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Dog knowledge

Heat Cycles & Spaying
Understanding and protecting

A heat cycle is a natural process that lasts 21 days on average and comes round roughly every 6 months. It is a period that calls for constant vigilance.

1The two phases 2Safety: Zero risk 3Spaying techniques 4After the heat 5The Consistency rule
🔄 Diagram — The heat cycle
Diagram of the heat cycle in the bitch: Proestrus, Oestrus, Dioestrus, Anoestrus
🔬 1. The two key phases▼
Phase 1: Proestrus (~10 days)

Signs: Swollen vulva and bloody discharge. The bitch attracts males but firmly pushes them away.

Phase 2: Oestrus (~10 days) — Fertile period

Signs: Pink or clear discharge. Vulva at its most swollen. This is ovulation. The bitch becomes receptive and moves her tail aside if you touch her rump. Maximum risk of escaping.

🔒 2. Safety — The Zero Risk rule▼
🦮 Lead and long line essential
Even with a perfect recall, instinct is stronger than training. Never let your bitch off the lead during these 3 weeks.
🏡 Supervision in the garden
Never leave her outside on her own. A male can jump a fence or dig under it in a matter of minutes.
🚨 MATING EMERGENCY
If a male manages to mount her, a tie occurs (the two dogs stay locked together). NEVER TRY TO SEPARATE THEM. You would cause vaginal tears and a fracture of the male's penis. Wait 15-30 minutes for them to part naturally and call your vet within 24 hours.
🩺 3. Spaying techniques▼
Ovariectomy (standard surgery)

Removal of both ovaries. The most common method. It ends the heat cycles and the risk of mammary tumours (if done early).

Ovariohysterectomy

Removal of the ovaries AND the uterus. Recommended if the uterus shows abnormalities, or to rule out pyometra (infection) altogether.

Chemical sterilisation (temporary)

Hormone injection or implant. Stops the heat cycles without permanent surgery. Beware of long-term side effects.

Vasectomy / Tubal ligation

The dog stays “intact” hormonally (keeping their growth and protective hormones), but can no longer reproduce. Note: it does not stop heat-related behaviours.

👁️ 4. Vigilance after the heat (~2 months)▼
🐶 False pregnancy
The bitch “mothers” objects, has swollen mammary glands and becomes anxious. Remove the objects she is mothering and consult your vet if she produces milk.
🚨 Pyometra — LIFE-THREATENING EMERGENCY
An infection of the uterus. If she drinks a huge amount, urinates a lot, seems very tired or has dirty discharge, get to the vet immediately.
👑 5. The Consistency rule (1 in 10)▼

Rigour must be flawless

A single second of inattention (a gate left open, a lead dropped) is enough for a mating to happen. Keep in mind that one management error can have serious medical or behavioural consequences. You are the guarantor of her safety.

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