

Learn more with our article on why my dog keeps licking her privates. Likewise, it is normal to notice the appearance of blood due to an over-vascularization of the area.

In addition, you will notice swelling of her vulva which is mediated by estrogen. At this time, we will observe that the bitch shows aggressiveness towards the male and does not accept copulation, despite him feeling attracted to her. Towards the end of this phase there is a peak concentration of estrogen in the blood.

You must wait until your dog has experienced at least a year of heat before allowing her to be mounted and copulate with a male.Ī bitch's reproductive cycle is regulated by pituitary hormones, luteinizing hormones, follicle stimulating hormones, estrogen and progesterone. Being sexually mature does not necessarily imply being physiologically prepared to breed. This occurs between 6 and 12 months of age. Female dogs are sexually mature after their first heat cycle.
