The Importance of Monitoring Rottweiler Behavior During Heat

Pregnancy in a female Rottweiler can occur as early as 6 months of age but often does not occur until 9 months. Sexual maturity doesn’t occur until after around 18 months. Therefore, it is strongly advised to wait until after the dog’s second heat cycle before trying to breed a Rottweiler or any other dog. If you breed a dog that lacks mental maturity, the mother is more likely to ignore the puppies or have difficult labor and delivery.

Varieties come in both tiny and big sizes. In contrast, the smaller breed often experiences its first heat cycle by the age of four months old. It may take the bigger species up to two years after their initial mating to enter their first heat cycle.

As a general rule, female dogs enter heat twice a year, however, this might vary from breed to breed. Their reproductive cycle consists of four distinct phases: proestrus, estrus, diestrus, and anestrus. Indicators include alterations in appearance, demeanor, hormone levels, cytology, and function.

Proestrus

is the time when dog owners begin to detect variations in their dog’s body temperature. These phases typically last between 0 and 27 days. The male dogs will be drawn to the female when this occurs. Follicles will mature and estrogen levels will peak at this time. In most cases, the vulva will swell and bleed somewhat. When this happens, a vaginal smear (cytology) will reveal a variety of cell types, including red blood cells. In this case, the male is responsive to the presence of the female.

Estrus

During this time, the female is open to the male’s advances; this stage often lasts for 9 days based on their behavioral signs, lasting anywhere from 4 to 24 days. The fertile phase coincides with the vulva’s enlargement and mild softening, making it easier to conceive. Blood loss occurs with vulvar discharge—the levels of progesterone rise as those of estrogen fall. Vaginal cytology reveals a collection of mostly cornified epithelial cells.

Dietrus

The phase lasts for around two months, after which the female is no longer receptive to the male. Estrogen levels are low during progesterone’s peak (3–4 weeks after diestrus begins) and subsequent decline (to basal levels) towards the conclusion of the stage. Here, the fluctuations in progesterone levels—both lower and higher—occur independently of whether or not the dog is pregnant. Compared to proestrus, the vaginal cytology indicates a decrease in the number of red blood cells and a return of the basal cell layer.

Anestrus

takes place between the diestrus and the proestrus. In contrast to certain breeds, this phase will only last four months. At this point, there is no longer any swelling or discharge from the vulva. It is at this period that the uterus often begins preparing for the following pregnancy. There is a basal cell visible in the cytology.

Rottweiler Heat Signs

Female dogs are considered “in heat” when they are sexually active and hence ready to have puppies. The term estrus more accurately describes this time in a female dog’s reproductive cycle. While most dog owners choose to have their female dog spayed if they don’t want to use the dog for breeding, understanding what to anticipate when your female dog goes into heat is important if you’ve just adopted an intact dog or wish to breed her.

Symptoms of a dog being in heat might include bloody discharge, receptivity to male dogs, agitation, and more. During each of her heat cycle’s four stages, an unspayed female dog will exhibit a unique set of symptoms. Even while a bloody discharge is the most obvious sign your dog is ready to mate, there are others. Having an unaltered female dog in the house, in addition to an intact male dog, can be problematic, but being prepared for potential issues is essential.

When can I anticipate my dog’s first heat?

There is a wide range of ages at which canine breeds experience their first heat cycle. A female dog of a toy breed may go into heat for the first time as early as four months of age, whereas a huge or gigantic breed may wait as long as two years. In most cases, a dog’s first heat cycle will occur between the ages of 6 and 15 months.

When does my dog start showing signs of being in heat?

Knowing your dog’s cycle will help you adjust to any alterations in her appearance or demeanor that may occur during the heat. These seven indications may or may not appear depending on the phase of her heat cycle she is in.

A swollen genital area

The vulva is the canine equivalent of the female genitalia. Below the dog’s anus, you’ll find it. If your dog is in heat, you’ll notice a reddening and enlargement of her vulva. This is a natural component of estrus, but for dog owners who are witnessing it for the first time, it might be startling.
Vulvar bleeding or discharge of a straw-like color: While in heat, your dog may bleed from the vulva. In the early stages of estrus, your dog’s discharge may be bloody and leave stains on her bed, your couch, or the floor. As Estrus progresses, and the discharge often lightens in color and lessens in volume, taking on a more yellowish hue.

Receptive to male dogs

As soon as your dog enters the estrus phase of her cycle, she will eagerly accept the attention of male canines. In addition to maybe mounting other dogs (including other female dogs) and possibly attempting to mount your leg or other pets in the house, your dog will allow other dogs to mount her.

Excessive genital licking

A female dog in heat will frequently lick the vaginal area.

