What to do when your female dog reaches sexual maturity and is in heat

When your dog reaches sexual maturity, a number of things happen - both physically and mentally. It's different for females and males, but both go through big changes. A female dog's sexual maturity is shown by her being in heat.

Mature female dog

Depending on the breed and the individual, the female will reach sexual maturity between about 7-24 months of age, when it is time for her first heat cycle. Often, smaller breeds have their first heat earlier than larger breeds. Most female dogs are in heat twice a year, about five to seven months apart. The heat cycle consists of four phases - pre-heat (Proestrus), high-heat (Estrus), post-heat (Diestrus) and rest period (Anestrus). What we call "the heat" consists of the pre-heat and the high heat and usually lasts about 3 weeks. During the heat, the female dog is fertile, which means she can become pregnant.

The mood

It is common for the female dog's mood and behaviour to change before, during and after the heat. She may appear low or depressed and not want to romp as usual. Some female dogs lose their appetite and eat less than usual, while others are the opposite and have an increased appetite and eat more than usual. After a heat, your dog's maternal instincts may be reawakened and she may experience a false pregnancy. This can be shown by her "taking care" of small toys as if they were her puppies, guarding them, showing nesting behaviours, such as moving blankets to form a bed etc. The female dog can also become irritable during the heat period, which is quite normal.

Protection

To prevent the dog from staining the floor and furniture during her heat, she can wear heat pants or special nappies for dogs, which are available in pet shops. These protective items come in different sizes, and you should choose one that suits your dog.