My little dog has become a lady!

1. At what age do bitches and cats go into heat?
The first heat starts between 6 and 12 months. It is repeated every six months in bitches and every three months in cats, but it varies with diseases, weather and the presence of other animals.

2. How long does heat last?
In bitches, about 15 days – the fertile period happens at the end of the bleeding, from the eighth to the tenth day. The cat’s heat lasts five days, but ovulation occurs only during mating.

3. What are the symptoms of heat?
Bitches bleed, get bloated and lick themselves a lot. Cats meow loudly and at night.

4. What to do to calm them down?
There are hormones to prevent heat, but they cause hormonal problems and tumors in Organs reproductive organs. The solution is to be patient.

5. How to prevent females from running away to date?
Do not leave gates ajar and avoid keeping any furniture near the windows that can be used as a ladder to access the street. Keep an eye out if your female starts digging to get under the fence or gate. For the cats, just put screens on the windows.

6. How to prevent furniture from getting dirty?
Male and female cats mark territory by urinating on walls and furniture. Only castration before reproductive age eliminates this problem. To keep female dogs from soiling the house, use waterproof covers on the couch, remove rugs from the floor, and cover the carpet.

7. Is putting absorbent diapers on dogs harmful?
Because they are uncomfortable and cause skin irritation, absorbent diapers are not indicated for heat. They are only for animals with urinary or fecal incontinence. Hygienic panties, which are much lighter and more comfortable, are ideal for dogs that live indoors. But keep an eye out: many females chew and eat this accessory! Remember to take off your panties to air the area and so that she can pee. In cats, panties are not necessary, because they do not bleed when they come into heat.

8. If not neutered, how many puppies can be born?
It depends on the race. Small bitches have a maximum of two puppies per pregnancy, while large ones can have seven or eight puppies. Cats usually give birth to four kittens. Per year, that’s up to 16 puppies and 16 meows!

9. How much does it cost to keep the litter until you donate the puppies?
Considering vaccine, deworming and food, a small puppy costs about R$ 100 per month, plus accessories and veterinarian.

10. Why is it important to neuter?
In addition to eliminating once and for all the discomfort of heat, castration of females prevents infections, tumors, bleeding and psychological pregnancy. In males, it prevents prostate and testicle tumors. In both sexes, neutering decreases the risk of breakouts.