Estrus in Yorkshire Terriers: features, recommendations

The onset of estrus in Yorkshire Terrier bitches indicates the animal's puberty. This usually begins between eight and ten months of age and recurs every six months. At such moments, each owner needs to closely monitor the condition of the animal and provide proper care. You will learn everything you need to know about the Yorkshire Terrier's heat in this article.

Symptoms

Before a Yorkshire Terrier bitch goes into heat, she almost always changes her behavior and also experiences some physical changes:

All these symptoms will help you understand when your pet’s first heat will begin, as well as determine each subsequent onset in the future.

Sometimes the discharge is so small that the Yorkshire terrier bitch manages to lick it off. The owner may simply not notice the onset of estrus. Therefore, if you suspect that it has begun, but there are no main symptoms, to be completely sure, you can do a blood test and take a smear from your pet’s vagina at the clinic. In general, estrus without bloody discharge may indicate a problem in the dog’s body. It is better to consult a veterinarian.

Signs

Frequent urination is a clear sign that this event is approaching. In addition, on the eve of estrus, the following changes in the dog’s behavior are observed:

appearance of nervousness;
refusal to follow commands;
desire for active games with the owner;
placing marks during walks and at home to attract a male;
attempts to escape.

The bitch's genitals become enlarged and bloody discharge with a characteristic odor appears. While stroking the back, the dog lifts its tail and raises its pelvis.

If you notice changes in behavior and there is no bloody discharge, contact your veterinarian. Sometimes these manifestations are insignificant, so the dog manages to lick them off, which makes it difficult to understand whether the period has come or not. To determine if you are in heat, a vaginal swab is taken and a blood test is performed. The absence of menstruation with the above symptoms indicates the presence of the disease.

Reasons for absence

First of all, you should find out whether this is really a delay.
Maybe the bitch was already in a bloodless heat, the onset or even completion of which was indicated by nothing except changes in the behavior of the pet?

You should not worry if we are talking about the first heat, which did not begin until one and a half years old. Now, if the first time the bitch does not leak even at two years old, this is a reason for concern and a visit to the veterinary clinic. The first heat can begin either at five months or after a year or even a year and a half - this is due to the individual characteristics of the animal and there is no need to worry about it.

In the cold season, it may linger a little longer than it does in summer or late spring and early autumn. This is due to the fact that in the wild habitat predators come to hunt only when the period of bearing and feeding offspring falls on a favorable season. In older bitches, periods of anestrus may lengthen - and this is also not a reason to worry. But if estrus has stopped completely, then this is a reason for immediate consultation with a veterinarian.

We can talk about delayed estrus or its absence only when we are talking about adult dogs with an already established cycle, which suddenly goes astray.

There may be no heat for the following reasons:

heredity;
stress;
excessive physical activity;
changes in diet;
change in conditions of detention;
previous illnesses;
hormonal disorders;
chronic diseases of the genitourinary system or other organs and systems in the Yorkie’s body;
congenital pathologies of the genital organs;
infections.

If there is no estrus at all or its delay is too long, it is necessary to consult a veterinarian and conduct as complete an examination of the dog as possible.

Main stages

Regardless of how long the estrus lasts in Yorkshire Terrier bitches, it can be divided into three main phases.

The first phase is called proestrus. During this period, the dog begins to have bloody discharge, and due to the influx of blood, its loop - the external genitalia - swells. Males are already paying attention to the peculiar smell, but the bitch is still aggressive towards them.

Ten days after the start of discharge, the second phase begins - estrus. It is during this period of estrus that the Yorkshire Terrier bitch is ready for fertilization and allows male dogs to approach her. She shows this with a certain pose - she raises her pelvis and moves her ponytail to the side.

The last phase is called metaestrus and lasts about ten days. Despite the fact that males are still interested in the bitch, she has already lost all interest in them. The discharge gradually becomes transparent, and then stops altogether, and the uterine processes are restored. The dog's behavior returns to normal.

The period of rest until the next estrus is called anestrus and lasts about one hundred to one hundred and fifty days.

Main stages and duration

How many days does the heat last? The average duration is 21 days. The first time, the duration will be shorter, as will the volume of discharge.

In dwarf breeds, estrus occurs in three stages:

Proestrus. It is characterized by the appearance of the first bleeding and an increase in the loop. The dog refuses to mate.
Estrus. Occurs 10 days after proestrus. It is considered the most successful moment for mating.
Metaestrus. Lasts about ten days and completes the process.

On the 12th day the dogs are brought together. At this time, mature cells ready for fertilization emerge from the ovaries. Knitting should be carried out only after the loop has reached its final size and softened, and the discharge has acquired a pinkish tint (with an admixture of yellow). Ovulation lasts no more than five days. The bitch begins to accept signs of attention from the males and takes a characteristic pose, expressing readiness for mating. Often, estrus does not cause the loop to soften or the discharge to lighten. This is the norm. However, if the owners have any doubts, it is recommended to show the Yorkie to a doctor.

