When Do Golden Retrievers Go Into Heat For The First Time
Golden Retrievers go into heat around the age of 10-14 months. You may expect her to have a period of heat every six-nine months, lasting around two to three weeks. The 4 Stages of the Heat Cycle are Proestrus, Estrus, Diestrus, and Anestrus.
During her heat cycle, your Golden Retriever will go through certain physical and behavioral changes. Knowing what to anticipate will make things much simpler for both you and your dog.
The first heat of your dog will most likely be like any other. Youll notice some bleeding right away, as well as additional attention from any male dogs in the house. When the signs appear, it shouldnt be difficult to tell if shes in heat or not.
The first heat of your Golden Retriever may be erratic. There are instances when the initial heat is more of a quiet one, with fewer symptoms. This has no bearing on their fertility.
Its also possible that your puppy will have irregular heat for the first time. She may stop bleeding for a while and then resume a few weeks later. Her body is only now becoming used to the process of puberty.
How Do I Know If My Dog Is Out Of Heat
How Do I Know If My Dog Is Out Of Heat? Whether you want to breed your dog or prevent a pregnancy, there are noticeable signs to look for regarding the females vulva appearing swollen or larger than normal. Additionally, the swelling or enlargement of the vulva is accompanied by a bloody vaginal discharge. The color of the discharge will change over the course of the cycle.
Initially, the discharge is very bloody, but as days pass it begins to thin, becoming watery and pinkish-red in color. During the heat cycle some female dogs will urinate more often than normal.
The females urine, during the estrus cycle, contains pheromones and hormones signaling she is in heat.
The frequent urination referred to as marking behavior, results in the dog urinating in small amounts on various objects, either in the home or outside of the home.
This marking behavior is a signal to other dogs that she is in the reproductive state, thus attracting other dogs, particularly males.
The female, in order to send a sign to nearby males, will hold her tail up and move it from side to side to disperse her scent and attract the males near her.
There Are Bleeding And Discharge
Youll probably notice bleeding first and foremost when your dog goes into heat. Every dog is different when it comes to the amount, color, and consistency of their discharge. Theres also no set time for how long their discharge will continue.
When bleeding and discharge stop, its usually a good sign that their heat is coming to an end. As your dog grows and you witness more of her heat cycles, you will become accustomed to how this sign shows itself.
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Doggy Pants Can Be Wonderful
Bleeding is one of the problems that owners may feel uncomfortable during the heat cycle. Even though your dog cleans the discharge by itself, the menstrual cycle-bleeding may cause staining on your beds, furniture and where ever your dog goes.
Specialized Doggy pants would be the best solution for this. After my research, i found the best ones for your dog. Some dogs may not prefer wearing these pants in the beginning. But it is easy to habituate your dog to these pants so that the house does not become messy due to bleeding.
These doggy pants even help in masking the scent of your female Labrador, that helps male dogs to stay away.
At What Stage Of The Estrus Cycle Is The Dog Able To Get Pregnant
The female dog usually ovulates at about the time that the vaginal discharge becomes watery; this marks her most fertile stage and is the time when she will be most receptive to breeding. However, sperm can survive for a week in the reproductive tract and still be capable of fertilizing the eggs, so it is possible for her to get pregnant at any point while she is in estrus. Contrary to popular belief, it is not necessary for the female to tie with the male dog in order to get pregnant .
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So When Do Golden Retrievers Have Their First Heat
Well, her heat cycle usually kicks off when she is around 10 to 15 months old, but bigger breeds can start from 18 to 24 months. Smaller breeds might go into heat as earlier as 6 months, especially when they are around other dogs in heat. If she goes beyond 24 months without having her first cycle, then make sure a vet examines your dog as soon as possible to determine whats potentially wrong with her.
Whats great about this kind of dog is that she will, often than not, have regular cycles after her first heat cycle. Tracking her heat cycles can help prevent unwanted pregnancy or prepare for it. And in line with, you need to keep in mind your Golden Retriever should not be bred the first time she goes into heat. Its recommended to consider breeding when she is at least in her second or third cycle and after she has been checked by a vet.
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What Does A Golden Retriever Look Like
Its hard to miss a Golden Retriever. Theyre stunning dogs that stand out from the crowd, mainly because of their dense waterproof golden coat and high-held, feathery tail.
According to its breed standard, they have a solid and broad head. Its more apparent in males, but both genders should have well-defined skulls.
Aside from that, they have eyes that are friendly and intelligent lookers that will melt the coldest heart.
Their soft, floppy ears arent too long. When you gently pull them forward, they should just cover the eyes.
