Our fur babies are good escape artists.
Some of this mischievousness may lead to unexpected mating.
If you’re a dog parent who doesn’t plan to breed your dog…
And you’re looking for signs to know if they do the deed with other dogs…
Keep reading to discover:
- 4 stages of a canine heat cycle.
- How mating impacts a dog’s health and wellness.
- 7 physical changes in a girl dog’s body after mating.
- 5 behavioral changes a male dog experiences after he has mated.
- And so much more…
8 signs a female dog has mated
#1: Displaying aggressiveness
Being in heat is undergoing a series of hormonal roller coasters for dogs.
Female dogs (bitches) experience various behavioral changes along with physical changes.
Thus, it matters that we supervise them.
Puberty or sexual maturity in female dogs happens around 9 or 10 months of age.
However, smaller breeds tend to undergo heat as early as 4 months.
What’s more, it takes 18 months or 2 years to go into puberty for larger breeds.
Canine estrous is a cycle of ovarian activity in female dogs.
They become reproductive receptive to non-receptive to males.
The four different stages of estrous:
| Stages | Duration |
| Proestrus | Start of heat. It lasts from 7 to 10 days. |
| Estrus | The mating period. This stage will last from 4 to 24 days. |
| Diestrus | End of heat stage. This period lasts about 2 months. A girl dog is either pregnant or resting. |
| Anestrus | It can last up to 4 months. It prepares the body for the next heat cycle. |
You might wonder how often estrus occurs in female dogs.
Our female pooch can experience estrus about twice a year.
However, this varies per breed.
For instance, smaller dogs undergo this more often than giant breeds.
Except for Basenji and other sled dog breeds…
They experience heat only once per year, particularly during spring.
“What’s my clue that my dogs are undergoing the estrus stage? ”
Some clear physical signs that your female dog has mated is:
- Agitation.
- Nervousness.
- Aggressiveness.
Aggression, according to vets, is the dog’s typical form of communicating.
However, some fur parents consider a display of aggression undesirable or problematic behavior.
With this said, it matters that we know the various types of aggression.
One of which is sexual aggression.
It’s a behavior directed towards the opposite sex associated with mating behavior.
This happens when male (stud) dogs compete for a female dog’s attention.
Or a female dog goes against other female dogs for access to a male.
Researchers linked aggression in females to reproduction.
They concluded that aggressive behavior increases in females when:
- Mated.
- Lactating.
- Gestating.
- Protecting an offspring.
Remember that female dogs in heat secrete mating hormones.
Thus, displaying aggressive behavior.
Aggression in females increases between 2 to 4 hours after a single mating.
Plus, it’ll continue to elevate for at least a week.
You might be interested in: 13 Safe Tips To Calm Down A Sexually Excited Dog (How-To)
#2: Swollen vulva
Another thing that you’ll notice is the swelling of her private part.
This is a normal sign your pooch is entering the estrous cycle.
An unspayed girl dog produces estrogen in this phase.
This will lead to tissue expansion and outward facing of the vulva.
Since this phase can last for two weeks, it’s best to take good care of your dogs.
Other reasons for a swollen vulva include:
- Injury.
- Allergy.
- Vaginitis.
- Infection.
- Pregnancy or labor.
If you notice swelling in your dog’s vaginal area, it’s best to consult your vet.
Some of these may need immediate medical attention.
However, if you want to save yourself from this responsibility, spay your pooch.
Spaying is a surgical procedure female dogs go through to sterilize them.
It’s called Ovariohysterectomy. The total removal of ovaries and the uterus.
However, you have the choice to remove only the ovaries.
This process is referred to as ovariectomy.
”What are the advantages of spaying my dog?”
Spaying your pooch can prevent:
- Breast cancer.
- Heat or estrus.
- Ovarian cancer.
- False pregnancy.
- Pyometra (uterine infection).
More than its health benefits, spaying can increase our dog’s lifespan.