Dogs also experience discharge after they are in heat. If they are transparent, lightly smeared and do not have a strong odor, then the pet is fine. If the smell is strong and the discharge is bloody or purulent, you should immediately consult a doctor. During estrus, the animal's body is defenseless against infections because the immune and natural defenses are weakened. Owners should protect the baby from socializing and walking with other dogs to reduce the risk of infection.

Bloody discharge requires special attention, which in most cases indicates serious problems.

What to do if there is no heat?

The frequency of estrus may be disrupted not only by increasing frequency, but also by its absence at the expected time. The reasons may be:

borderline age: too young (up to 6 months), old (more than 7 years);
recent stressful situation;
being in a state of nervous shock;
physical exhaustion;
obesity;
strong physical activity;
hormonal therapy;
undergone surgery.

As a rule, all such conditions are under the supervision of a doctor, the animal takes medications and the owner is warned about the possible absence of estrus. If this comes as a surprise, you should contact the clinic, as the cause may be serious illnesses:

hypothyroidism is a hereditary disease in many breeds. The disease is characterized by insufficient production of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland. The cause of cycle disruption can be any pathology of the thyroid gland. If adjustments or treatment are not started, the dog may become infertile;
Ovarian hypoplasia is incomplete sexual development of an animal. Causes of the disease: hereditary or acquired. Hereditary developmental pathologies cannot be corrected, but acquired ones can be corrected - changes in estrogen levels;
avitaminosis. Lack of vitamins and microelements is the reason for cycle disruption. In this state, nature does not allow the dog to become pregnant or bear puppies;
tumors. Any neoplasm of the ovaries will affect the regularity of the cycle. This does not depend on the benignity or malignancy of the tumor. Any neoplasm grows, drawing blood flow onto itself - the intensity of the ovaries decreases;
severe vaginitis. Swelling of the external genitalia is very noticeable even outside the cycle, and pus is found in the urine.

This is not the entire list of diseases that can disrupt the regularity of a dog’s cycle. If the cause is not known for certain, it is necessary to undergo the necessary examinations, take tests and begin treatment as quickly as possible.

Necessary care

Every owner of a Yorkshire Terrier bitch must exercise proper control over his pet, regardless of whether he plans to breed.

For this purpose, you can keep a special notebook, where you need to record the beginning of the first heat and all subsequent ones, and record how many days have passed between them. These records will help you notice any problems in the dog’s body in time and begin timely treatment.

At the slightest suspicion, you should contact a veterinarian; you cannot treat a Yorkshire terrier bitch yourself.

When a female dog is in heat, she may leave bloody spots everywhere. To save carpets and upholstered furniture from discharge, you can purchase special panties at any specialty store or sew them yourself.

These days, you will have to protect the Yorkshire Terrier bitch from the increased attention of male dogs, especially during a walk. You can only take your dog outside on a leash; the reproductive instinct distracts him from your orders, dissipating his attention. You can also leave her indoors while she is in heat.

Lack of control can lead to unplanned breeding, which is undesirable for those who decide to engage in breeding. If the owner has no desire to bother with the offspring, he can perform an operation on his pet to terminate the reproductive function: sterilization or.

During the period of heat, you should not bathe your Yorkshire terrier bitch in bodies of water, since during these days the risk of infection of the genitals increases.

How does your dog go into heat? Do you have anything to add to this article?

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The first heat in a young Yorkshire Terrier bitch occurs at the moment of her full puberty, usually from the seventh to the tenth month of the animal’s life.

It's a tense moment for the Yorkshire girl's owners.

They need to decide what is preferable: mating or sterilization. Depending on the decision made, the animal is cared for.

The frequency of the onset of the next estrus in dogs of this breed varies greatly: it can begin either three or 10-12 months after the end of the previous one.

This is due to the characteristics of the animal’s reproductive organs, its state of health, and the quality of food.

On average, discharge appears every six months and often occurs in autumn or spring. After nursing a litter, female Yorkshire Terriers go into heat five months later.

Initial stage of menstruation

By the end of the first year of life, the body develops the ability to mate. The time of change can vary within several months, it depends on the climate, living conditions, and daily diet.

Important! If the frequency of estrus occurs more than twice a year, you should contact your veterinarian for advice. It is also an anomaly that a bitch is not in heat if she is already two years old. The causes of such deviations may be hormonal imbalances and stressful situations.

Methods to prevent estrus

Yorkies are a decorative breed, the cost of puppies can be high. Currently, many owners purchase representatives of the breed to make them simple home companions, without the purpose of breeding. In this case, you can apply some measures that will avoid periodic estrus.

Sterilization

If the animal was purchased without the purpose of breeding, it is worth performing an operation to stop the reproductive function. In this case, hormones will be produced, mating will remain possible, but fertilization of the egg will not occur.

