Will my female Frenchie have periods? Yes, they are part of what’s known as the estrus cycle in dogs. You could also have become aware of dog terms of “in heat” or “in season” throughout that period, and the estrus cycle is often referred to as a “heat cycle.”
Like all other dogs, female Frenchies don’t have a period (heat cycle) every month but about once or twice a year. The frequency is roughly every seven months.
As with humans, the menstrual cycle varies from person to person, every dog is different, and there may be differences between breeds and even differences in the same dog from one cycle to the next.
So What Is Estrus Or Being In Heat
Estrus or being in heat is a process of the reproductive system of a female dog. She is responsive to mating with male dogs throughout this period.
The estrogen levels will first rise and then dramatically drop, and at the same time, her eggs are released from their ovaries. She may also generate a bloody fluid from her vagina. This is all part of the natural process unless you have spayed her.
| The word spay is a generic term for ovariohysterectomy. This is a surgical operation involving removing the reproductive system of a female dog, that is, the ovary and uterus. |
When does Estrus Start, And How Long Does It Last?
Female dogs typically go into heat for the first time between the ages of 6-24 months. The first estrus typically happens earlier for smaller dogs and later for larger dogs.
Each estrus cycle lasts approximately 18 days. Male dogs will be attentive to a female dog for the entire 18 days; however, the female dog would only be agreeable to males for around half of that time.
How to Tell if Your French Bulldog is in Heat?
Several physical and behavioral indicators indicate your French Bulldog is in heat. For instance, it will generally pee more than normal, and there’ll be a blood-tinged discharge and an enlarged vulva.
Your Frenchie can also appear anxious, distracted, and more attentive to male dog’s attention. She may encourage sexual contact, such as lifting and shifting her tail to the side, commonly known as flagging. Well, if French Bulldogs had tails, she would be doing this. 🙂
The discharge begins with darker blood and then progressively lightens to pinkish color. The heat period lasts for around three weeks. Sometimes this period can be longer than a week; some French Bulldogs can become pregnant at the end of the first week.
| Swollen vulva | Bloody discharge from the vulva |
| Receptive to male dogs | Excessive licking of the genital area |
| Agitated, nervous, or aggressive behavior | Urinating more frequently |
| Change in tail position (flagging) |
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How to Look After Your French Bulldogs Period
As you are now well informed about your French Bulldog’s estrus cycle, several products will assist you. There are several dog diapers you will want to get your hands on.
That being reusable or disposable. Doing so is going to make this period much more comfortable for you and your Frenchie.
Disposable Dog Diapers
Try ordering disposable dog diapers if you do not like washing your dog diapers on the weekend.
Also available are diapers for small, medium, and large breeds, so your Frenchie will surely find one that suits them. Diapers are designed to be leakproof, absorbent, comfortable, and clean.
Reusable Dog Diapers
Reusable diapers are suitable if you are concerned about the price or if you are environmentally responsible. Although they are absorbent with several layers, they are also washable.
These reusable dog diapers are available in mini, medium, and large breeds. So again, you are bound to find what fits your little one.
| The good news is if you are stuck trying to find the best brands for you, little French girl, we have done the hard work for you and located the brands and products we like on Amazon. |
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What are the Four Stages
Throughout your French Bulldogs heat cycle, she will undergo four stages, marked by various alterations in her body and conduct. The four steps of the heat cycle are:
| Proestrus: Proestrus begins the heat cycle when your French bulldog’s body is getting ready to breed. This process shows signs of an enlarged vulva, blood-tinged discharge, prolonged licking of the genital region, clinging behavior, and aggression toward male dogs. Your dog could also be keeping her tail tight to her body. (If Frenchies had a tail. 🙂 ) |
| Estrus: The estrus stage is the mating process in which your female Frenchie will be agreeable to males. You may note that your Frenchie appears to be urinating more often than usual, as she is marking places to show its willingness to breed. |
| Diestrus: This process happens immediately after the “in heat” phase and helps the body of your French Bulldog to either bounce back or progress into pregnancy. Her vulva should resume normal size, and her vaginal discharge will stop. |
| Anestrus: This is an idle period, and no signs of hormonal or sexual activity are noticed. |
Stay away from intact male dogs for 3 to 4 weeks
Unless you are planning to have puppies, you should avoid intact male dogs for 3 to 4 weeks. Consequently, you should not let your Frenchie attend dog parks or do any daycare sessions that involve dogs while she is in heat.
