Team My Angel Shih Tzu
Adopting a female Shih Tzu dog differs slightly from adopting a male dog as pet parents are unfamiliar with the puberty issues of female small breed puppies; I was. But we should know how long Shih Tzu is in Heat. You must be wondering what the heat cycle means or heat cycle in dogs. So, the Estrus or heat cycle is the maturation of the reproductive organs of dogs.
Normally, this is the time when a male-female canine becomes young and starts menstruating like humans. In which vaginal bleeding occurs, and during this period, the female dog is quite ready to conceive. In these flat-faced dogs, the heat cycle begins between seven and 12 months, and in some dogs, between four and 12 months, it lasts a full 23 days, including their vaginal discharge. The first heat cycle of Shih Tzu is definitely a bit difficult in dogs because some dogs get creams, and their behavior changes completely.
The pet owner should take special Care of their dog during this period concerning female food and drink and keep them away from the male dog if they have a female spay. Let’s know all the problems a female dog has to face, what phases she goes through, and how long a dog’s heat cycle lasts!
Quick Overview:
The heat cycle can occur in shih tzu between three months and 12 months in small breed dogs, with vaginal bleeding. The discharge blood color varies from dark red to white discharge, which is normal, with a heat cycle of about three weeks.
Picture Credit: Wallpapercave – Yandex
As the female dog becomes young, she goes through many behavioral changes as well as physical and hormonal changes that make some dogs lonely. During the heat cycle, they like to rest and Avoid interactions. The SHIH TZU heat cycle is divided into four phases, the duration of which is different, and the hormonal changes in each phase are different.
This is the first stage in which there is no vaginal bleeding; only the vulva swells and gets ready for the next phase in which there is bleeding. During this phase, this female dog attracts other male dogs towards her, but at this time, the ovaries are not ready for receptive mating. This is the phase in which maximum body changes occur, and the dog’s behavior is completely changed.
| Duration | Sings |
| 3-9 days | Vulva swell |
| Uncomfortable behavior |
Picture Credit: Baltana – Yandex
This is the second stage, which we also call the heat stage. Our beloved shih tzu are completely ready for receptive mating because their ovaries are completely fertile. Vaginal discharge can be noted between this phase, the hormone level reaches the peak, and ovulation starts from the ovaries. At this time, this phase can be a bit difficult for dogs as they are a bit uncomfortable due to staining and bleeding.
| Duration | Trick Training |
|
3-4 days |
Ovulation |
| Bleeding |
Picture Credit: Ruimages – Yandex
Picture Credit: Youtube – Yandex
This is the third phase in which the fertility period is over; now, the hormone level starts to decrease slowly, and the body starts to return to its normal state. This phase is also slightly different in dogs because it causes them to cramp, and a sudden change in behavior can be felt.
| Duration | Sings |
| 60-90 days | Hormones level decreases |
| Bleeding stop |
This is the last stage of the heat cycle in which the sexual behavior and sexually active period end; at the same time, the hormonal activity also ends, and the reproductive organs of dogs return to their original state. This phase lasts until the second heat cycle stage starts.
| Duration | Sings |
| Variable duration | Sexual organs inactive |
| Hormones in control. |
Picture Credit: Dailymail – Yandex
The menstruation period or sexually active period in dogs is slightly different from in humans. Dogs live in Heat for a long time, which has different phases. First, they prepare themselves, then their ovaries ovulate, causing ovulation, bleeding, and the release of hormones that compel them to mate with the male dog; and if mating fails, the ovaries slowly discharge the ovules in the form of blood. Remember, how often does a Shih Tzu go into Heat? Female dogs go through heat cycles twice a year. The overall length of the heat cycle also depends on many other factors, such as diet, age, and body weight.
NOTE:
In some dogs, the heat cycle starts even in 12 months, so there is no need to worry about it, and in some dogs, the heat cycle starts even in four months.
It is very important to know that your female dog has reached puberty. So that you can save him from the uncontrollable mating. There are some physical signs and behavioral changes that these small breed dogs show between estrus cycles that can help us know before the breeding period that your sweet female Shih Tzu is about to mature, such as:
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Remember:
Picture Credit: Pupvine – Yandex
The heat cycle is a bit difficult for shih tzu dogs, and they need a lot of attention and Care from their owners. So, with patience, taking Care of the canine can strengthen the bond between you and your dog.
Try to clean your dog’s genital area thoroughly with wipes during the heat cycle and bathe them four to five times a week to avoid any vaginal infections. You can also use period dog pads to prevent further blood staining.
Try to keep your dog indoors during the heat cycle and provide him with a clean and comfortable environment to rest so that he can spend his heat period well.
During the heat cycle, these female dogs are very close to male dogs, but to protect them from unwanted mating, keep your dog at home and completely avoid male dogs from coming in contact if you do not want further dog breeding.
The heat cycle in Shih Tzu is a natural process that naturally runs smoothly in all female dogs. Still, sometimes, some health concerns are related to this heat cycle, or if proper Care is not taken, many hormonal or physical Problems may be encountered.
Some health issues can occur between heat cycles, such as:
| Vaginal Discharge | Check the discharge if it is too much that is dangerous. |
| Pyometra | Uterine infection is a life-threatening infection. Must visit a vet to cure the issue. |
| Dystocia | If unwanted mating takes place, pain in labor and fetal distress occur. |
Some dogs experience hormonal imbalance after their heat cycle, which causes acne, stress, and anxiety is normal.
Here are a few signs that are dangerous for the first heat cycle in dogs.
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In case of any of the above signs, you must visit your canine for a veterinary check-up and suggestions.
Finally, the heat cycle of Shih Tzu is the time when female and male dogs sexually become active and ready to conceive.4-12 months is the time when Shih Tzu goes into Heat. It is the priority of a pet parent to take special Care of their dog during this heat cycle and protect her from unwanted breeding. The dog menstrual cycle repeats twice every year, lasting for about 23 days, and bleeding and pain are normal, but by using the best Care and dog period pads, you can save your dog from trouble. Visit our website to learn more!
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