Tips for conducting:

You can sterilize your Yorkie before the first heat, or two months after the next one;
before the operation, it is necessary to undergo a full examination with tests, ultrasound examinations of organs, etc.;
If possible, you should contact a clinic that has equipment for laparoscopic intervention.

The whole process takes about 30 minutes, recovery is fast. The main problem: caring for the Yorkie during recovery from anesthesia, caring for sutures if the intervention was carried out with incisions.

Castration

There is an opinion that the difference between castration and sterilization lies in the gender of the patients: females are spayed, and males are castrated. This is wrong. During the process, the bitch's uterus and ovaries will be removed. The operation can be performed for medical reasons or at the request of the owner.

Sexual heat of even such a small dog as a Yorkie is a test for the owner. The dog needs constant supervision, clothes and furniture are dirty everywhere, the pet itself is nervous or sits lethargically.

Rules:

the procedure is carried out before the onset of the first heat (5-6 months);
A complete examination of the dog is necessary - castration has a number of contraindications. If available, replace with sterilization.

Castration cancels further production of hormones and their effects on the body, and can:

reduce the risk of cancer: breast cancer, transmissible sarcoma;
prevent pyometra, endometritis;
stabilize the dog’s nervous system;
extend the life cycle of the animal.

Of course, any manipulations of this kind must be carried out in the sterile conditions of a veterinary clinic by experienced specialists. During the period of recovery from anesthesia, it is better to leave the bitch in the hospital so that, if necessary, she can be provided with adequate assistance. The incisions from surgery are so small that they are practically invisible on the dog’s body. Self-absorbing sutures are applied unless there are contraindications.

Contraceptive drugs

Modern veterinary pharmacology has a wide range of multidirectional agents: preventing ovulation, normalizing hormonal explosion, reducing odor during estrus, etc. They can be used urgently or if there are contraindications to surgical interventions.

Types of drugs:

Main features

It is very important to mark the first day of the period, especially if this is the first heat in the pet's life. Signs that a new cycle of egg separation has begun are the following features of the pet’s behavior and appearance:

bloody discharge appeared in the form of dark red odorous specific puddles. They appear daily for six to nine days;
the animal leaves its marks everywhere, and often does this right in the apartment;
on a walk, the terrier tries to run away from the owner: instinct demands immediate mating.

It is important to prevent the appearance of outbred puppies, especially if a planned mating with a purebred male is planned. Otherwise, sterilization is required.

the animal behaves restlessly, does not listen to commands, and may show aggression towards the owner;
the genitals turn red and swell;
the dog takes a characteristic pose, raising its pelvis and tail.

The very first heat makes the dog ready for mating. However, there is no need to rush. Mating is carried out no earlier than the age of one and a half years, during the third cycle.

Mating should not be allowed before 18 months: the animal’s body is not yet ready to bear puppies. Little ones endure childbirth very difficult.

This period usually takes two to three weeks, although sometimes it can be much shorter and last 10-12 days.

Training at this moment is pointless; the Yorkshire Terrier is not able to concentrate.

As soon as the heat has begun, you need to prepare for mating. If the duration of discharge is normal, then the ideal time for fertilization is the middle of the cycle, that is, the second week of a three-week period.

An agreement with the owner of a male dog who will cover a Yorkshire female should be made for the period from the ninth to the thirteenth day.

If the bitch’s cycle is unstable or lasts less, then the dates of conception need to be adjusted individually.

In any case, you should focus on the middle of the cycle. A failure in the discharge schedule in a young bitch may indicate an illness, but in older dogs, periods occur less and less frequently.

Choosing the right day for mating increases the success of fertilization, so ideally on the 12th day a healthy egg is released.

There is no point in breeding dogs after the end of discharge: the Yorkshire bitch's sex drive completely fades away.

It is important to have time to get all the necessary vaccinations so that the puppies are born from a completely healthy mother. You cannot vaccinate your dog during the cycle. At least 30 days must pass between the onset and complete cessation of discharge.

A mandatory requirement for breeding dogs is examination for worm eggs.

How to correctly determine the heat in Yorkies?

Your dog's behavior will help you determine the time of estrus. It usually manifests itself like this:

the animal actively marks its territory in all sorts of places - this can happen both on the street and directly in the apartment (such actions can be performed even by dogs that have never done anything like this before);
the Yorkie has a constant desire to run away somewhere - the dog tries to “sneak away” from the owner at every opportunity in order to go in search of the “groom”, however, not all owners will be happy to receive offspring from a purebred male, so mating of Yorkshire terriers occurs mainly in the apartment , in the territory of a male dog;
over the course of 6-9 days, you can observe a dark red discharge from the dog - the puddles left by the animal emit a specific and very odorous odor (the Yorkshire terrier's loop may be slightly swollen);
When the breeding bitch becomes ready for mating, she raises her tail and slightly raises her pelvis.