Do you own a Golden Retriever and want to breed it? Are you wondering whether or not you should? If youve decided to breed your Golden Retriever, you probably want to know the best age to start the breeding process. If youre new to the breeding world, its common to have these questions. Its also common to feel overwhelmed at the amount of information related to breeding Golden Retrievers.
Breeding can be quite a fulfilling and rewarding experience. However, most individuals are unable to breed their dogs due to a complete lack of understanding of pet breeding. This is why weve composed this blog post. Continue reading it to get the right insights into dog breeding how to breed, when to breed, and the best age to breed a Golden Retriever.
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Golden Retriever First Heat: Prevent Pregnancy During The Heat Cycle
Besides the diapers, there are other precautions you should take to prevent your dog from getting pregnant. Just like we did with our females in sweat, you should always make sure theyre in a chick with a top. Youre going to be surprised by what a male dog is capable of with a scent of estrus in his nose.
The first step is to know when your female is likely to get heavy. Mark it on your calendar with a weeks leeway on either side of it when you think its probably going to hit you. When time passes, place a white, clean sheet on your dogs bed. Thats the best way to see when she starts bleeding.
Caring For Your Male Dog Around A Female In Heat
While male dogs do not go into heat, when female dogs go into heat it can have a major impact on them.
When a female dog is in heat, she releases a pheromone called Methyl p-hydroxybenzoate that has shown to sexually arouse male dogs that pick up that scent. That’s by design, of course but it can stir up a lot of chaos for you and your canine companion. If an intact male dog catches the scent of a nearby female in heat, she will become his entire focus. Male dogs may stop eating, increase their marking, become increasingly aggressive and obsess over tracking down the female dog in heat throughout the duration of her cycle.
If you have an intact male dog who lives near an intact female dog, it’s important to keep him as far from her as possible when she’s in heat if you are not looking to breed with your dog. Be sure to take your male dog out for lots of independent exercise and activity and keep him distracted as best as you can. Certain pheromone sprays can also be helpful during these times, particularly if there’s some distance between the two dogs to start. Be sure to speak to your veterinarian before using any of these sprays.
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Stages Of A Golden’s Heat Cycle
It is important to know your goldens behavior and signs as she goes in and out of heat. This will help you know what stage she may be in, what is going on with her physically and how to address her needs during each phase.;
Remember every golden is different so the time ranges may vary from dog to dog, as well as, the behavior.;
When Does A Dog’s Heat Cycle Begin
A dog’s heat cycle may appear to be something quite difficult to understand. Unlike other species, the canine heat cycle does not seem to follow any logic . Rather, it occurs regardless of whether it is the dead of the winter or the dog days of summer.
Many times the dog’s heat cyclebetter known as the estrous cycleseems to be quite unpredictable. The first heat generally occurs around six months in small- to medium-sized dogs and around 12-18 months in larger breed dogs. However, it is not unheard of some giant dog breeds going into heat at around 30 months of age.
A dog’s heat cycle explained in pie chart form.
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Which Time Is Best To Spay Your Dog
Because there are so many different opinions associated with each age, it all comes down to assessing the factors involved in spaying. What is the age of your dog? What is her size? What is her temperament?
Veterinarians agree;that all these must be considered before you make the decision about spaying your dog. However, considering all the studies that have been carried out, it is best to assume that spaying should be done after the dog has reached sexual maturity. This would mean that you will have to wait till after the first heat: when she is about 12 months old.
Best Age To Breed A Golden Retriever
Do you own a Golden Retriever and want to breed it? Are you wondering whether or not you should? If youve decided to breed your Golden Retriever, you probably want to know the best age to start the breeding process. If youre new to the breeding world, its common to have these questions. Its also common to feel overwhelmed at the amount of information related to breeding Golden Retrievers.
Breeding can be quite a fulfilling and rewarding experience. However, most individuals are unable to breed their dogs due to a complete lack of understanding of pet breeding. This is why weve composed this blog post. Continue reading it to get the right insights into dog breeding how to breed, when to breed, and the best age to breed a Golden Retriever.
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How To Take Care Of Your Female Golden Retriever During Heat
You can take care of your female Golden Retriever during heat by giving her emotional attention, setting aside some time for hugs, and providing chew-resistant toys. Never chastise your dog for making a bloody mess. Make your home a relaxing haven for her, and keep her occupied with toys and treats.
