Stages of puberty of the toy terrier
Experts consider four phases:
- Primary or proestrus - recorded when discharge appears from the vulva. Lasts 10 days, characterized by dark bloody secretion and swelling of the loop. The stage is associated with the constant attempts of girls to attract the attention of boys with the help of urine containing specific pheromones. The animal actively marks its territory, leaving drops or puddles. In this phase, the dog is not ready for mating.
- The second or estrus - the active attraction of males intensifies; when accidentally touching the rear part of the body, the pet raises the pelvis and moves the tail to the side. During this period, mating is carried out.
- The third or metestrus - the process of restoration of the uterus occurs. The phase lasts up to 3 months, its duration depends on the animal’s body. Bitches begin to drive away males.
- The fourth or anestrus - lasts up to 5 months, there are no special signs of maturation.
Toy Terrier
How long does a toy terrier's estrus last: the standard duration is 21 days.
Toy terriers' heat duration
Treat breeding toy terriers as a serious and responsible undertaking. Therefore, you need to know everything, literally down to the smallest detail, about the biology of reproduction.
Puberty in toy terriers begins much earlier than the dogs become physically mature. Your task is to comply with everything that is required by age recommendations for the breeding use of dogs. The first estrus, which is called estrus, begins in females between seven and nine months. A shift in the range from six months to a year is also natural, but it is weakly expressed.
If your dog has not been in heat for up to a year, take your pet to the veterinarian.
We recommend reading: How to Treat Nervous Distemper in Cats
Features and time of the first estrus
Yorkies in heat, mating and childbirth at home
Primary regula in small dogs occurs after the completion of the replacement of baby teeth in a period of up to 12 months. During this period, matings are not carried out - the body is just beginning to prepare for future pregnancy and childbirth. The pet becomes sexually mature only after the end of the third ovulation.
Important! Premature mating can cause serious injury to the reproductive organs.
Physiological changes
Rules of care
Dog handlers recommend caring for your dog according to generally accepted requirements. Breaking the rules could have a negative impact on her health.
Is it possible to bathe a dog during heat?
Mating of Spitz: when the heat begins, childbirth at home
Changes in hormonal balance lead to the appearance of a strong and unpleasant odor and heavy discharge. The animal empties its bladder more often, and its condition requires frequent hygiene procedures.
Washing a Toy Terrier when in heat is mandatory, but should be done taking into account the nuances. During this period, the immune system works unstable and pathogenic microflora can get into a loosely closed loop. Its penetration is fraught with inflammatory processes.
When washing, the following rules are observed:
- Hygiene procedures are carried out twice a day, in the morning and evening, after walking.
- Water is taken at a temperature slightly above room temperature.
- Use gentle detergents.
- After bathing, the animal is carefully dried with a soft towel.
Important! Under regulations, it is prohibited to bathe your pet in river or sea water or in ponds. Open water contains many pathogenic bacteria, the penetration of which into the body will provoke diseases. One of the consequences of such bathing is considered to be hypothermia followed by a cold.
Estrus leads to increased bladder emptying. In any case, you should expect marks throughout the house. To solve the problem, experienced owners use special dog diapers. They will help avoid stains on furniture and carpets, and prevent the dog from constantly licking.
Hygiene procedures
How to keep a bitch and a dog in the same room when the bitch is in heat
Keeping two animals of different sexes under regulation is a difficult task, causing a lot of trouble. For females, it is necessary to purchase a sufficient amount of underwear that can be secured to the body and prevent unscheduled mating.
Additional use of repellent sprays will increase the success of preventing unwanted pregnancy. Doctors advise using special veterinary drugs that have a sedative spectrum of action. They help animals calmly endure a difficult period for them, but are not absolutely safe for health. The choice is up to the dog owner.
Important! Dog handlers recommend not complicating your life and separating animals during the estrus phase. It is enough to place them in different rooms, which will minimize the risk of unplanned intercourse.
How does a dog's behavior change during heat?
Mating Jack Russell Terriers for the first time: how long does estrus last?
Experienced breeders advise paying attention to the following changes:
- If an affectionate and calm pet begins to show aggression towards its own sex and more often than usual pays attention to representatives of the opposite sex, then we should expect the imminent arrival of the regula.
- Active and playful behavior attracts the attention of males, who begin to hover around the baby, at the same time expressing dissatisfaction with conditional rivals: growling and attempts to fight.
