how often does Sibs come in heat? Aiyana was in heat the end of nov. and she is in heat now, this is the second time she has ever been in heat? Also when is a good age to breed her, I have been told two different ages. I don't want to do it too soon. She is my baby and I don't want to do any thing that will harm her.
Experienced Advisor Rae says:
February 18th, 2009 at 08:14 PM
Usually after 2yrs of age they can be bred. Most reputable breeders will do either OFA or PennHip x-rays of the hips prior to breeding. This aids in prevention of hip dysplasia to her offspring (the male should have hip x-rays as well).
Here is some information on a female dog in heat:
The average heat cycle for a dog is approximately 3 weeks and since this an an average, some heats are shorter (as little as 7-10 days), others are longer (4 weeks or more).
Average times between heat periods is seven months but some dogs can cycle as early as every 4 months, some once a year.
Lengths of heat cycles and intervals between cycles are different for each dog but most dogs hit somewhere close to the averages.
The first part of heat you will notice bleeding from the vulva, swelling of the vulva, possible increase in urination and the most noticeable, male dogs hanging around the house. During this period (proestrus), females will not allow the males to breed with them although the males will be very persistent.
The second part or estrus is the time in which the female will allow the male to breed her and this can last anywhere from 4-21 days. A female, most of the time, will allow most any male to breed during this time. As the female starts to go out of heat or enter diestrus, she will be less willing to breed.
Again this stage can last 4-14 days but averages approximately 7 days. The next cycle usually begins about 7 months from the start of the last heat cycle, not the end of that cycle but again this varies from dog to dog.
The interval stays the same even if she becomes pregnant.
If you do not intend to breed her, you might consider spaying her. There are many health benefits associated with spaying such as decreased chance of mammary tumors and you will not have to worry about pyometra, metritis or unwanted litters -overpopulation is a big problem - just take a trip to a humane shelter. For every puppy born, there is one less home for a dog on death row, totaling into the millions of dogs put down every year, including pure breds.
If you elect to spay her, this can be done during heat but it may be best to wait until the heat cycle is over to decrease the chance of complications.
The normal canine companion will benefit greatly from being spayed. Problems that can develop later in life, such as mammary cancer and uterine infections, are greatly decreased if an ovariohysterectomy (spay) is performed. The longer you wait, the greater her chances of developing medical complications.
Kathy says:
February 18th, 2009 at 08:32 PM
Thanks for your help.
Experienced Advisor Rae says:
February 18th, 2009 at 08:33 PM
No problem:) **If that is her in the pic she is adorable**
Kathy says:
February 18th, 2009 at 08:39 PM
sure is. Thanks
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