Should you be unfamiliar with the heat cycle in female dogs, you might be in for some unexpected surprises. This guide will explain how long do dachshunds stay in heat and provide other vital information. We’ll delve into potential health risks and important specifics you should be cognizant of. Additionally, we’ll explore the advantages of spaying your Dachshund and acquaint you with the key terms and timings associated with the cycle.
How long do dachshunds stay in heat?
If you don’t know how female dogs go through heat, you may be in for a surprise. Here’s how long do dachshunds stay in heat and everything else you need to know. Below we’ll go over all the health risks and specifics you need to be aware of. We’ll also touch on the benefits of spaying your dachshund and all the timings and cycle terms to keep in mind.
A female Dachshund typically experiences a heat cycle that lasts between 21 and 28 days, or about 3 to 4 weeks. This doesn’t mean she’ll be ovulating for the entire duration, as ovulation generally lasts for about a week and a half to two weeks. Ovulation is discernible when the color of the discharge transitions from pink to clear.
How long do dachshunds stay in heat? Understanding the Dachshund’s Heat Cycle
Now that we’re clear on the length of a Dachshund’s heat cycle, let’s delve into the cycle itself. how long do dachshunds stay in heat? There are four primary stages, with only two actually constituting the heat period. A typical heat cycle includes four phases:
Anoestrus
This is the extended duration before and between your dog’s heat cycles. Hence, anoestrus is the period when your dog is not in heat, typically around 10 months of the year, considering that Dachshunds usually experience heat twice a year.
Proestrus
This marks the initial phase of the heat cycle. During proestrus, the dog’s womb and uterus prepare for a potential pregnancy. The vulva swells, and bleeding commences. Male dogs might start showing interest in your female Dachshund at this stage, but she will not reciprocate just yet.
Proestrus lasts between 7 and 10 days, essentially comprising the first third of the cycle. During this phase, you will notice her vulva swelling and an increase in self-cleaning behaviors. She will keep her tail close to her body and won’t show any interest in males. There might also be noticeable changes in her behavior, such as an increased attachment to you.
Oestrus
At this stage, the dog becomes attractive to males and becomes fertile. It’s crucial to keep a close watch on your dog during this period, as she may attempt to escape home in search of a mate. The discharge will transition to a yellowish hue, and your Dachshund will begin to exhibit playful and flirty behavior toward male dogs. When she is ready to mate, she will position her rear towards them and lift her tail to the side or over her back.
It’s crucial during this stage to understand the persistence of male dogs toward a female in heat. Ensure your yard is secure and be vigilant when opening doors to prevent her from running off. Avoid taking her to public parks during her heat cycle, as male dogs may react aggressively if they are deterred. If possible, exercise her at home, within the safety of your garden.
Dioestrus
This period ensues if a pregnancy has occurred following the heat. If you’re not intending to breed your Dachshund, you’ll want to bypass this stage. However, bear in mind that false pregnancies, also known as pyometra, are a possibility.
This period also corresponds to pregnancy. If she is not pregnant, she will still experience a surge of progesterone hormones. This hormonal change is believed to prepare females in the wild to assist in caring for puppies. Occasionally, these hormones can lead to phantom or false pregnancies, where your Dachshund might exhibit pregnancy symptoms, even though she isn’t actually pregnant.
Deciphering the duration of a Dachshund’s heat cycle and the need for spaying
How long do dachshunds stay in heat? Female Dachshunds typically experience a heat cycle that lasts for 3 to 4 weeks, usually occurring twice a year. If you don’t plan on breeding them, spaying is highly recommended.
Spaying enhances their health, eases their lifestyle, and prevents the problem of stray dogs. If you ever decide to welcome another dog into your home, countless adorable dogs in shelters and rescues are eagerly awaiting adoption. Furthermore, there is no shortage of puppies due to numerous breeders and puppy mills continuously producing dogs.
Supporting your Dachshund through her heat cycle: several helpful tips
The issue that troubles many owners is knowing how to assist their Dachshund during her heat cycle. However, the positive aspect is that our dogs are pretty smart and can generally handle this process rather well. Regardless, there are several tips that can make this easier for all involved:
Prepare with plenty of towels!
Given that it’s difficult to predict the amount of bleeding or discharge when your Dachshund goes into heat, it’s advisable to have an ample supply of old towels ready.
These can be used to cover her sleeping area, placed on the floor where she likes to lounge, and kept accessible throughout the house. Besides safeguarding your floors, towels are also easy to launder, ensuring a hygienic environment.
Keep a watchful eye during outdoor time
From the onset of the proestrus phase, your Dachshund’s scent will draw male dogs into the vicinity. It’s vital to keep an eye on her when she’s outside to avoid any potentially hazardous situations. Given that some male dogs might attempt to leave their enclosures to approach your Dachshund, vigilant supervision is essential.
Be ready for behavioral shifts
You might observe changes in your Dachshund’s mood and demeanor during her heat cycle, and it’s crucial to be empathetic and supportive at this time.
If she craves solitude, respect her need for it, and if she seeks solace, be there for her. It’s crucial to inform all household members so they’re aware of her requirements.
Always leash her
During the estrus phase, your Dachshund will be primed for mating and might even try to venture out to seek a mate. Leashing her is necessary to ensure her safety and prevent any unsupervised outings.