If you find the last of the above signs in your pet, then it’s time to contact the owner of the male dog, with whom you must have a preliminary agreement on mating your pets.

There are cases when the “groom” may already be busy with another mating during the bitch’s heat. In this case, it is worth finding another male, and this needs to be done as quickly as possible.

The dog’s cycle is designed in such a way that after the end of estrus inside the body, all internal processes return to normal, while your pet will clearly be dissatisfied with the attention paid to her by the opposite sex. She will simply stop allowing male dogs to approach her, sometimes showing some aggression towards them. This period can last from the 60th to the 105th day, and after that the dog enters a period of “sexual rest”.

How to solve heat problems

The period of heat in a Yorkshire terrier bitch is a difficult time for the owner.

The first and subsequent cycles often turn an obedient, affectionate dog into a fussy, sometimes quite aggressive animal. Dog marks on the floor of the apartment do not add joy either. If mating is planned, you need to wait patiently for the scheduled meeting.

The first mating is a crucial step

. The dog should not get tired while traveling to the male dog if he lives in another city. Under no circumstances should a bitch be bathed, so as not to take away her scent, which is attractive to a dog.

If mating is not planned, the dog must be isolated from yard dogs.

However, sterilization can solve the problem. This is the best option if you don’t want to study.

Sterilization of a female Yorkshire Terrier is carried out at the age of four to six months, before the first heat occurs.

Sterilization

- not the only way to stop estrus. The process can be stopped by medications that regulate sexual desire and relieve problems associated with it. How exactly to solve the problem must be decided by the owner of the Yorkshire Terrier.

However, you need to understand: sterilization is irreversible, while regulating agents allow the dog to return reproductive functions.

Ways to control heat in your Yorkshire Terrier

Many Yorkie owners have no desire to bother with puppies and tolerate their dog’s strange behavior during the heat period. There are two methods to control this condition and prevent unwanted pregnancy in Yorkshire terriers:

the use of special means to regulate the dog’s sexual instinct;
bitch sterilization surgery.

The first method is much more humane than the second method. Moreover, when taking a regulating drug, you will not only be able to resume mating of the animal, but also normalize any disturbances in the duration of estrus. Such drugs include a product called “Sex Barrier”. The medication also acts as a contraceptive that can prevent unwanted pregnancy of a Yorkshire Terrier immediately after an accidental mating.

After surgery, Yorkies are often under severe stress. It will take time for your pet to recover from this type of procedure. It is better to use regulating tablets, which contain a low concentration of active ingredients. In this case, you will keep your dog healthy and also get rid of problems associated with the “sexual heat” of your pet.

Sterilization: when to castrate a kitten
How cats see: problems, defects

Mating

If the purpose of breeding is to make a profit, you should make sure that the dog’s documents are properly prepared. The club in which the bitch is registered must obtain permission to breed. Otherwise, the puppies will not receive documentary confirmation of their breed.

The norm is for a Yorkie female to start estrus at 8-10 months. It may come earlier, but this does not mean that the bitch is ready to breed. The readiness of the bitch to give birth will determine the health of the newborn puppies. Signs of readiness:

The weight of the expectant mother should be 2-3 kg. A smaller weight (1.5 kg) is insufficient for pregnancy; the dog may die during childbirth. If you weigh between 1.5 and 2 kg, delivery by cesarean section will be required;
age threshold. The best moment for mating is the third heat. It usually occurs at the age of 2 years. At this point, the cycle has been established, the hormonal background is smooth, the dog is ready for pregnancy and childbirth;
Absolute health - all age-appropriate vaccinations have been completed. Routine vaccination should be carried out no more than ten months before the start of the cycle and no less than one.

Important: it is better to plan your first birth before the age of 4 years, when the birth canal is elastic. The age limit is 8 years.

Breeding rules are considered the norm: one Yorkie female gives birth per year, no more than six in a lifetime.

Rules for mating:

all conditions must be agreed upon in advance: find a partner, discuss payment, how to get out of the situation when one baby is born, what to do if the mating does not work out;
The owner of a Yorkie bitch needs to be prepared for the fact that the dog may “refuse” mating for various reasons. We need a backup option;
About a month before the expected estrus, vaccinations are carried out. This will help the puppies get antibodies from their mother's milk;
carry out anti-parasitic treatment a month in advance;
get examined by a veterinarian;
10 days before estrus, worm the bitch! Toy breed puppies infected with helminths from their mother may die in the first days of life;
5 days before mating, wash the dog with a neutral-smelling product, trim the nails and hair near the genitals;
On the eve of mating, do not feed the bitch or give her a light dinner. It’s good to take a walk two hours before the event.

