When do shih tzus go into heat

You might be a new owner or have a Shih Tzu rescue that has not been spayed so here are some common signs that might help you out:. When your Shih Tzu bitch is in heat, you will notice different changes to their body and behaviour such as the following:. Their heat cycle begins as soon as they smell pheromones in the air that a female gives off when they are in heat.

When it comes to a heat cycle, both male and female undergo changes such as the following:. When the male dog enters into the heat cycle, the production of testosterone male hormone is triggered which increases the production of another lesser-known hormone which is cortisol. Cortisol chemicals are the main cause of stress, irritability, frustration, and aggressiveness. This is the main reason why many dogs live in continuous stress and it can also lead to other types of psychological problems.

On the other hand, a male dog that has detected a female in heat nearby will not allow other males around her so usually dogs with an affectionate character can become aggressive toward other dogs. If a female dog rejects a male dog, the male dog can suffer from depression due to the simple fact that they thought the smell from the female dog would result in the opportunity to mate and breed. This depression can manifest itself with behaviours such as a decrease in appetite, crying, fatigue, or even howling.

Females in heat urinate more often so male dogs will tend to follow the smell that they left. So without thinking about their owners, they will try to find the source of that smell and will even try to cross dangerous streets in their pursuit. If you notice your male dog being fixated more than usual on smelling, exercise some caution on walks. They can bolt and be very determined in getting to an on heat female. A male dog that smells pheromones in the air will feel a great need to leave his mark in different areas which can cause problems especially at home because he will leave his scent anyhere he feels the need to.

That can also include places inside the home. This is marked by different states of stress. Your dog may even ignore you and be distracted or confused. You can put on a diaper on her and even clothes over it to protect your floors and furnishings from the discharge.

If you need to take her out, make sure that you use a short leash because male dogs can smell her and will be very determined in trying to reach her. There is nothing that drives a dog more than the chance to reproduce. In males, even the neutered ones, they can still smell the irresistible aroma coming from the female dog in heat. When you are aware of the existence of a female dog in heat around your male Shih Tzu, try to do the following:. Spaying can reduce the chances of your dog getting cancer of the ovary and the mammary glands.

Although the Shih Tzu heat cycle might not be noticeable just by looking at the dog, over time you will notice accumulated discharge on the bedding and other areas where your dog usually rests. If your dog is showing signs of discomfort, it will help to place something warm near her belly. Even if your Shih Tzu stays indoors most of the time, if she has been outside to pee, her scent will be left outside which will attract a lot of male dogs which are known to run across rivers, jump fences, and go through any terrain to find a female in heat.

For this reason, we advise you to keep your dog away from public areas like dog parks. If you take her outside to pee, make sure to scope the area beforehand.

During the heat cycle, make sure to take care of your Shih Tzu properly to make sure that they go through the cycle smoothly.

However, most veterinarians do not like to do this procedure if a female is so close to starting her cycle. This is not done during a cycle, as this can cause complications.

There are a couple of care elements to take note of. Though the amount of discharge will not seem like very much, and often is not even noticed if you are looking at a dog, it will accumulate. This will cause hairs on her rump to stick together and bloody discharge will soak into bedding, furniture, and any other porous surfaces that a Shih Tzu sits, rests, or sleeps on. Place a doggie diaper on your Shih Tzu. Gia, 1 year old.

Photo courtesy of owner: Mary. Alternatively, you may wish to use washable canine diapers like Pet Magasin's Reusable Dog Diapers in Size Extra Small , which are easy on the budget and environmentally friendly. Spot clean your Shih Tzu. You'll want to do a daily wipe of her genital area and surrounding area.

For this, a wipe like Petkin's Tushie Wipes is a great choice. Baths may be given more frequently. Typically, a bath is given once every 3 weeks, and there are several reasons why this is a good time frame.

However, when a Shih Tzu is in her heat cycle, as long as you are using quality shampoos that are good for the coat , a couple of extra baths will be just fine.

You never know when a stray, un-neutered male dog may appear. Males can sense females in heat from 1 to 3 miles away. And even if your Shih Tzu predominately stayed indoors, if she's been outside to pee, this means that her scent has been deposited there, and is sending out a very strong signal.

Unfixed males will be compelled to follow that scent at all costs. They have been known to jump fences, run across rivers, and traverse any terrain to find females in heat. For this reason, it is recommended to keep her away from public areas like dog parks and the like. When you take her outside to pee, first scope out the area. At night, bring a flashlight out with you. Hopefully, you are using a harness and not a collar , and if needed can quickly draw her to you to scoop her up, without causing neck injury.

Privacy Policy. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Instagram: allshihtzu - Visit us here to see adorable photos submitted by site Members, survey results, and more. Email: Contact AllShihTzu. These are proestrus, estrus, diestrus, and anestrus.

Most people are under the impression that once a dog is in heat, you have to wait until she is done the cycle before she can be spayed. Many vets will spay a dog while she is in heat, though many will recommend against it due to the risk of serious complications.

Is she too old to breed and have puppies? She has never had puppies before. Dogs in heat tend to bleed for approximately a week to 10 days. The Estrus Cycle Proestrus: The beginning of heat lasts between 7 and 10 days. During this time, the vulva begins to swell and your dog begins to bleed. Your dog is either pregnant during this time or she is in a period of rest. The heat cycle lasts about three weeks.

The discharge starts as frank blood and then gradually lighten to pinkish in color. A bitch can usually become pregnant around the end of the first week until after the second week, sometimes longer.