Bitches in Season

Understanding your bitch's season and preventing an unplanned pregnancy.

The season cycle

An unspayed female dog will usually come into season approximately twice a year, although the timing varies considerably between individual dogs and breeds. Once established, each bitch often develops her own reasonably regular pattern.

The canine reproductive cycle has several stages. The two stages most noticeable to owners are pro-oestrus and oestrus.

Pro-oestrus

Pro-oestrus begins when swelling of the vulva or a bloody discharge is first noticed. Follicles are developing within the ovaries in preparation for ovulation.

This stage commonly lasts around 6–12 days but may be considerably shorter or longer. Male dogs may show interest, although the bitch will not usually accept mating during the earlier part of this stage.

Oestrus

Oestrus is the stage during which the bitch becomes receptive to mating and can become pregnant. The discharge may become lighter, but some bitches continue to have a bloody discharge throughout the fertile period.

Ovulation does not occur on the same day in every bitch. Counting days from the beginning of bleeding is therefore not a reliable method of identifying the fertile period. Veterinary progesterone testing is more accurate when the timing of ovulation needs to be known.

Preventing an unwanted pregnancy

A bitch should be protected from mating during every season unless a carefully planned and responsible mating is intended. Young bitches should not be bred from before they are physically and mentally mature and have completed all appropriate health tests.

A brief lapse in supervision can result in a mating. Dogs can also mate through or over inadequate fencing.

• Keep your bitch on a secure lead whenever she is outside the home or securely enclosed garden.
• Do not allow her out of sight, even in an area where she would normally be allowed off lead.
• Avoid busy dog-walking areas and places where loose dogs may approach her.
• Check that your garden fencing and gates are completely secure. Supervise her while she is outside.
• Do not rely on hygiene pants to prevent mating. They are not a contraceptive.
• Tell anyone caring for or walking your bitch that she is in season and must remain securely separated from male dogs.

Living with an entire male

If an entire male and a bitch in season live in the same home, the safest arrangement is for one dog to stay temporarily at another secure property.

If this is not possible, the dogs must be separated by at least two secure barriers, such as a locked door and a second closed door or properly secured enclosure. A baby gate, crate or closed internal door on its own may not be sufficient.

Do not underestimate the determination or strength of either dog during the fertile period. Accidental matings often happen when a door, gate or enclosure is opened for only a moment.

Hygiene in the home

The amount of discharge varies. Some bitches keep themselves very clean, while others may leave blood on bedding, carpets or furniture.

Washable bedding and restricting access to carpeted rooms can make cleaning easier. Dog hygiene pants may also help protect furnishings. They should fit comfortably and be changed regularly to keep the skin clean and dry.

Discussing spaying with your vet

If you do not intend to breed from your bitch, discuss the most appropriate time for spaying with your veterinary surgeon. The decision should take account of her breed, age, size, health, lifestyle and individual risks.

Spaying during a season can carry an increased risk of bleeding because the reproductive tissues have a greater blood supply. Unless surgery is urgently required, many vets prefer to wait until the reproductive tissues have returned to their normal state.

Your vet will advise on the most suitable timing. Do not assume the same recommendation is appropriate for every bitch.

Spaying can alter the texture or density of the coat in some dogs, including some Rough and Smooth Collies, although the extent of any change varies.

Pyometra

Pyometra is a serious infection of the uterus which occurs in unspayed bitches. It often develops during the weeks following a season and can become life-threatening very quickly.

Possible signs include increased thirst, increased urination, lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, abdominal swelling and a vaginal discharge. A bitch with a closed pyometra may have no visible discharge.

Read more about pyometra.

Before breeding from your bitch

There is no health or behavioural need for a bitch to have a litter before she is spayed. Breeding carries genuine risks to both the bitch and her puppies.

Before planning a litter, consider whether the bitch is mature, healthy, temperamentally suitable and of sufficient quality to contribute positively to the breed. She and the proposed stud dog should have completed all recommended health tests.

You must also be financially and practically prepared for veterinary emergencies, including an out-of-hours caesarean section, hand-rearing puppies and lifelong responsibility for every puppy produced.

Potential complications

1. A frightened or unwilling bitch may panic during mating and injure herself or the stud dog.
2. Either dog may carry an infection or inherited condition if appropriate testing has not been completed.
3. Puppies may be born with serious congenital or inherited conditions.
4. A puppy may become lodged in the birth canal, causing dystocia and requiring an emergency caesarean section.
5. Prolonged or obstructed labour can result in the death of puppies and can place the bitch's life at risk.
6. The uterus may tear or fail to contract properly, resulting in life-threatening bleeding or infection.
7. An inexperienced or distressed bitch may fail to remove the birth sac or stimulate a puppy to breathe.
8. Some bitches reject their puppies or do not produce sufficient milk, leaving the breeder responsible for continuous hand-rearing.
9. A bitch may damage a puppy while removing the umbilical cord or moving and cleaning the litter.
10. Puppies may inhale fluid, develop infection or fade despite intensive veterinary treatment.

Responsible breeding requires detailed knowledge, suitable facilities, access to veterinary care and a realistic emergency budget. Advice should be sought from an experienced breed mentor and a veterinary surgeon before a mating is planned.

Recommended reading: The Book of the Bitch

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