- Habitual hygiene procedures, including washing paws after walks or trimming nails, cause unusual aggression or irritation.
- The dog's constant fatigue and refusal of favorite games indicate processes occurring in the reproductive system.
During this period, the dog needs to be kept on a leash - it may stop listening to commands and run off with any “handsome guy” it meets.
Attracting the attention of gentlemen
How is it going?
How long does a toy terrier's heat last? As a rule, the reproductive cycle in a dog is 21 days from the time the discharge from the genital opening appears.
A characteristic sign of the beginning of estrus is discharge, and a sign of its end is a complete loss of interest in male dogs.
First of all, the dog’s behavior changes ; from a friendly pet, it can turn into an aggressive “monster” towards everyone. At the same time, her interest in the opposite sex sharply increases, she intensively licks the noose and sheds. If you notice this behavior in your pet, you should know that estrus is just around the corner, or perhaps it has already begun.
In addition, you will immediately notice that there are male dogs hovering around your beauty, they usually growl and twitch with each other.
During “critical days,” the dog can aggressively perceive any grooming procedures and any touch. Don't punish her, because hormones are to blame.
During estrus, the dog's loop swells, discharge from the vulva appears, and urination becomes more frequent. In addition, the dog may rub its butt on the floor. However, there are also cases of bloodless estrus (the loop is swollen, but there is no discharge). If this happens, contact your veterinarian.
Possible deviations
Some individuals have their own physiological characteristics that cause problems with accurately determining readiness for mating.
The list of deviations includes:
- pale, colorless secretion;
- no bleeding;
- a rigid loop that does not change its size throughout the entire estrus;
- aggressive behavior of the bitch towards the males even during the mating period.
Important! Mating of Toy Terriers causes constant problems among breeders of miniature breeds.
Owners need to carefully study the individual characteristics of the animal’s body and promptly seek advice from a veterinarian.
Periods of heat
When the female matures, she begins estrus, which consists of several stages:
- Proestrus. This is the first stage, which is characterized by the appearance of almost imperceptible discharge, it lasts about ten days. In some cases, there may be no discharge at all throughout the entire period, in which case it is better to see a veterinarian. This may be a feature of the body, or it may be a pathology. At the first stage, the loop swells, the female begins to mark her territory, attracting males. Special pheromones appear in her urine, to which males flock. But she is not ready for mating yet.
- Estrus. This is the phase in which fertilization can occur. Now the girl is trying with all her might to attract male dogs to her, but you don’t need to let them even get close, otherwise you won’t be able to drive them away later. The period is characterized by the fact that if the dog is accidentally touched on the back of the body, it automatically removes its tail and lifts its pelvis.
- Metestrus. At the third stage, the processes in the uterus begin to return to normal, the female no longer allows male dogs to approach her and is aggressive towards them. Now her body is producing hormones that will help bear offspring if fertilization has occurred, and produce the required amount of milk.
- Anestrus. A period of rest, when the girl becomes her former self, quiet and affectionate, obeys commands and does not behave strangely. This will continue for five to eight months until the first phase begins again.
Estrus in dogs begins when they are eight months old, but may not occur until they are a year old, this is not scary. But if she doesn't come for longer, contact your veterinarian. On average it lasts twenty-one days and occurs twice a year. If the period between periods is more than nine months or less than eight months, contact the clinic. This may be a sign of illness or hormonal imbalance.
Mating or sterilization
If pregnancy of a toy terrier is not included in your immediate plans, then the problem can be solved in two ways:
- Special medications - the method is considered humane, it does not cause infertility and if you stop taking it, the dog can bear puppies.
- Sterilization - abdominal surgery is not always easily tolerated by the pet due to its complexity. After the operation, complications may develop, and disturbed hormonal balance can cause rapid weight gain and mental inadequacy of the animal (cowardice, aggressiveness, etc.).
Mating a toy terrier and subsequent bearing of puppies places great responsibility on the owner. You will have to take intensive care of the dog, periodically visit the veterinarian and spend money on special food and multivitamin complexes.
Important! The choice between mating and sterilization remains with the animal owner.
Numerous rave reviews about the humanity and safety of the latest procedure have nothing to do with reality. Any surgical intervention affects health and does not remain without consequences.
Preparing the bitch for breeding
Primary mating requires preliminary planning - all actions must be deliberate, and the owner of the animal is fully prepared for all contingencies. Experienced breeders keep special diaries in which they describe in detail their health status, physical capabilities and preparatory activities.
