yourself for the first sign of female dog heat symptoms. The first thing you are likely to notice is a change in her demeanor. She may appear to be moody and anxious. This is the first indication that her heat cycle is beginning.

You will want to watch the entire cycle. The dog is only able to breed for a couple of the days during the cycle. If you are breeding the dog you should take her to the vet at the first sign of female dog heat symptoms. There are tests that the vet can give you your dog to determine the best time for breeding. She will be more apt to conceive if you get the timing right.

During the time of her heat cycle you can keep her away from any other dogs. She will not be particularly picky about who she breeds with so you should keep the dogs away from her. If you are looking to breed her with a particular male you should make her available to the male when she is most likely to conceive. Consult with your veterinarian for the best time to begin the introductions.

Joshua Drew is a puppy and dog enthusiasts. While he isn’t taking care of his own dogs, he can be seen at his local college taking English courses.
Find more information on his website at Female Dog Heat Symptoms