How long are shih tzus in heat

The way you can know your Shih Tzu is no longer a puppy is when she goes into heat for the first time. While she still may have more growing and developing to do, the first heat cycle marks the permanent transition towards adulthood. In this article, we will walk you through what to expect when your female Shih Tzu has her first heat cycle. We will talk about the signs and behaviors and how to make life more comfortable for your sweet girl.

The length of time a given dog is in heat depends on breed, genetic history, health, age, and other factors. In this short owner-made YouTube video, you can watch a young female Shih Tzu dog going through her first heat cycle. You may notice the dog is wearing what looks like canine diapers. This is actually what they are, too. For tiny dogs like the Shih Tzu, the first estrous heat cycle typically arrives at around six months of age, according to Vet Info. Different dog breeds will have their first heat cycle at different times depending on their size and genetic history.

According to Ask a Dog Breeder , a general rule of thumb is that a female Shih Tzu dog may go into heat between two and four times per year. This is important information to know when discussing the Shih Tzu heat cycle. Any of these issues can lead to vocalizations in our female dogs. Some bitches will cease bleeding when proestrus ends, others will continue to produce a bloody discharge throughout the full oestrus period.

Every bitch is different, but in general standing heat when the female will let the male mate her is from days after the start of bleeding, and lasts for days. If your dog easily becomes exhausted or is spending more time napping, it may indicate that she is pregnant. That incredibly high number means you are at considerable risk of having a litter of unwanted puppies if you are not careful. Thankfully, there are still a number of relatively safe means to preventing pregnancy after mating.

So, how long are dogs pregnant? Physical signs include a swollen vulva and a blood-tinged discharge. Although many dogs will keep this area clean, Shih Tzus tend to have a hard time reaching this area. To avoid any messes, many owners recommend using diapers. This second stage can last anywhere from four to twenty-four days in total. Attention from male dogs will continue, but now the female Shih Tzu will be receptive to these advances.

With the pheromones she emits during this period, the attention she receives from male dogs will be heightened. It may also result in aggression from females, which can sometimes escalate into fights.

If you have no intention of breeding your Shih Tzu during this period, it will be necessary to keep her away from other dogs as much as possible during this time. During this stage, your dog will once again lose interest in reciprocating male attention. On average, this third stage of the reproductive cycle will last two months. If this happens, you may notice your dog exhibiting the following behaviors:. Aside from these behavioral changes, you may also notice several physical changes. Even though a loss of appetite is common during false pregnancies, the female Shih Tzu may stay at the same weight, owing to fluid retention.

Other physical changes include a swollen belly and enlarged mammary glands that may or may not lactate. If you suspect that your Shih Tzu is pregnant, it would be best to take her to see your vet as soon as possible.

It is important to watch her closely. You may want to consider buying some appropriately sized dog diapers or dog pants to protect her from mating with unwanted suitors. Did you know that dog diapers are great at preventing a Shih Tzu pregnancy! There are several types of dog diapers and pants available for smaller dogs such as the Shih Tzu. Using dog diapers can help in the preventing of stained carpet and furniture during her heat cycle as well.

Dog diapers also can mean a lot less cleanup for you. There are several types of dog diapers to choose from. There are the disposable and reusable washable dog diapers. Each one has benefits of its own. Some pet owners prefer to use disposable just for their convenience.

The reusable dog diapers can be washed and reused. Reusable dog diapers come in assorted fabrics, colors and patterns. Pet Magasin makes a washable dog diaper available at Amazon that comes in a 3 pack. It has 4 different sizes x-small, small, medium, and large.

These disposable dog diapers come in 5 sizes from x-small to x-large. Other products that are well worth considering are dog wipes, that deodorize and clean. It is so very important to know when your Shih Tzu is coming into heat and going out of heat. Some of the signs are clear and there are some subtle clues.

Pay attention to your own female and learn her behavior. This stage of the female heat cycle can last from days. The average is usually days. There are 4 common signs for a Shih Tzu in heat during this stage:. During this time your Shih Tzu is fertile her actual heat.