Our question this week was:When do female dogs get their "periods"? My dog, Lady, is 4-years-old and hasn't gotten her period yet, is that normal? AnonymousAnswerHi – thanks for your email. Female intact dogs also referred to as "bitches", reach sexual maturity (puberty) between 4 to 18 months of age, at which time they experience their first estrus. There is a tremendous variability in the maturation age between breeds, and even within a breed of dog. Estrus is the period of breeding lasting approximately five to nine days; together with proestrus in known as the time of being "in heat". Some breeds will cycle once every 4 months (e.g. German shepherdThe German Shepherd Dog BookBig, handsome, hardy, high-spirited, and good-natured, the German shepherd has been a favorite since the 1890s when it first became a registered breed...) while others will cycle once every 12 months (e.g. basenji). In general, older bitches (female dogs) cycle less frequently than those younger.Some dogs will not get their "periods" on a regular basis.
Estrus in the female dog is part of the normal reproductive cycle. Intact female dogs that have passed puberty typically go into estrus twice a year. During this time, the female is receptive to the...
Here are answers from our previous “Ask Dr.Jon” Questions. We hope they help you find the answer you need.
Here are answers from our previous “Ask Dr. Jon” Questions. We hope they help you find the answer you need.
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