To be sure of the result of mating, it is worth consulting with the breeder about the peculiarities of the mother bitch’s cycle. According to general rules, readiness for mating occurs on days 7-14 of the cycle. Such readiness can be noticeable in the dog’s behavior. If your periods are bloodless, a progesterone test, which is carried out in the clinic, will help. It is done on the 7-10th billing day of the cycle.

Mating is always carried out on the territory of the dog. This will give him confidence. The room creates a calm environment without loud sounds, drafts and other distractions. Cover slippery floors with carpet to prevent dogs' paws from slipping. This may result in injury.

Important: if this is your first mating, it is better to invite an instructor.

An hour after mating, the dogs can be fed. To increase the likelihood of pregnancy, the procedure is repeated after a day or two. The bitch is carefully supervised for 2-3 days - during this time she can still become pregnant from other random males.

The result can be diagnosed on day 17; on day 25, the veterinarian will be able to determine the number of puppies using ultrasound. A Yorkie bitch's pregnancy lasts about nine weeks.

Maturation

The stage of puberty is the body’s preparation for future pregnancies and the birth of puppies. Estrus usually occurs every spring and autumn, but can be delayed if the Yorkshire Terrier bitch is sick or has suffered severe stress.

It is important to remember that each individual is individual, so the timing is also very different. The average duration of this process is three weeks. With age, the discharge decreases and the resting phase increases.

When a veterinarian’s consultation is needed: A situation where there is a very small gap between these events, and their number is more than 3 times a year, sometimes occurs due to hormonal imbalance;

If there is no heat, although the animal is already 2 years old, there may be developmental abnormalities or even tumors; The duration of menstruation in Yorkies for more than 4 weeks is a sign of some kind of disease or inflammation. This problem is more common in adults and elderly individuals.

During the dangerous period, measures should be taken to prevent mating with an unwanted male. It is especially important to control the appearance of the first and second heats; childbirth at an early age can lead to the death of the pet. It is better to do the first mating after one and a half years.

Video

An experienced dog handler will tell you how to determine and understand in time when your pet’s first shedding begins, how to act and how to help the dog.

Every dog goes into heat sooner or later in life. This condition is called “estrus” by dog handlers, from the Latin word meaning “passion.” This process concerns both the physiology of the animal and its psychology, because during estrus the dog’s behavior changes dramatically. And this applies to an animal of any breed. Even small pets like Yorkies can behave a little inappropriately during estrus, according to their owners. Typically, at this time, the dog's behavior can range from outright aggressive to lethargic and drowsy. How does yorkie estrus proceed? Symptoms of the beginning of this period in your dog's life can be easily identified by changes in his usual behavior. Pets may become playful or, on the contrary, sleepy, leave more marks during walks, refuse to eat, and simply be capricious.

It usually begins at different times, depending on the breed, size of the animal and the individual characteristics of the body. Most often, puberty occurs between six months and one and a half years. Yorkies usually have their first heat when they are 9-12 months old. But sometimes estrus can begin later.

The duration of estrus in dogs ranges from twenty to twenty-two days. During the first week, the animal is not yet ready for mating; this is the period of maturation of the ovarian follicles and their preparation for fertilization. At this time, despite the fact that the Yorkie’s heat has already begun, the female will never allow male dogs to approach her. Although the physiological signs of her desire to mate are already evident: the genitals become more noticeable and slightly swollen, and spotting appears.

After the first week, the following days, up to 13 days, are the best for fertilization. At this time, the dog’s discharge becomes lighter and acquires a specific smell, which signals to the males that the bitch is ready to mate. And the dog itself during this period shows increased interest in the opposite sex. In this regard, since the Yorkie has already begun to heat, precautions should be taken: do not take them to these exhibitions, so as not to disturb the males that will be exhibited, do not trust children to walk the pet - they may not keep track of it. To avoid unwanted problems, it is better not to leave it unattended at all during this time.

After two weeks, the discharge usually gradually stops; by the 20th day, the attraction to male dogs and manifestations of non-standard behavior decrease. After this, the Yorkie's heat is considered over. It may take a long time before the next one. Most often, its repetition should be expected no earlier than six months later. But a feature of the breed is also considered to be estrus, which occurs no more than once a year. Throughout a dog's life, the length of the intervals between heats may vary.

Features during this period are as follows: they should be bathed with caution, since at this time the genitals are very susceptible to infections. For this reason, it is better to avoid swimming in open water. Representatives of this breed are clean animals, but if the discharge is too strong, the dog can be periodically carefully washed. You should sound the alarm if your Yorkie is in heat for more than 30 days, or if the discharge becomes greenish or yellowish in color - in this case, you should contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Estrus in Yorkies is a natural physiological process, during which the dog requires increased attention and special care. To ensure that the owner does not encounter problems during this period, it is necessary:

Closely monitor changes in your pet’s behavior starting from 8 months of age;
Contact a veterinarian if the animal experiences disruptions in the duration and frequency of this process;
Provide the dog with due attention and protect it from males.

