Beagle Dog
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Beagle Heat
Overview
Having a female Beagle will mean having to understand all about the heat cycle. There are many myths about heat, spaying and all that is involved. If you are thinking about bringing a female Beagle into your family or you currently have a female dog, let's take a look at heat issues including the age Beagle heat begins and all Beagle heat information.
What Heat Is
Heat is the term that is used to describe the time during a female dog's cycle of menstruation. This cycle akin to the female human is some ways, but very different in many others.
The Age it Begins
Some owners are surprised to learn that their Beagle begins heat at a fairly young age. Your Beagle will have her first cycle when she is about 6 months old. However, this does vary with each dog. Some enter heat as early as 4 months and some enter as late as 15 months. Note: If your Beagle is over 15 months old and has not had her first heat cycle, she should have a full and complete veterinarian checkup.
The Signs of Beagle Heat
You will notice:
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Her vulva will become swollen - this may be minor to moderate
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There will be discharge. Many owners choose to use a "doggie diaper" during this time for hygiene reasons. The discharge may range from a light pink to a dark red. The amount will also vary depending on the particular dog, however it is usually enough to notice.
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Male dogs may seem overly interested in her. You may notice that stray male dogs actually come over to roam in front of your home. This is because un-neutered male dogs will be able to detect that your Beagle is in heat from as much as 3 miles away! For this reason, it is very important to not allow your dog outside by herself during this time. It only takes a moment for a mating to occur.
Cramping
Many owners wonder if a dog feels pain during heat. Studies suggest that due to the female dog's behavior, she is very aware of her cycle and may feel cramping and discomfort. Many female dogs may show nesting behavior and she may wish to rest more often than normal, avoiding normal exercise. Note: Never medicate your dog during this time, simply allow her to rest when she wishes and provide a soft, warm spot for her to do so.
The Length of Time Heat Lasts
Most heat cycles will last between 2 and 4 weeks. The dog will enter into these cycles twice per year. Unless and until a female is spayed, she can continue to have this for the rest of her life. Unlike humans, there is no menopausal phase.
Therefore, it is highly recommended to have a female spayed as early as possible. If you will not be breeding your dog, studies show that spaying even before the first heat eliminates the risk of developing ovarian cancer and greatly reduces the risks of infection and mammary cancer. Spaying, even if you wait until your dog is older, will give her a longer & healthier life.
Therefore, it is highly recommended to have a female spayed as early as possible. If you will not be breeding your dog, studies show that spaying even before the first heat eliminates the risk of developing ovarian cancer and greatly reduces the risks of infection and mammary cancer. Spaying, even if you wait until your dog is older, will give her a longer & healthier life.
Keeping Your Dog Safe
Your un-spayed Beagle will be the "chase" of every un-neutered male dog within a 3 mile radius. Un-neutered male dogs of any breed will pick up her scent from this distance.
It is highly suggested to always accompany her outside during this time, only go outside for elimination reasons and to keep her on a short, 6 foot leash. Note: When your Beagle urinates, blood will be mixed in with the urine. For this reason, even a small amount will be enough to trigger a male dog's instinct. When you bring her outside, open any doors slowly and have a good look around before you allow her out with you.
Tip: Sometimes an owner may think that their dog had 3 heats in a year. This happens when a dog has a "Split Heat". More Information
The female Beagle has many health issues that are not often talked about. Since professional breeders deal with many of these issues, as they arise during the breeding process, typical owners cannot find enough information about these topics.
There are some topics that an owner must be aware of quickly. Did you know that there is a female disease in which you have only hours to notice symptoms and provide the proper care? See how you can learn about this and more much! Click Here
There are some topics that an owner must be aware of quickly. Did you know that there is a female disease in which you have only hours to notice symptoms and provide the proper care? See how you can learn about this and more much! Click Here
