Understanding your pet's reproductive cycle is important whether you plan to breed or not. At Shivraj Pet Clinic & Lab, many of the pyometra (infected uterus) emergencies we treat could have been prevented with earlier spaying. Here is what you need to know about heat in dogs and cats.
Dogs — Signs of Heat (Oestrus)
Female dogs (bitches) first come into heat between 6 and 24 months, depending on breed size. Small breeds mature earlier; giant breeds can take up to 18–24 months. After the first heat, cycles typically occur every 6–8 months.
Signs your dog is in heat:
- Swollen vulva — the vulva enlarges noticeably
- Bloody vaginal discharge — ranges from bright red to pink or straw-coloured as the cycle progresses
- Increased urination — she urinates more frequently and in smaller amounts to spread her scent
- Behavioural changes — increased restlessness, attention-seeking, or agitation
- "Flagging" — when touched near the tail, she raises and deflects her tail to one side (indicates she is ready to mate)
- Attracting male dogs — intact males may gather near your home
The heat cycle lasts approximately 21 days. The fertile period (when pregnancy can occur) is typically days 9–14, but this varies. Dogs can become pregnant during their very first heat.
Cats — Signs of Heat (Oestrus)
Cats are seasonally polyoestrous — they cycle repeatedly from January to October in India, coming into heat every 2–3 weeks if not mated. First heat typically occurs at 5–9 months.
Signs your cat is in heat:
- Extreme vocalisation — loud, persistent yowling, especially at night, often mistaken by owners for pain
- Rolling on the floor — rubbing her head and body along the floor and furniture
- Assuming the mating posture — lordosis, crouching with the hindquarters raised and tail deflected
- Restlessness and attempting to escape outdoors — a cat in heat will actively try to get outside to find a mate
- Increased affection — unusually clingy with owners
- Reduced appetite
Unlike dogs, cats in heat do not typically show vaginal bleeding.
What to Do When Your Pet is in Heat
- Keep dogs on a lead at all times — an intact male dog can detect a female in heat from over a mile away
- Keep cats strictly indoors — a determined male cat will find a way in, and a determined female in heat will find a way out
- Do not use contraceptive injections repeatedly — progesterone-based injections to suppress heat significantly increase the risk of pyometra and mammary tumours
The Case for Spaying
We strongly recommend spaying female dogs before their first heat, and female cats by 5–6 months. Spaying before the first heat reduces mammary cancer risk by over 99%. It eliminates the risk of pyometra (infected uterus), which is a life-threatening emergency requiring surgery. It removes the management burden of repeated heat cycles.
Call 077569 65169 to schedule a spaying consultation at Shivraj Pet Clinic, Wakad & Pimple Saudagar.