All heats, regardless of plans, are recorded in as much detail as possible:
- shade of discharge;
- general condition of the loop;
- reaction to members of the opposite sex;
- changes in standard behavior.
Before mating, the pet must undergo all bacteriological tests: for staphylococcal, streptococcal and other infections. They are carried out one and a half months before the expected date. This approach will allow us to identify all hidden diseases, cure them in a timely manner and protect future offspring from direct transmission of pathogenic microflora.
Important! Veterinarians recommend resorting to natural mating, which gives more positive emotions and does not cause aggressive behavior.
Knitting features
Veterinarians advise initial breeding of animals between the ages of 1.5 and 2.5 years. For pets, the process is stressful and the owner’s task is to create the most comfortable conditions possible. A veterinarian, a professional breeder or an instructor from a breeding club is usually invited to the initial mating.
When carrying out preparatory activities, the following factors must be taken into account:
- Appearance of pets - attempts to decorate them with fashionable clothes or accessories often leads to scaring away a potential partner. What is pleasant to the human eye may not be perceived by relatives.
- Room - the room should not contain distracting objects, strong aromas or music. Any of these factors will cause mating problems.
- Behavioral reactions - attempts to speed up events, influence the dogs, can lead to the exact opposite result. Animals must get used to each other - they need some period of acquaintance.
Important! Shouting, demandingness and attempts to force the pets together will lead to fear and attempts to escape.
Acquaintance
Mating should be carried out in the territory familiar to the male, and not vice versa. When mating there is a factor of severe stress, which can be aggravated when transporting the male to someone else's house.
First mating of a toy terrier
Toy terriers can be bred when the dogs reach the age of 1.5-2.5 years. The first mating is always stressful, so the owner’s task is to organize the mating as comfortably and correctly as possible. In conditions of urban keeping of dogs, the natural process of mating for animals can be limited and complicated by certain external factors. It is best to invite a veterinarian, a professional breeder, or even a special instructor from the breeding club to the first mating.
When preparing for the mating of toy terriers, pay attention to the following circumstances.
- Appearance of animals. For mating, you should not decorate your pet with any accessories, much less put clothes on it - these factors will not attract, but on the contrary, will scare away your partner.
Place of mating. It is better if the mating process takes place in a place familiar to a dog that has no mating experience.
Situation. The room for mating Russian Toy Terriers should be free of animal distractions, such as foreign odors, sounds and objects that can attract attention.
Dog behavior. There is no need to force things. The dogs need to get used to each other. Time for getting to know each other should be allocated as much as the animals need.
The dogs chosen for mating must match each other in size. A male dog may be somewhat more graceful than a female, but not vice versa. It is advisable that one of the partners is already untied. Qualified assistance in choosing a partner can always be obtained from professional clubs involved in breeding toy terriers.
Pregnancy and childbirth
Inexperienced owners before the initial mating are interested in the question of how long a pregnant toy terrier dog walks. Standard gestation takes 63 days.
The course of pregnancy in a healthy dog
Pregnancy in miniature dogs is a difficult period both for the animal itself and for its owner. The birth of a toy terrier often occurs with complications, so breeders have to monitor the health of the four-legged dog throughout the gestation period.
The initial 3 weeks of pregnancy are characterized by the following symptoms:
- a complete change in behavioral reactions: the animal becomes overly aggressive or lethargic, it needs more hours to sleep;
- increased or decreased appetite;
- the mammary glands begin to swell and the nipples begin to darken;
- the belly is growing gradually.
After 30 days, puppies can be palpated through the anterior abdominal wall. The procedure is carried out with the utmost care, avoiding accidental injury to the babies. How many toy terriers bear puppies: on the 40th day, the number of fetuses is determined using ultrasound. Pregnancy of a toy terrier from mating by day ranges from 60 to 64 days.
Pregnancy
How to deliver a baby
Giving birth to a toy terrier in the comfort of your own home requires preliminary preparation. The dog must get used to a certain place in advance so that it does not start looking for another one already in the process.
The list of necessary things for obstetrics is presented:
- a sterile towel or diaper;
- threads - for tying the umbilical cord;
- scissors;
- oilcloth;
- warm water;
- antiseptic.
How toy terriers give birth
In most cases, the process goes without complications, but it is better to keep the veterinarian’s number available step by step. The approach of childbirth can be understood by changes in the behavior of a pregnant toy terrier:
- unreasonable anxiety;
- refusal to eat;
- searching for a comfortable position or place.
