Turn Off The Heat Estrus (‘heat”) is the mating period of female animals.  Dogs generally have their first estrous cycle at 6-12 months of age.  The complete cycle takes about 6 months, resulting in 2 estrous periods each year.   Individual variation occurs, but a given female’s pattern tends to be repeated regularly.  The first stage (Prestrus) begins with the appearance of vaginal bleeding and lasts from 4-9 days.  Estrus is the stage in which the female will accept the male and conception can occur.  This second stage lasts for 4-13 days.   Metestrus and anestrus are stages of ovarian activity, but with no significant outward signs.  However Mother Nature doesn’t always follow the rules and you should consider your dog to be “in season” for 21 days. Cats normally have their first estrous cycle between 5 and 10 months of age, with the average age around 6 months.  The female cat has 2-4 estrous periods every year, each lasting 15-22 days. If successful mating does not occur, estrus may last 7-10 days and recur at 15-21 day intervals.  It is possible for an unmated female to cycle every 3-4 weeks indefinitely.  Cats also have an estrous period 1-6 weeks after giving birth, so a female may be nursing one litter while pregnant with another.  Since there is usually no obvious vaginal discharge or swelling of the genitals during estrus in cats, as seen in dogs, behavioral changes are the only obvious signs.  A cat in estrus carries her tail to one side, keeps her hindquarters elevated and seems unusually affectionate.  She spends a good deal of time rolling on the floor and seems much more restless than usual.  The cat’s voice seems more piercing and she may “call” for 1-2 days before she accepts the male. With all this opportunity to make babies is it any wonder our shelters are overrun with unwanted animals.   Each year 8 – 10 million homeless cats and dogs end up in animal shelters across the country.  Four to five million of these animals are euthanized annually.  Many of them are healthy and friendly but cannot find a home in time to save their lives.   Believe it or not 25% of all shelter dogs are purebred.  Please leave the breeding to the experts.    Being a breeder is a serious commitment.  The ethical breeders are devoted to their breed.  They breed to improve genetics and temperament and take responsibility for each animal they bring in the world for its lifetime.  No kidding!  Ethical breeders are prepared to take any dog/cat back for whatever reason.   Humans domesticated dogs and cats so we are responsible for them and this overpopulation problem.   Spaying/Neutering is a one-time charge and your pet will live a longer and healthy life.  Every pet deserves a good home and good healthcare.