Seasons in Dogs
In Season Bitches / Pseudo Pregnancy:
"Looking at behaviour changes, pain and discomfort as a discussion."
The dogs estrous cycle is made up of four stages. These are the proestrus, estrus, diestrus, and anestrus. The proestrus is the most obvious stage, while the other stages are more subtle. Proestrus – This stage lasts for nine days on average but can reach 27 days where physical signs become visible. Estrus - This stage is when the bitch may be receptive to a dog. This stage will last an average of 9 days based on behavioural signs but can range from 4 to 24 days. The most fertile period occurs during these stages. Diestrus - bitches are no longer receptive to dogs. Oestrogen levels are lower, while progesterone peaks 3 to 4 weeks after the start of diestrus and then declines. Anestrus - is the time between diestrus and the next proestrus. Each stage brings with it changes behaviourally and physically.
Behaviour-wise bitches will change during seasons due to hormones, phantom pregnancies, pain, risk of infection, increased urination, lack of appetite, discomfort, signs of pain and increased stress and lethargy are commonly noted by vets. This will impact them emotionally and how they are feeling, so walking them with other dogs, transportation, stimuli within environments, etc,. can all impact negatively on the dog. Although you may walk with other bitches and neutered males, the bitch in season will still behave differently and likely be easily stressed. Not to mention physically feeling different. Often, we forget pain, inflammation and discomfort that a female dog will experience, pain influences behaviour which is why we also will see changes in behaviour and potential risk for dog to dog conflict.
Neutered males can also cause stress by attempts at mounting and can still tie with an in-season bitch, though pregnancy is not a risk, an incident can impact on both dogs negatively behaviour-wise and through stress. It is perfectly acceptable for dog to be selective with which dogs they wish to interact with.
Pseudo-pregnancy in dogs is often a concern for owners and usually occurs from 6 to 12 weeks after the female dog was in season (estrus). The various symptoms are caused by changing levels of the hormones progesterone and prolactin. Prolactin is the hormone that stimulates milk production. Behaviour changes generally are the first signs of a phantom pregnancy in dogs, often showing restlessness and anxiety. Do contact your vet, with any concerns or signs of pain as veterinary professionals can offer different treatments to dogs that are struggling and have noted behaviour changes.
For Pet Care Professionals
In the UK, I would recommend contacting your insurance company to check your policy cover and seek advice from your local dog warden for your pet business risk assessments, in regard to offering services to in-season bitches.
The impact to dogs you walk the in-season bitch with can also affect a group of usually well-matched dogs. The smell, and behaviour changes of the in-season dog can cause conflict, unwanted behaviours and sensitivity. Remembering that neutered male dogs can still pester and at worst mount and tie with the bitch. There may not be pregnancy, but there could be other physical problems, injury, or increased risk of serious pseudo pregnancy complications. Then you have the added risk of roaming dogs that can catch scent and wander trying to find the bitch. This will have obvious risks, particularly if you have a group of dogs to manage and protecting an in-season bitch from uninvited attention, causing her stress.
Personally, as a trainer, an in-season bitch needs to be monitored carefully and exercise needs to be managed, not just physically due to pain, discomfort, risk but also behaviourally and emotionally . Stress, anxiety, quick trigger stacking due to a lowered threshold can all result in dog-to-dog conflict and negative environmental associations, which can go on to impact the dog behaviour-wise longer term.
Do look at your services and risk assess for in-season bitches carefully if you are a professional pet carer or dog walker. The risk here is not just pregnancy, but the welfare and wellbeing of individual dogs. Solo walks could also be too stressful for an in-season bitch, due to the external environment and stimuli. Owners and dog professionals may mistake an agitated dog that is experiencing discomfort, as bored, or needing exercise. Instead, look at offering pet comfort visits with scent-based activities, and brain games. This could become a specific specialised service, much like for dogs in their golden ages and puppies.
References
Gazzano, Angelo & Cozzi, Alessandro & Mariti, Chiara & Tidu, Lorenzo & Verri, E & Ducci, Michele & Martelli, F. (2008). Behavioural modifications of bitches during diestrus and anestrus. Veterinary research communications. 32 Suppl 1. S151-3. 10.1007/s11259-008-9113-3.

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