A scientific study suggests spayed females tend to live longer by 26.3% than those who aren’t.
Scientists see unaltered dogs’ reduced lifespan due to an increased wanting to roam.
We must remember spaying doesn’t changes Fido’s:
- Affection.
- Behavior.
- Personality.
- Intelligence.
- Playfulness.
I know that spaying or neutering our dogs will open debate.
However, as fur parents, it matters that we remain open to new information.
Not only that, but always base our decision on valid research data.
#3: Excessive genital licking
Licking their genitals is a normal grooming behavior for dogs.
For instance, after urinating you’ll see your pooch licking their privates.
That’s one way to clean themselves.
However, frequent licking of the genitals may indicate something like:
- Vaginitis.
- Allergies.
- Unusual discharges.
- Anal gland impaction.
- Skin irritation or infection.
- UTI (urinary tract infection).
Vaginitis is a vaginal inflammation that causes redness, swelling, and discharge.
This is usual for females undergoing the estrus period.
Their vulva gets bigger and you’ll notice bloody discharges.
This initial bleeding causes her to lick her genitals.
Vaginitis in young dogs settles after the first heat.
So, there’s no need to worry.
However, if you observed unusual swelling or redness…
See your vet for a thorough examination.
#4: Vaginal discharge
You might ask, “do dogs have their period?”
Yes. Like humans, girl dogs have their estrus cycle.
During this cycle, estrogen levels will increase and then decrease.
After this, her ovaries will release eggs.
You don’t have to worry about this as the vets in this video tell us:
Aside from this normal cycle their body experiences…
There are other reasons why your pooch bleeds or has discharges:
- Pyometra.
- Heat cycle.
- Miscarriage.
- Vaginal tumors.
- Vaginal inflammation.
Now, let’s focus on one of the possible reasons: the heat cycle.
If your sweet girl is unspayed, they’ll experience 2 to 3 heat cycles per year.
Also, when they’re in heat, a bright red bloody discharge is normal.
They can bleed for up to 10 days.
Her vulva will swell and it’ll keep males attracted to her.
Note: Keep in mind that every female pooch is different. So, some may experience more heavy vaginal bleeding than others during estrus. This doesn’t mean there’s something problematic with your pooch.
#5: Frequent urination
Another common sign that your female dog is in heat is her frequent urination.
Some fur parents noticed that they want to be left outside to urinate.
A female dog’s pee contains pheromones and hormones.
Pheromones are chemicals released by female dogs to send a signal to males.
It can be behavioral or emotional reactions such as:
- Fear.
- Sexual.
- Avoidance.
- Aggression.
Usually, dogs have to use their urine to mark their territory.
Thus, you might think they have an endless supply of it.
However, AKC’s Chief Vet Officer Dr. Jerry Klein reminded fur parents to…
Have your pooch checked right away if there’s an unusual urinary pattern.
As it could mean alarming health issues like:
- Cystitis.
- Bladder cancer.
- Diabetes mellitus.
- Cushing’s disease.
- Urinary pH imbalance.
- Kidney or liver disease
- UTI (urinary tract infection).
- USMI (Urethral Sphincter Mechanism Incompetence).
#6: She pushes her rear when you pet her
Our female dogs may push their back up while you pet them.
She may also hold her tail up and to the side while you pay attention to her.
This action means she’s in heat and wants to attract a stud.
Another thing that you may notice is her humping behavior.
If you catch her doing this, it’s normal because of her hormones.
Especially if she’s unspayed.
One of the triggers of this humping behavior is sexual.
So, don’t punish your dog for humping toys or blankets.
However, if your dog humps you regularly, you must need to take action and address it.
You may do the following:
- Consider spaying.
- Remove distraction.
- Socialize with others.
- Schedule a park visit.
- Do more physical activities together.
You might want to read also: 5 Reasons Why Dogs Can’t Get Sexually Attracted To Humans
#7: Sudden interest from studs
Male dogs can smell female hormones.
