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Female dogs usually come into heat twice a year at
approximately 6 month intervals, although this can vary.
The cycle lasts typically for two-three weeks, and breeding
is best timed midway through the cycle.
Female dogs will also have the urge to roam while in
heat in search of a male dog. As they get older,
the intact female dog will not go into a menopausal
state as in human females, however the secretion of
the female hormones does change with age.
This change in hormone secretion can lead to an infection
in the uterus. Surgical removal of the ovaries
and uterus is often times necessary to correct the condition.
Left alone, this problem can lead to a serious health
condition and death.
An increase in thirst and urination can be the first
clues of a uterine infection, with or without a discharge
from the vulva.
This is considered a medical emergency if the uterus
is infected, and medical attention should be sought
immediately.
Also, if the female dog is spayed before her first
heat cycle (which occurs typically between 7-9 months
of age), the chances of her developing breast tumors
as an older dog is minimized considerably.
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