Aggression, agitation, or nervousness

Your dog may exhibit frightened or skittish behavior during the early stages of estrus. It might become hostile against other pets in the house or even you. In the latter stages of estrus, your dog may become hostile toward other female dogs while remaining friendly to male canines.

An increase in the frequency of urination

Dogs in heat often make many trips to the bathroom to signal to nearby male dogs that they are ready to mate.

Shift in tail placement

Your female dog may keep her tail tucked in close to her body at the start of her heat cycle, but as estrus continues, you’ll notice that she’s holding her tail to the side to signal to male dogs that she’s ready to mate.

You can tell what phase of her heat cycle your female dog is in by observing her look and behavior.

Tips for Caring for Rottweilers During Heat

You can’t just carry on as usual while a female Rottweiler is in heat; you have to take special precautions to make sure she’s secure and comfortable.

Stress caused by your Rottweiler being in heat may be reduced by showering her with additional affection and providing her with stimulating activities. Limit her time outside to short walks on a leash within the house. You should also shield your flooring and furnishings from the electric current. Finally, remember to take her in for regular vet checkups.

A Guide to Taking Care of Your Rottweiler While She’s in Heat

Certain canines appear to be born with an innate ability to adapt to the changing of the seasons. Even if they have been going into heat for a while, the sight of others experiencing menstruation may still be disturbing to some.

That said, each dog is different. In any case, your Rottweiler will need additional attention and care from you when she is in heat because to her heightened hormonal activity.

Rottweilers are protective by nature, but they, like any other dog, need their humans for support when they’re sick or injured.

She could attempt to run away, jump up on things, urinate in inappropriate places, whine or bark excessively, etc. Even though she is behaving in accordance with the laws of nature, you can’t shout at her or penalize her for it.

A Rottweiler with a vaginal discharge is no reason to shun your dog or change your treatment of her if you have trouble cleaning up after accidents, especially those that include body fluids.

You don’t have to let her sleep on your bed or on your couch, but you shouldn’t stop cuddling with her either. Try joining her on the floor or going outside.

Put Her in a Secure Location

If your male dog is intact, he will sniff about for your female. They could try to break through your gates or fence if they do discover her.

She may try to force her way through the fence or rush at the outside entrance of the home anytime it is opened, as this is when she is most likely to find a mate.

When your female is in heat, you’re essentially her prison warden and bodyguard. Depending on the layout of your property line, you may have to confine her inside the home during her heat cycle, only letting her out for potty breaks. You should use extra caution if you have access to an intact guy. In order to ensure the safety of both dogs, they must be kept apart.

If you have a male and female Rottweiler, you need to keep the female inside and only let her out for supervised bathroom breaks while the male dog is confined.

The interconnecting doors between rooms must be kept tightly locked at all times, and visitors must be informed of this policy. A female Rottweiler in heat may show aggression against another female, even if they are both intact, and vice versa.

Make Sure She’s Leashed

If you don’t have a large yard and your female Rottweiler needs to go outside for some exercise, you must always have her on a leash.

The dog parks and busy dog-walking hours are to be avoided at all costs. I’ll be honest: even when she’s in your yard for potty breaks and scheduled exercise, your Rottweiler should be on a leash.

Why?

Your Rottweiler’s excellent fragrance will attract the attention of curious neighbors and stray dogs unless your home is enclosed by a high brick wall.

These guys will use any means necessary, including jumping, burrowing, climbing, bulldozing, etc., to get access to your yard. If they do find their way inside, your female will gladly let them mate with her.

Have Fun With Her

Your Rottweiler’s restlessness during heat is due to the surge of hormones and heightened sexual drive she experiences at this time.

She’ll get overly preoccupied with the idea of finding a partner. Therefore, you should try to divert and amuse her. Additionally, if at all feasible, you should have her do more physical activity.

Use positive reinforcement teaching techniques, play her favorite games, etc. Don’t be discouraged if her enthusiasm wanes fast; she’ll be very busy. Just give a different game another shot after a little while.

Make Sure Your Furniture And Floors Are Safe

This is a ‘hard reality’ of having a female Rottweiler that has not been sterilized. Unfortunately, it’s very typical for you to have some really unpleasant vaginal discharge.

When a dog is in proestrus, she may or may not have a significant amount of vaginal discharge. Some people can keep it under control by keeping themselves clean, while others will not.

A significant discharge during proestrus might mean you need to take extra precautions to protect your furnishings and carpets from your Rottweiler.

It’s best to use dog diapers

Your Rottweiler may wear period pants, of which there are both disposable and washable varieties.

These are designed to fit over your Rottweiler’s rear end, acting like diapers to prevent messes from spreading. Because a thick discharge might cause irritation to your Rottweiler’s skin, you should change her canine diaper often.