At the onset of puberty, Yorkie bitches go into heat. This period is special for the animal’s body, so it is important to monitor the pet’s behavior and provide the necessary care. It is important for the owner to know when estrus begins and its duration - this will help to contact a specialist in a timely manner if any deviations from the normal physiological process occur.

What you need to know about it

The Yorkshire Terrier's first heat may begin in the fall or spring. After a period of six months it repeats. It is worth noting that the interval between periods of readiness for mating and the age of puberty fluctuates depending on the adequacy of the diet, the health of the animal and other factors, which means it may occur earlier or later by several months. In a female Yorkshire Terrier that has experienced stress or illness, the mating process may be delayed.

To avoid problems with your animal’s health, you should contact your veterinarian in the following cases:

Estrus occurs 3-4 times a year, short intervals between heats;
Absence of estrus when the animal reaches 2 years of age;
Presence of estrus without characteristic discharge;
The estrus process does not stop.

Such symptoms may signal hormonal imbalances in the animal’s body, or the presence of diseases such as vulvovaginitis and tumors of internal organs.

It is very important to know how long the Yorkie's estrus lasts. This process lasts about three weeks, but the Yorkie's first heat can end much faster. It should be remembered that each organism is individual, so it is impossible to determine exact indicators. In older bitches, over time, the intervals between matings increase and the amount of discharge decreases.

It is important to carefully monitor when your pet's first heat begins in order to avoid her contact with the male dog during a walk. Early pregnancy and childbirth can cause irreparable harm to the dog’s body, since it is not yet sufficiently prepared for such stress.

After childbirth, discharge appears after 4 months. The recovery process largely depends on the number of offspring and the duration of feeding. The first signs of estrus in this situation are increased urination and the appearance of scanty discharge. If the dog’s body is not ready for subsequent fertilization, then it reacts very aggressively to male dogs, not allowing them to approach itself.

Signs of readiness of a female Yorkshire

You can notice that a female Yorkie is ready to mate by some signs. First of all, the dog becomes quite active and playful. However, there are also other signs:

Frequent urination.
Presence of bleeding from the loop.
Frequent licking of the area under the tail.
The female flirts with the males.

At the first stage, the dog may show aggression towards individuals of the opposite sex and not let them near, but after a short time the situation changes. The discharge becomes mucus-like and acquires a yellowish tint. If the female notices a male dog, she moves her tail to the side and slightly raises her body into the required stance. This condition lasts about a week, at which time mating is carried out.

Preparing to breed a Yorkshire Terrier

Veterinarians do not recommend mating during the first heat. During this period, despite puberty, the dog’s body is not ready for serious changes and possible pregnancy. They wait for the second and third hunt, and then prepare the animal.

Before mating, you need to find a partner, check that he has all the necessary documents and the availability of the necessary vaccinations. It is recommended to discuss all conditions in advance.

Two weeks before mating, the female is given the necessary vaccinations, worms are removed, and she is taken to be examined by specialists for the possible presence of ticks and fleas. It is necessary to closely monitor the girl's condition. On the desired day, the dog is brought to the partner in a prepared place.

Pregnant female

How Yorkie dogs are mated

For the first mating, the female needs to choose an experienced male. If necessary, during the first mating, you can use the services of an instructor who will describe the process step by step. The lady needs to be brought to the gentleman’s territory in advance so that the dogs can walk together and get to know each other.

Important! You need to make sure that the girl does not show aggression and does not bite the male dog. Otherwise, mating of Yorkies may not occur, because the male will simply refuse it.

To bring the dogs together, prepare a suitable place. The paws can be placed on a special mat. The female is held lightly so that she does not rush at the male and does not sit down. At this time, the boy is helped to do the cage. He should not be rushed; after a few attempts he will succeed.

If the process is carried out correctly, the dogs remain in a certain position, called a lock, and is maintained for about an hour. During the process, it is necessary to control the position of both dogs, monitor their condition, and help if necessary. Otherwise, an unsatisfactory mating result may occur.

Repeated mating is carried out the next day or every other day (at least 12 hours). After this, it is recommended to closely monitor the girl so that she can safely bear the pregnancy.

How to avoid mating

If mating is not planned, then a natural question arises about how to avoid mating. To prevent this from happening, it is important to constantly monitor the dog, use a leash during walks and not let it go.

In pharmacies you can buy special preparations that remove the odor that attracts male dogs. Similar means are used to treat the back of a Yorkie girl’s body.

When does a Yorkie's first heat start?

Many owners do not know when puberty begins and when Yorkies first come into heat.

. In this breed, the body's readiness for mating and pregnancy occurs at 9-12 months, at the same time the first estrus occurs. But it happens that this process occurs earlier or later, depending on the physiological characteristics of the pet, diet, how to feed Yorkies, you can read.

