You should seek the advice of your veterinarian if your pet is ill as only he or she can correctly advise on the diagnosis and recommend the treatment that is most appropriate for your pet.

Sometimes veterinary terminology can be confusing. Here we explain terminology that is commonly used in association with the female reproductive cycle in dogs

The following terms are commonly used in discussions about the reproductive cycle of the bitch.. The duration of any one phase of the oestrus cycle can vary greatly from one individual to another ..but approximate timings are given :

• Pro-oestrus The period immediately before oestrus. Lasts about 9 days. Swelling of the vulva appears, as does a blood stained discharge. The bitch is attractive to males but won't allow sexual intercourse.
• Oestrus The period during which the bitch will allow sexual intercourse with a male. Ovulation usually occurs near the beginning of the oestrus period. Oestrus usually lasts about 9 days.
• Dioestrus (also called Metoestrus) This period begins when the bitch refuses to accept a male at the end of oestrus. The vulva becomes less swollen and the discharge stops. It lasts about 60 days, and officially ends when a specific hormone (progesterone) reaches minimal concentrations in the bloodstream.
• Anoestrus This is the long period of inactivity between the end of dioestrus and the start of the next pro-oestrus period, and it averages about 4-5 months.
• Pregnancy (or gestation) This starts when a male sperm fertilises a female ovum, and ends when the bitch gives birth, however sometimes the date of mating is used as the start date ...this effectively increases the period by several days in some dogs as  fertilisation can occur up to 7 days after mating.  The average period of pregnancy (or gestation) based upon hormonal changes (luteinizing hormone peak to birth) is about 9 weeks (63-65 days).
• False pregnancy This is common and normal and occurs when the hormone prolactin increases in concentrations in the bloodstream.  It usually occurs 4-5 weeks after oestrus. The bitch produces milk and shows some behavioural changes such as guarding bedding, and nest building which mimic pregnancy - although in fact she is not pregnant.
• Parturition Is the act of giving birth.

If you have any other specific questions about the female reproductive cycle, or any other pet health issue , please send them to info@provet.co.uk

Updated October 2013