Doggy diapers won’t dissuade a determined man, so don’t assume your female is safe just because she’s wearing one. Choose an alternative to diaper your Rottweiler if you’d prefer not to change its diaper several times a day or if your dog seems distressed by the idea.

Offer Her a Cool Place to Stay

Keeping a female Rottweiler intact will need regular trips to the vet, so plan on investing in some basic safety gear.

The most effective strategy for taking advantage of this choice is to confine your Rottweiler to a single room while she enters heat.

This may seem cruel, but she is too preoccupied to care much about it. Protect the furnishings in your selected room from dust and spills by purchasing some plastic or canvas coverings. Remember that your Rottweiler still needs a comfy sleeping spot that you can simply clean. Don’t forget to provide her with lots of fresh water and entertaining toys.

Put her in the crate to keep her safe

Only crate-trained Rottweilers should be left in here for an hour or so at a time.

You may take a break from diaper duty or give the in-heat room a good cleaning without having to keep an eye on your Rottweiler.

Repeatedly, if your Rottweiler is not already crate trained, you should not confine her to a crate during this period. It’s going to put a huge strain on her, and it may even be harmful to her health if you do that.

Get Her To A Vet

When your Rottweiler has her first estrus cycle, it’s crucial that you take her to the doctor. Get her checked out to make sure she’s well so you may ask any questions you might have after reading this.

How a male Rottweiler detects a pregnant female

Your normally mild-mannered male may become more boisterous and mischievous if he detects the presence of a female in heat. In case it’s your unaltered female, be ready.

It might be the dog next door, a stray female that came into your neighborhood, or even a dog in the park (though a decent owner wouldn’t bring their female there when she was in heat).

When your male Rottweiler detects a female in heat, what will he do?

• He will become agitated as he searches for a way out.
• He’ll urinate in the house and elsewhere on the property.
• His temperament might change and he could become violent against other animals.
• It’s possible that he’ll lose his appetite (he has one goal in mind).
• There’s a chance he’ll start humping or mounting things.

How to Take Care of Your Male Rottweiler While the Female is in Heat

Now, it’s one thing if your intact female is the one driving your male Rottweiler crazy. You know that keeping two intact dogs of different sexes in the house can have negative effects, but you’re willing to take that risk.

Even if it isn’t your female dog, dealing with a sexually unsatisfied dog might feel like a cruel twist of fate.

Create Some Space Between Your Male and the Female in Heat

As soon as you discover your Rottweiler has spotted a female in heat that has been taken outside, you should leave the vicinity.

You should separate your Rottweiler female from the rest of the household as was said before. If your male Rottweiler is still showing signs of distress after this, rather than leaving him alone for nearly three weeks, consider boarding him with a relative.

Temporarily boarding your Rottweiler is another option, however, you should only do so as a last resort given the breed’s strong owner-dog bond.

Try to Distract Him

Distraction is likely to be one of the most useful strategies. Rottweiler males can become destructive during heat cycles, therefore it’s important to keep him occupied with games, toys, training, additional exercise, etc.

Think About Using a Sterilizer

Having your male Rottweiler neutered is an option. Read this post if you want to know the real positives and downsides. Your Rottweiler does not need to be neutered if you do not want it to reproduce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rottweilers are known for their loyalty and strength, but their behavior during heat can sometimes be unpredictable. Owners may be unsure about what to expect or how to manage their Rottweiler’s behavior during this time.

When do Rottweilers go into heat?

There is often a two- to four-week heat cycle in Rotties. After 12 to 18 months of age, most females will begin experiencing regular heat cycles. Even after being spayed, female dogs will still go through menstruation every six months.

When does a female Rottweiler go through puberty?

Between 12 and 18 months of age, the majority of Rottweilers have their first heat cycle. Rotties reach sexual maturity at this age.

A Rottweiler female may experience her first heat as early as six months of age. While this is certainly out of the ordinary, an early heat cycle is not a cause for alarm. A good analogy would be a female getting her period sooner.

No of how early your Rottie goes into heat, you shouldn’t breed her until she’s old enough to handle it.

At about 24 months of age, a Rottweiler’s physical and mental faculties will fully develop. At this stage of life, reproduction makes more sense.

If a rottie has pups too soon in life, she won’t have the maturity to care for them properly. It is not uncommon for the female to reject the puppies and even fight them. Any puppies that their mother rejects will have to be fed to them through a bottle.

Puppy delivery before the Rottweiler’s physical maturity might potentially impede the dog’s development. These pups normally mature into robust canines with good muscular tone. However, a dog may not attain its full potential in size if it produces puppies too soon.