- Dont let her outside alone
- Avoid taking her to public places
- Provide emotional support
- Cuddle when shes clingy
- Dont scold or shout when your dog makes a mess or leaks on furniture
- Find a good balance of exercise and rest
- Get some doggy diapers
- Set aside some extra slots for lots of cuddles;
- Offering chew-resistant toys
- Make Your Home a Calm Place to Rest
- Keep Her Distracted With Toys and Treats
- Use a GPS tracker to find your dog if she wanders around trying to mate
- Talk to your vet about spaying
Male Dogs Are Coming Around More Often
Because your Golden retriever is in heat, she is giving off pheromones to attract other dogs. Male dogs can smell your dog at this time from a mile or more away and wont hesitate to track her down.
Make sure you stay with your dog while she is outside during her heat. There is no barricade high enough to keep a determined male from making it into your yard if he knows your dog is in heat. Its better to be safe than sorry.
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How Long Are Dogs In Heat
An unspayed female dog who is ovulating and ready to breed is commonly referred to as being in heat. Heres what you should know about the dog heat cycle.;
If your sweet little girl is not yet spayed, dont be caught off guard if she gets her period. You should be in the know about the female canine heat cycle, called estrusincluding the signs of a dog in heat and how long a dog stays in heat.
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Helpful Tips To Calm Down A Golden Retriever
Unless you speak dog, youll never truly know your Golden Retrievers needs, so it helps to eliminate one issue at a time, until youve cracked it. Try the following:
It may be more than one thing thats causing your dogs hyperactivity so dont give up! Training and stimulation while your Golden Retriever is still young will mean the crazy days will soon be a thing of the past and the result will be a steadfast companion.
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How Do I Comfort My Dog When She Is In Heat
You can comfort your dog while she is in heat through providing emotional attention, setting aside some extra slots for lots of cuddles, offering chew-resistant toys, Never scolding your pup if she makes a bloody mess, Make Your Home a Calm Place to Rest, Keep Her Distracted With Toys and Treats.
You can check out the best chew toys for golden retrievers here.
Can Golden Retrievers Live In Hot Weather
The VCA gave golden retrievers three out of five stars for being able to handle warm weather. This rating means that goldens can live in warm weather, but you need to take some extra precautions to ensure that they wont get too hot.
Therefore, you should never leave your golden outside or exercise them during the hottest part of the day. Its best to keep them somewhere cool, preferably inside, when it is really hot out. If you need to leave your pup outside at any point in time, they need to have lots of shade and fresh water.;
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She Starts Odd Mounting Behaviors
Dont be surprised if your dog starts to mount dogs, objects, or your legs. Shell probably do it a lot. It wont matter if the other dog is male or female. Its a natural reaction to the hormones shes experiencing.
She will also be much more tolerant of other dogs mounting her. If this isnt normal behavior for your golden retriever, dont worry, it will end when her heat cycle is over.
Tip #: Keep Your Golden Retrievers Weight Under Control
Golden retrievers love to eat, so they do have a tendency to become overweight if theyre overfed.
Since theyre already susceptible to joint and heart issues, you definitely dont want them to gain too much weight.
To keep their weight under control make sure that they get enough exercise and are fed the proper amount.
For males, golden retrievers should weigh between 65-75 pounds, and for females, they should weigh between 55-65 pounds.
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Lets Look At The Pros And Cons Of Spaying
Pros Of Spaying Your Female
1. Prevents Pregnancy
Some dogs have complications while they are pregnant or giving birth. Your female dog could die trying to give birth or could suffer from infections later on resulting in death.
2. Prevents False Pregnancy
A few weeks after a heat cycle some female dogs show symptoms of being pregnant such as lactating, nursing, and acting motherly towards their stuffed toys, without actually producing puppies. An imbalance of hormones is what causes this, and it can affect your dogs metabolism and cause health issues.
3. No Unwanted Puppies
There will be no accidental pregnancies and unwanted puppies. You will be helping to control the pet population. There are so many homeless dogs and many dogs and puppies are euthanized every single day.
4. No Heat Cycles To Deal With
Heat cycles are messy and last about 3 weeks. Your floors will get messy, and you will have to contain your female dog. Females in heat can be smelled from a far distance, and male dogs will do anything to get near your dog.
5. Reduced Risk Of Certain Types Of Cancers
When the ovaries and uterus are removed your dog will not get cancer in these organs. The risk of mammary cancer is also reduced if your dog is spayed before the age of 2-2.5 years old.
6. Spaying Prevents Pyometra
Cons Of Spaying Your Female/Early Spaying
1. Your Dog Is More Likely To Be Overweight/Obese
2. Increased Risk Of Hemangiosarcoma
3. Triple The Risk Of Hypothyroidism
7. Urinary Incontinence