Can I Take My Dog in Heat for a Walk? Risks, Problems and Vet Advice
One of the top concerns in the minds of pet parents who haven't spayed their female pet is, "Can I take my dog in heat for a walk?" Experts say "Yes, you can take your dog in heat for walks" but there are some very important factors to remember to ensure safety of your pet. Heat Cycle in Dogs Heat cycle in dogs generally last between 2 to 4 weeks with 2 cycles occurring in a year in most cases. Heat cycle in dogs has four stages, namely: Proestrus Estrus Diestrus Anestrus Knowing the stages helps you decide when and how to walk your dog safely. Stages of the Dog Heat Cycle 1. Proestrus This is the beginning of the heat cycle and lasts about 7–10 days . Common signs of proestrus include: • Swollen vulva • Bloody discharge • Increased urination • Male dogs start showing interest • Female dog does not allow mating yet Your dog may appear restless, anxious or more affectionate than usual. 2. Estrus This is the fertile stage when a dog can become pregnant ....