Birth malformations are more common in puppies of younger moms. Puppy mortality rates may rise under certain situations. Costly medical care is a real possibility for puppies born with malformations. To learn everything there is to know about selecting the best rottweiler puppy from a litter, please click here.

It’s healthier for your Rottie’s health if you can keep her from getting pregnant too soon. You should keep a closer eye on the dog’s heat cycle whether you want to breed her or get her spayed.

When do Rottweilers often go into heat?

Once every four to six months, most Rottweilers experience heat. Some canines may have their cycles at different times than others. The time of a dog’s heat cycle is not a precise science, as many dog breeders, vets, and owners can attest.

Women’s menstrual periods might vary in duration from one another. In certain cases, the dog’s cycle length and cycle frequency will alter as the dog ages.

On the occasion, a female’s heat cycle might be triggered by the presence of an intact male. This behavior is an ancient survival trait passed down via the canine lineage.

Cherrydown Vets reports that it is common for numerous ladies living in the same home to experience simultaneous menstrual periods. It’s possible that a more powerful female will have her period first.

Knowing when your Rottie may be expected to go into heat is helpful whether you intend to breed her or not. The good news is that there are distinct indicators to look out for at each of the four stages of the heat cycle.

Is it Dangerous for a Rottweiler to Go Through Heat Cycles?

The American College of Veterinary Surgeons classifies pyometra as a life-threatening canine vaginal illness. Although germs are at the root of the infection, hormones have a role in its progression.

A spayed female dog is immune to this disease. Part of the uterus being retained after a spay is the only method for a female to get this illness after having been spayed. This does not happen often, though.

A bloody discharge is a possible symptom of pyometra in your Rottweiler, however, it is not always present. Occasionally, a dog’s cervix will shut. There are perhaps more indicators that will alert you to the fact that anything is amiss.

Your dog may become listless and eat less or not at all as a result of sadness. Pale mucous membranes and an increased need to urinate are further symptoms. This infection can spread to other organs and tissues, even jeopardizing the patient’s life.

Exams, blood work, urine analysis, and imaging techniques help veterinarians identify this illness. Your dog will need to be hospitalized while the infection is treated and stabilized. This is the typical procedure after which a spay is performed.

Spaying your Rottie may be a bummer if it wasn’t already on the agenda, but it’s for the best in the long run. Your dog has a better chance of living a long, healthy life.

How can I make sure that my Rottweiler doesn’t get pregnant?

Even though spaying is the best option, there are times when it may not be feasible or desirable. The encouraging news is that you can take action to reduce the risk of unintended pregnancy.

In no circumstances should you allow your female to be unattended when she is in heat. Keep her on a leash or in a kennel with a roof if your yard doesn’t have a fence. Kill the odor of urine by spraying bleach on the ground around the spots where she has used the restroom to deter potential suitors.

Keep any male pets that are still intact in separate quarters or crates to avoid inadvertent matings. Try to avoid exiting the female through the same doorway as the man.

Females might benefit from chlorophyll supplements, which can help mask their odor. Your veterinarian may be able to inject your dog to stop her from going into heat. Although this is not a permanent fix, it might buy you some time until you can get your Rottie spayed.

When Should I Have My Dog Spayed?

Spaying your dog as early as four months old to prevent mammary cancer by ensuring she never experiences a heat cycle is no longer recommended by veterinarians. However, newer studies suggest waiting until large and giant-breed dogs are fully grown to remove the hormones necessary for skeletal development. Before deciding on the age for spaying your dog, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor about any concerns you may have.

Do dogs become pregnant if they’re not in heat?

Actually, she can’t. Pregnancy in dogs may only occur while the female is in heat. While conception is feasible at any time throughout the dog’s heat cycle, the time immediately following the onset of estrus is optimal for getting pregnant. The fertile period lasts around five days.

When a female dog is in heat, how do you keep the house tidy?

The easiest method to prevent blood from spilling all over your house is to get a heat diaper for your dog. Toweling off your dog’s favorite spots is another option if you can’t keep him off the furniture and carpets.

Do dogs sleep more when in heat?

Heat sensitivity in canines varies greatly. The day may be a struggle for some, as they may feel sleepy or agitated. Keeping your dog at ease requires attentive observation and the selection of the appropriate amounts of rest and activity.

Can I bathe my dog in heat?

Some people think that bathing a female dog in heat would only make the symptoms worse. However, this is just a made-up story. It is not only acceptable but also good, to bathe a dog while it is hot outside. A small amount of vulvar bleeding is to be expected in a dog that is in heat. Blood stains can be removed from a white-coated dog’s fur by giving it a bath.

Final Thoughts About The Importance of Monitoring Rottweiler Behavior During Heat