Whenever a dog is in heat, assume it will have to wait for a minimum of a month before it can visit its intact male friends.
Dogs and menopause
There is no menopause in dogs, and older female dogs continue to have heat cycles, but they’ll be farther apart, and their fertility will decline.
What Should I Do When My French Bulldog Is In Heat
If your French Bulldog is going through its first heat period, it can be stressful for either of you. Employ these tips to keep to help keep things as smooth as possible:
| Ensure your Frenchies ID tags and microchip are up-to-date: If your French Bulldog has escaped or run out of your yard, this ensures that you can be reunited with visible, updated ID tags and current microchip contact details. |
| Never let your Frenchie off her leash: While your little Frenchie may have outstanding behavior skills, its ability to remember may fade into the background when its hormones are affected and bent on locating a male. |
| Never leave your Frenchie out in the yard alone: Don’t discount the urge of a male dog to locate a female that emits mating pheromones. You could walk into your backyard to find a strange male and your little Frenchie hanging out together. |
| Consider spaying your dog: If you don’t have any intentions to breed your French Bulldog. Your vet will inform you of the proper age for spaying your Frenchie. |
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Spaying Your French Bulldog
It is strongly suggested to spay puppies between 4 and 6 months old. At that age, the sex organs of a female puppy are fully grown, but she has not yet undergone her first heat cycle.
Besides stopping unwanted puppies, spaying will reduce your dog’s risk of contracting some cancers and avoid the likelihood of getting pyometra. This uterine disorder is often painful and often serious.
Potential health issues during French Bulldog periods
French Bulldogs can be at an increased risk of certain health issues during their periods. Owners must be aware of these potential issues and take steps to prevent or manage them. Here are some of the most common health concerns during French Bulldog periods:
| Increased risk of infections: French Bulldogs are more susceptible to infections during their periods. This is because the hormonal changes in their bodies can affect their immune system, making them more vulnerable to bacterial infections. Owners should monitor their French Bulldog’s genital area for any signs of redness, swelling, or discharge, which may indicate an infection. If you suspect an infection, contact your veterinarian for advice. |
| Changes in behavior or mood: French Bulldogs may experience changes in behavior or mood during their periods. They may become more irritable, anxious, or lethargic. Owners should be patient and understanding during this time and provide their French Bulldog with extra attention and care. Additionally, it’s important to keep your French Bulldog away from any stressful situations, such as loud noises or other dogs, which can exacerbate mood changes. |
| Anemia: In rare cases, French Bulldogs can develop anemia during their periods. This is because they lose blood during menstruation, which can lead to a decrease in red blood cells. Signs of anemia may include lethargy, pale gums, and a decreased appetite. If you suspect that your French Bulldog has anemia, seek veterinary care immediately. |
To care for your French Bulldog during her period, it’s important to maintain good hygiene, provide a healthy diet, and schedule regular veterinary check-ups. Owners should also be patient and understanding, as their French Bulldog may be more sensitive or irritable during this time. By taking these steps, you can help ensure that your French Bulldog remains healthy and comfortable during her period.
Conclusion
In conclusion, managing French Bulldog periods is essential to responsible pet ownership. By being aware of the signs and symptoms of French Bulldog periods and taking the necessary steps to care for your dog during this time, you can help ensure her health and comfort. It’s also important to be mindful of the potential health issues that can arise during French Bulldog periods and to seek veterinary care if necessary. Following the tips and information outlined in this article can help ensure that your French Bulldog remains healthy, happy, and comfortable during her period. Always consult with your veterinarian if you have any concerns or questions about your French Bulldog’s health or well-being.