As a rule, estrus begins in the spring - autumn period, twice a year. Deviations in frequency are possible if the dog has suffered an illness or experienced serious stress.

If the frequency of estrus increases up to 3-4 times a year, you should visit a veterinary clinic - too short a pause between the beginning of each physiological process may indicate hormonal dysfunction (incorrect amounts of hormones in the body). It is necessary to contact a specialist if a female dog over two years old has not yet gone into heat. This deviation may be caused by a pathology of the pet's health or be an anomalous feature.

When heat begins - signs

Estrus is a period of sexual arousal in animals caused by ovulation (the readiness of the egg for fertilization). At what age does the first estrus begin - at 9-12 months. It is associated with the process of puberty and signals that the dog’s body is ready for pregnancy and childbirth. Unfortunately, it is impossible to predict the exact time: Yorkies may come into heat earlier than middle age or, conversely, be delayed. This is explained by physiological characteristics and diet.

How many times a year does it happen? The frequency depends on the dog’s health and state of mind. If a girl has had illness or stress shortly before her heat, her cycle will likely be disrupted. The average is 1-2 times a year.

If there are three or four heats a year, this is a reason to consult a doctor. This frequency is a sign of hormonal dysfunction.

It is usually not difficult to determine estrus, because it has pronounced physiological symptoms:

the appearance of dark red discharge with a characteristic odor;
enlargement and swelling of the genital organs (sometimes redness);
The dog leaves marks both in the apartment and on the street.

Yorkie's behavior also changes:

the bitch becomes nervous and restless, may show aggression towards animals and people;
during a walk, the dog tries to break off the leash or run away from the owner in order to find a partner for mating;
the female raises her pelvis and tail, demonstrating her readiness to reproduce.

It is worth noting that Yorkies react to the onset of estrus differently: some become hyperactive, while others, on the contrary, become lethargic and apathetic.

Sometimes the discharge is so scanty that the female licks it. In such cases, the owner may not immediately notice the heat. Therefore, if the deadline has come, but it has not started, the Yorkie is shown to the doctor: he will be able to determine it accurately.

The Biewer Yorkie begins to come into heat at 6-15 months, just like the Yorkshire Terrier.

Start

Puberty - complete readiness for mating and bearing offspring, ends in Yorkshire terriers by ten months. It is at this time that the first heat occurs in bitches. It happens that the process begins later or, on the contrary, earlier, about five months. This depends on the diet, the physical condition of the dog and other factors.

Estrus usually occurs in spring and autumn, every six months. The process may be delayed if the dog is sick or has suffered severe stress.

If a female Yorkshire Terrier has a too short interval between heats, and the process itself happens three to four times a year, you need to contact a veterinarian. Perhaps the dog has hormonal imbalances in the body. You also need to be concerned if your pet is already two years old and still not in heat. Most likely, this is an anomaly and a visit to the doctor will not be superfluous.

It is very dangerous if the heat does not stop. The cause of this phenomenon can be both hormonal disorders and the appearance of a tumor or vulvovaginitis - inflammation of the external genital organs in an animal. Basically, such problems can occur in an adult Yorkshire Terrier. In a young dog, this happens on the first or second heat, but most often without any complications.

The estrus in Yorkshire Terrier bitches lasts about three weeks, but the first estrus sometimes ends faster, characterized by a small volume of discharge. It all depends on the individual characteristics of the dog’s body. In older animals, the number of estruses per year decreases over time, and the discharge becomes less noticeable.

You will have to monitor your pet so as not to miss the first heat. If this happens during a walk, the male may smell the discharge and try to mount. This can undermine the health of the Yorkshire Terrier bitch, because early mating and subsequent pregnancy and childbirth have a bad effect on her physical and mental condition. After all, a young dog’s body is not yet prepared for such a heavy load.

When does a dog first go into heat?

A Yorkie is ready to breed and begin pregnancy at 9-12 months. It may differ in terms of timing due to the conditions of detention, feeding or health of the dog. If the animal is stressed, heat may begin earlier or not come at all.

This is interesting: Rules for keeping a Yorkie at home

The individual characteristics of the bitch’s body also influence the beginning of the process. If she has not shown any signs until she is two years old, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian.

How to determine the main signs

You can determine the symptoms of estrus by your pet's behavior:

the dog's loop swells, bleeding occurs;
the bitch becomes restless and constantly pesters the owner;
marks the territory, crouches in the wrong places, makes puddles indoors;
wants to run away in search of a boy - this is unacceptable, mating must be planned.

Signs recognized by the owner indicate that the dog is ready for mating.

Duration

At the first heat, the female is ready to mate, but to preserve her health, it is better to wait for the second or third readiness. The frequency of a dog’s desire to mate is every six months, usually in spring and autumn with a duration of 21 days. Ovulation of the egg will take place on the seventh day, the next week guarantees almost one hundred percent conception.