How many puppies are usually born to a toy terrier: from 2 to 3, in rare cases – 4-5 individuals. The babies come out alternately, every 20-50 minutes. After they appear, mucus is removed from the mouth and nose and applied to the mother's nipples. The general period of birth is from 3 to 24 hours.
In order not to wonder how long toy terriers stay pregnant and how to help them give birth, you need to get advice from a veterinarian or breeder in advance. Proper mating and monitoring of gestation will help you get several healthy and beautiful babies.
On what day of heat should a toy terrier dog be bred?
So, you have chosen a worthy groom for your beloved. This is a handsome champion, and the owners of such males, as a rule, will carry out the mating competently, determining the required day. But the dog must be prepared in advance for pregnancy. It is important that your bitch is in good condition. I'm talking about obese darlings. Obesity can lead to infertility and also miscarriages. Therefore, 1-2 months before the expected heat, put your dog on a diet. With the onset of estrus, in the preovulatory period, approximately 20% more food should be given to stimulate the release of eggs. Check that your dog has all its vaccinations according to schedule, as vaccinations are not carried out during pregnancy and lactation. It is necessary to carry out deworming, treatment for fleas and ticks, treat chronic foci of infection (otitis media, cystitis), clean teeth from stones. Now your dog is ready for pregnancy, since intrauterine development and the correct formation of the fetus are closely dependent on the state of the mother’s body.
Pregnancy. The first day of insemination should be taken as the beginning of pregnancy, although in most bitches mated on the 10-12th day of estrus, fertilization of the egg occurs on the 3-4th day after mating. The fact is that sperm can live for several days in the genitals of a bitch before they fertilize the egg. The average duration of pregnancy is 62 days, but the gestation period can vary from 58 to 68 days. The duration of gestation depends on age, size, number of fetuses, feeding and many other factors. Pregnancy in small dog breeds is the same as in all others. During the period of fruiting, the bitch's body undergoes significant changes in the endocrine and cardiovascular systems. The load on the heart increases. Gas exchange in the lungs increases by 60–70%, breathing becomes more frequent and deeper. The kidneys and liver work under increased load, as they remove harmful metabolic products from the body not only of the mother, but also of the fetus. In the last weeks of pregnancy, the load on the musculoskeletal system increases. Body weight for childbirth increases by approximately 20–40%. Dogs get tired quickly, become calmer, and sleep more. Based on the changes in your dog's body, you should provide him with special care. Be attentive and careful with the dog. In the second half of pregnancy, do not allow her to walk on the stairs, carry her in your arms. Hitting the belly on the stairs and jumping on the sofa or favorite chair can lead to bleeding and death of puppies. Help her: in front of the chair or sofa, place a pillow on the floor, which will act as a soft step. But don’t give up walking, you just need to reduce their duration. With an equal number of fetuses, pregnancy has a much more severe impact on small breed bitches than large ones. This is indicated by the ratio of the weight of the newborn puppy to the weight of the mother. This ratio in Toy Terriers is four times greater than in St. Bernard! Therefore, the diet of a pregnant bitch must be changed both quantitatively and qualitatively. The need for food does not change in the first half of pregnancy, but in the second half it increases by 25–50%. The entire amount of feed should be divided into 3 to 4 feedings per day. At the same time, the need for fluid increases, so the dog must always have fresh water. If you feed your dog commercial food, then there is no need for additional vitamins and minerals. Give her food produced specifically for pregnant and lactating bitches, in the amount indicated on the package. When using homemade food, it is very important to balance the diet with vitamins and minerals. The main dog food - meat - contains very little calcium, which is necessary for building the skeletal system of puppies. Therefore, for normal intrauterine development of puppies, in order to prevent eclampsia, mineral supplements containing calcium and vitamins should be given. I use products from various companies: “Dr.Clauder”s” - BONEFORT Aufbaukalk, “Canina” - Canivita, “8 in 1” - CALCIDEE Calcium Supplement. Calculate the amount of fertilizing based on the recommendations indicated on the labels, based on the weight of your box. An overdose of vitamins and minerals can lead to fetal death and miscarriage. I definitely add cottage cheese, fruits and vegetables to my diet, and regularly chicken egg yolks in limited quantities. To prevent iron deficiency anemia, I give the bitch buckwheat porridge and animal liver. A week before giving birth, I exclude raw fish and meat from my diet.