Such hormones attract males.
You have to pay attention to your pooch’s behavior at this point as they become flirty.
Your lovely female dog may show affection towards male canines.
#8: Avoidance
When your female dogs start to show disinterest in Fido, that’s your clue they have mated.
On the other hand…
Male dogs will roll around the ground after mating.
Now that you have these pieces of evidence to clear your suspicion…
What you may wonder is if your girl dog is pregnant.
Here are some clues you’re going to be a grand fur parent.
- She’s a little quiet.
- Her appetite will change.
- She’ll start gaining weight.
- Your dog may start vomiting a little.
- Her nipples may produce a semi-clear fluid.
- Her tummy will swell on the 40th day after the mating.
However, these signs may vary from dog to dog.
What I have provided here are common indications to guide you.
It’s still best to consult your vet regarding your pooch’s pregnancy.
5 signs a male dog had mated
#1: Wooing
As social and highly-intelligent creatures, canines know the art of seduction.
In our doggos world, “wooing” is a technique that helps a stud flirt with his mate.
This technique involves a lot of licking, flirting, and nuzzling.
Sometimes you may think they’re in love and share a deep connection.
You’ll see Fido spending a lot of time around a female pooch sniffing her vulva.
He’ll follow her.
Plus, he’ll make several attempts to mount or get her until she gives in.
If you notice your stud doing this, chances are he had just mated.
#2: Penis erection
If your naughty woofer returns with a penis still very erect, he had intercourse.
You’ll notice that his penis will look swollen and enlarged…
Also, it’ll remain outside of its sheath.
Which may take longer to go all the way down.
However, it matters you know that a penis erection doesn’t always mean sexual.
There are other reasons why your stud has random erections:
- Stress.
- Belly rubs.
- Overexcitement.
- Getting his favorite food.
- The sight of his walking leash.
You might ask, “Do dogs masturbate?”
Yes. Male and female dogs do masturbate.
Normally, intact younger dogs are more prone to do this than older ones.
They’ll hump their toys or lick their privates as much as they want.
Or to your embarrassment, even hump your visitor’s leg.
If you want to stop this recurring behavior…
It’s best if you consider spying or neutering them.
Not to mention, flashing his red rocket can mean another health issue:
- Incontinence.
- Skin allergies.
- Priapism (a severe condition causing a painful and constant erection).
- Paraphimosis ( when the penis glans remains exposed for 30 minutes).
#3: Calm nature
Normally, a young pooch will become frantic around a female dog.
He’ll follow her around and ensure to mount her.
Failed attempts can lead him to whine and whimper.
However, if you notice your unneutered dog is less aggressive.
This only means he had mated with her.
#4: Abnormal body position
Another tell-tale sign that coitus is over is when your dog has an odd gait.
It’ll take a while for them to return to their normal body position, which is normal.
You’ll see him licking his penis and prepuce after being “tied”.
Moreover, your canine may become disinterested in other females in estrous.
A study revealed the dog’s physical and psychological factors affect this.
Studs can mate up to 5 times a day, depending on how his previous encounters went.
#5: Fido rubs himself on the ground
After mating, he’ll roll around the ground because of ecstasy.
Vets confirmed rolling means he got what he wanted, thus making him happy.
Also, he aims to leave his scent.
An increase in testosterone levels after sexual intercourse causes him to do this.
However, don’t mistake this behavior as a sign of mating alone.
Dogs can roll around their back if they feel an itch or want to cover up a scent.
Before you assume anything, ensure that the above-mentioned signs are present.
“Is there a need for Fido to mate?”
There are no studies that state mating can have a direct impact on your dog’s health.
They don’t have to mate to survive.
If you’re conscious of breeding your dogs because of overpopulation…
Or any moral or ethical beliefs you hold on to as a fur parent…
Mating them is not needed for them to live.