Published On:Monday, March 01, 2010

1. At what age do dogs reach puberty

Puberty is defined in female dogs (bitches) as the time of the first proestrial bleeding or heat. The average age of the first estrous in bitches is 6 to 10 months. Smaller breeds cycle earlier in life than do large and giant breeds. Puberty is defined in male dogs as the time of normal semen quality production and the exhibition of normal breeding behavior. The average age of puberty in dogs is 10 months. Smaller dogs go through puberty in life earlier than larger breeds. Because of this information, attention should be paid to the age of female and male dogs prior to puberty onset, so that one can schedule an ovariohysterectomy (spay) or castration.

2. What is estrous (heat) cycle in dogs

The heat or estrous cycle consists of 4 stages. They are the PROESTRUS, ESTRUS, DIESTRUS and ANESTRUS.

Proestrus - is the first stage where the vulva swells and there is a bloody discharge. This discharge arises from the uterus. Male dogs are usually attracted to the bitch but she will not allow the male to mount her. This phase lasts an average of 9 days.

Estrus - or standing heat is the stage where the bitch allows the male to mount her and breed her. Estrus lasts an average of 9 days.

Diestrus - is the stage during which successfully bred bitches are pregnant. Male dogs are no longer interested. Diestrus last about 60 days.

Anestrus - is the stage of reproduction quiescence. There are no specific physical or behavioral changes. Anestrus last about 5 months. The average bitch begins new heat cycle every 6-7 months.

3. Is there any test to determine when a dog will go in heat?

There are no tests available today that will predict when a bitch is about to start her heat.

4. When is the best time to breed my dog?

Most professional breeders expect to breed their bitch on days 9,1l and 13 of their cycle, counting the first day of proestrus as day I(the first day of blood seen). This is based on the fact that the average bitch is proestrus for 9 days and ovulates on the second day of estrus. Bitches bred on days, 9, II and 13 are then bred prior to ovulation, on ovulation day and again 2 days after ovulation.

5. What types of tests are available pregnancy diagnosis?

There are no early pregnancy diagnostic test for dogs. Human early pregnancy tests do not work on dogs since they test a hormone produced by humans that is HCG (Human chronic gonadtropin).

Abdominal palpation- can determine pregnancy anytime after 24 weeks. Prior to 28 days it is extremely difficult to feel.

UItrasound- anytime after 24 days of pregnancy- After 23 days beating hearts can be seen, beyond 32 days movement can be seen. Mineralisation of the skeleton can be seen after 35 days.

Abdominal radiograph- can only determine pregnancy beyond 42 days and that is because mineralisation of fetuses must be present. This is best done in the last stages of pregnancy so one can also determine the size of the litter.

Relaxin assay - a pregnancy test that looks for RELAXIN, which is released, in pregnant dogs. However it is usually only released after 4 weeks of pregnancy.

6.How long is the pregnancy period in dogs and cats

Dogs and cat are pregnant for 60-65 days (2 months)

7.How is the cat different with regards to its reproduction from the dog

Firstly the cat is seasonally polyestrous and is responsive to photoperiod. That is she has several heat periods during her season when there is a lot of light. In the Bahamas the feline breeding season is between February through October. Cats that do not become pregnant continuously cycle in and out of heat during this time.