When Does a Boston Terrier Go Into Heat?
Most dogs undergo a heat cycle twice a year. Some breeds, especially the small ones, have three cycles every year. On the other hand, large breeds may only have one cycle per year. The heat cycle is a natural phenomenon that occurs to every female dog. On that note, when does a Boston Terrier go into heat? A Boston Terrier goes into heat at the age of six to nine months old. During this stage, she will reach her puberty age and have her first heat cycle. The heat cycle usually lasts for three weeks with physical and characteristic change that follows.
As your Boston Terrier goes into heat, you will notice several signs that notify you that your dog is undergoing this stage. Your dog will have her period as one of the heat cycle indications. This is all part of the first stage and will last between nine and 17 days.
The second stage will involve your Boston Terrier being overly affectionate. You can expect this period to last for 21 days or three weeks until she discharges dark red blood, which marks the end of her heat cycle.
Signs that Your Boston Terrier is Out of Heat
One obvious way to tell your dog is out of heat is when she’s no longer exhibiting any signs that she’s in heat like swelling of her genital area or she no longer has blood discharge. However, the experts at Terrier Hub explain that there are other ways you can tell your dog is no longer in heat, which include:
- your female Boston Terrier has lost her interest in male dogs whenever they’re around her
- her behavior is generally calmer and she’s having an overall normal composure
- the genital area returns back to its normal size and cease of any discharge
As mentioned above, the duration of the heat cycle usually lasts around three weeks. Length of time also makes a good indicator that your dog is out of her heat cycle. Being able to tell that your dog is out of heat is an important factor in avoiding complications and maintaining her health.
Your Boston Terrier’s Behavior While in Heat
One interesting behavioral phenomenon that can be observed in your dog while she’s in heat is when she runs away from home. This behavior is usually a strong urge while your dog is in heat to search for a male dog. Good fencing will keep your dog from running away. You can also observe similar behavior in male dogs as they can sense a heat cycle in females and start to track them.
You will also notice a sudden change in your dog’s personality. It can range from mild to severe change. You will observe that your dog will either be very clingy and affectionate or grumpy. In general, dogs are wonderful support animals, and the sense of support from them can become heightened when they are in heat and feeling more affectionate than usual.
Aggression is one major complaint from owners when their dog is in heat. A drastic change in hormones causes this kind of behavior brought by the heat cycle.
Another behavior you’ll notice is when your dog starts to flirt with the male dog around. For example, your dog will invite the male by turning her back towards him.
Different Things a Boston Terrier Needs When in Heat
A female Boston Terrier in heat might be a little stressed due to the hormonal change that her body is going through. To help calm her down, here are a few things you might need.
- Interactive toys: interactive toys will help keep her busy and engaged.
- A comfortable and quiet place: in heat the dog is usually restless so make sure you provide her a comfortable and quiet environment where she can rest.
- Diffuser or white noise machine: any of these things will help calm her down if she’s restless.
- Attention and affection: one sign a female dog shows when in heat is being affectionate. Make sure you shower her with lots of attention and cuddles to give your dog the affection she needs.
- A tracking device: it’s in a female dog’s nature to run away when she’s in heat in search of a mate. Make sure you can track her down in case she gets out of your sight. Your dog’s safety should come first.
- Dog diapers: diapers will help you maintain the cleanliness of your house as dogs in heat might leave stains around.
Make sure you take an extra effort to help your Boston Terrier in heat. The heat cycle may not be a pleasant experience for them.
Should You Spay Your Boston Terrier When in Heat?
While the heat cycle marks the readiness of your Boston Terrier to breed, an important question might pop somewhere and might require a careful and urgent answer. Should you spay your Boston Terrier during this stage?
Most vets recommend spaying your dog before their first heat. Spaying at this point eliminates the risk of mammary tumors by 0.5%. In comparison to spaying after the second heat, the risk factor increases by 26%. The mammary tumor develops during the heat cycle because of the spikes in the female hormones. If your dog is spayed at the age of two years, there’s no longer any protection.
Boston Terriers are among other breeds that have a high risk of mammary cancer. Other high-risk breeds include English spaniels, poodles and terriers. As mentioned earlier, spaying before the first heat cycle will save your dog from future misery caused by mammary tumors.
Related Questions
Why Do Female Dogs Cry When Mating?
Female dogs cry to get the male’s attention. If you keep on seeing her cry during the mating process, it can be a sign of pain. You can try to calm the dog down to avoid hurting the male dog even more and might ruin the process altogether.
Do Dogs Feel Pain When in Heat?
A dog’s menstrual cycle that happens when she’s in heat can be compared to a human’s period. She might be experiencing cramps and a mild amount of pain during this period.
Conclusions
A Boston Terrier experiences her first heat cycle at the age of six to nine months. If you’re not planning to breed her, it’s best to spay before her first heat cycle arrives to reduce the risk of breast cancer. Heat cycle can be a stressful experience for your dog so make sure you’re there every step of the way to assist her.