Hygienic measures consist of wearing panties with a pad inside and a hole for the tail.

Duration of estrus in Yorkies

The dog owner should know that this process will last about 21 days. However, if the animal is in heat for the first time, it may take a shorter time, and the discharge may be small. Also, in older pets, the pause between estrus gradually increases, and the discharge becomes almost invisible.

A condition when the estrus does not stop is dangerous for the pet’s health. The reasons for this phenomenon may be hormonal dysfunction, the occurrence of a tumor, or inflammation of the genital organs. Most often, this pathology occurs in adult dogs. In a young animal, this condition can occur during the first or second heat and, as a rule, does not cause serious complications.

Yorkie behavior during heat

The imminent onset of estrus is indicated by changes in the dog's behavior:

The bitch becomes nervous, begins to obey poorly, and ignores the usual commands;
Activity increases, the animal begins to follow the owner everywhere;
The dog may begin to mark the apartment and the street. Thus, the animal attracts members of the opposite sex;
The pet tries in every possible way to escape from the owner and go in search of the “lover”;

It is worth noting that changes in Yorkie behavior during estrus

depends on the characteristics of the organism and the character of the animal. So, one pet may become excessively aggressive, while another bitch may turn into a lethargic, sleepy animal.

In addition to changes in behavior, the onset of estrus is indicated by swelling of the Yorkie's genitals.

In some individuals, the discharge is insignificant, and the dog manages to lick it off. In this case, the owner runs the risk of not knowing whether the dog is in heat. If you suspect that this natural process has begun, but there is no discharge, you can confirm your suspicions by donating blood and a smear for examination at a veterinary clinic.

Estrus may be accompanied by a complete absence of bleeding, in which case it is necessary to consult a specialist.

The main stages in the estrus process

The duration of estrus varies from individual to individual, but in any case the process occurs in three stages.

Stages of estrus:

Proestrus is the appearance of discharge, swelling of the animal’s genitals. At this stage, males may pay attention to the female, but she reacts to this with aggression. The average duration of this phase is 10 days.
Estrus is the period when the female is ready for fertilization and, when the male approaches, she takes a pose: lifts her tail and raises her pelvis.
Metaestrus - the female loses interest in males. Over time, the discharge becomes transparent and disappears, and the animal’s behavior returns to normal. This period lasts about 10 days.

After this, a period of rest (anestrus) begins, which usually lasts about 100-150 days.

What to do?

Often the absence of estrus is confused with a condition when it occurs without red discharge, or it is so scanty and pale that the dog manages to lick it before the owner has time to notice. This is especially true for mini Yorkshire terriers. This condition is normal. The time frame for mating is calculated together with a specialist.

If stress is suspected as the cause of the absence of a cycle, the dog is kept quiet and observed. Other actions depend on the root cause:

if the dog was found on the street or was purchased as an adult, it may have undergone sterilization surgery;
the presence of a cyst - hormonal therapy or surgery;
oncology - radio and chemotherapy in the early stages of detection, surgery;
endometritis, purulent inflammation - antibiotics, antimicrobials;
pyometra - removal of the uterus and ovaries.

Important: any treatment, from hormonal to antibiotics, requires strict veterinary supervision.

Unreasonable self-diagnosis and selection of medications on the Internet are the path to worsening your pet’s condition. Deaths are also possible.

Caring for your Yorkie during heat

Any owner, regardless of whether he plans to breed a female dog or not, must record the start and end date of each heat, how many days there were a pause between them, what changes occur during this period with the dog. This information will help the veterinarian if any pathologies occur.

During periodic estrus in Yorkies

It is necessary to walk the animal only on a leash, this will help protect the bitch from excessive attention from male dogs and prevent unplanned conception. You can also refuse to go on walks until the end of the heat. If the owner does not plan to breed Yorkies, the dog can be sterilized.

In order to prevent carpets and upholstered furniture from being contaminated by secretions, you can purchase special panties for your animal.

If a female dog is in heat, she should not be allowed to swim in open water, as this can cause the development of genital infections.

Rules for caring for a dog

The first thing that is required is not to miss the onset of estrus, because early mating and pregnancy have a bad effect on the health of the animal. A young growing body is not yet ready for such stress. On such days, you need to walk your dog on a leash, keeping it away from male dogs.

Remember that even the most obedient dogs during this period are influenced by instinct, which can push them to run away from home. That is why you need to walk your pet yourself, without trusting it to children. Insufficient control increases the likelihood of unwanted fertilization.

Due to the high risk of contracting an infection, the dog should not swim in open water during this period. Bathing should also be postponed. Regularly wiping the dog's loop with a cotton pad or special panties will help protect furniture and floors from bloody stains.

To better control the process, keep a notebook. Write down information about the onset, duration of the condition and symptoms there. Such notes will help determine when the next heat will begin, as well as identify possible deviations in the functioning of the pet’s body.