When a female dog is in heat, she may exhibit a variety of symptoms, including screaming and whining, which may be alarming to dog owners.
Owners of dogs fear that something is wrong when their dogs howl or whimper while they are in heat, and they may also ask themselves, do dogs get period cramps?
This article will dive in and answer this frequently asked question and outline all the ways you can help your dog when she’s in heat.
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What Is A Dog Period?
What we humans may call a period is technically called an ‘estrus cycle’ in dogs. However, menstruation is not the same for dogs as it is for women.
A dog’s first “heat” or estrus cycle occurs about six months of age, – this is when they are sexually mature. A spike in estrogen levels is followed by a fast decline before her ovaries begin to produce eggs.
Even while a dog’s first heat cycle usually occurs at the age of six months, this varies from dog to dog and breed to breed. At four months old, some dogs may begin to ovulate, although larger dogs may not go into heat until two years old.
Do Dogs Get Period Cramps? – Are Dogs In Pain On Their Period?
The simple answer is that dogs don’t get period cramps or menstrual cramps in the way that women do.
Women’s periods often signify the end of a cycle, which implies an egg was released but not fertilized, and the uterine linings are being shed in preparation for another menstrual cycle to begin. It is the shedding of a woman’s uterine linings during her period which is often the main cause of cramps.
On the other hand, dogs do not shed off their uterine linings during their period or estrus cycle, so they don’t experience the associated cramps or muscle spasms. Dogs tend to reabsorb the linings instead of getting rid of them.
Therefore, dogs don’t get period cramps in the way we understand period cramps in women. However, dogs can experience discomfort or pain during their estrus cycle.
What Is The Pain And Discomfort Dogs Experience On Their Period?
When dogs are in heat, they may begin to whimper or display other signs of discomfort.
Hormonal changes are one of the most likely reasons for your female dog to start whining when in the heat phase. Most veterinarians agree that hormonal surges may be responsible for a dog’s heat-phase pain, since the surges are frequent during the beginning of a dog’s menstrual cycle.
During her heat cycle, female dogs have a broad variety of hormones operating together and their balance is responsible for a number of physical changes.
Depending on your dog’s breed and general disposition, the hormones make her grouchy, irritated, fearful, or feel lonely.
When a dog is in heat, it’s also possible that she may cry or whine, as a type of mating call to male dogs.
However, this wouldn’t be due to period cramps comparable to what women experience. The dog may be whining for a number of reasons, such as to get the dog owner’s attention, to make a mating call, or because of the pain induced by hormonal fluctuations.
Are Dogs In Pain On Their Period?
Dogs can experience pain and discomfort when on their period, or their estrus cycle. This can be for a number of reasons, but it’s commonly thought to be due to hormonal changes that a dog is subject to during her estrus cycle.
What Are The Signs Of Period Pains Or Period Cramps In Dogs?
Dogs can demonstrate they’re in discomfort or pain during their period in different ways.
Your Dogs Muscles Ache Or Twitch
Symptoms of pain in dogs include twitching muscles and shivering, as well as arching her backs, which is unusual for a dog. She may droop their shoulders and droop their heads.
Your Dog May Pant Heavily
Even while panting is a common activity in dogs, it takes on a distinct meaning when your pet pooch is suffering. Even while your dog is relaxing, you may notice that she is panting excessively. If this is the case, your dog is most certainly in some degree of pain.
Your Dog May Not Want To Play
If your dog is normally sociable and affectionate, you may discover that she no longer wants to be petted. This could be a sign that she is suffering from some kind of discomfort.
How To Relieve Dog Period Cramps?
It is recommended to consult your veterinarian before giving your dog any medication, particularly human drugs, since pain might be an indication of a more severe condition. That aside, there are some ways you can help relieve dog period cramps.
Use Essential Oils
Using vanilla essential oil in aromatherapy massages is a terrific way to relax muscles and improve blood flow in your dog.
Essential oils may help alleviate period discomfort in your dog by reducing stress and improving sleep quality.
Give Your Dog A Hot Or Cold Pack
Period cramps in dogs may be alleviated with the use of an analgesic heat or cold pack.
Give Your Dog Over The Counter Pain Medication
There are a number of over-the-counter pain medications that you might use if you believe that your dog is in serious discomfort.
Using pain drugs incorrectly may lead to a variety of health problems in dogs, so make sure you administer them correctly.
Keep in mind that you should get advice from your veterinarian before giving your dog pain medication.
Give Your Dog Treats
Another great way to make your dog feel better is to give her some of her favorite snacks.
In fact, a dog’s period may cause them to forget to eat. As a result, make sure your dog is consuming nutritious food.
Get Your Dog Spayed
You can consider getting your dog spayed. Doing this will ensure your dog no longer experiences period cramps or period pain.
- Having your dog spayed will prevent her from ever having another heat cycle. There are also other benefits for your dog, these include;
- Spaying reduces the chances of your dog developing cancer
- No discharge from your dog for you to clean up
- Spaying can resolve certain problem behaviors
- Female dogs that have been spayed live long than non-spayed dogs.
What Do You Do When Your Dog Gets Her Period?
If your dog is on her period for the first time, also known as being in heat, then it can be an uncertain time for you as her dog parent. The good news is there are things you can do to help your pet pooch through her period.
Give Her Comfort
It is possible for dogs to become more affectionate throughout their period or estrus cycle. You may want to give her extra attention and affection than usual if this is the case with yours.
You should let her to snuggle up to you and even sleep on the bed, if you can. Consider putting your dog in a diaper if you are concerned about getting discharge on your bed.
Allow Her To Rest A Bit More
Your pooch, like you, probably doesn’t want to play or exercise if she is in discomfort or has period cramps.
As a result, make an effort to create a balance between relaxation and recreation. Allow her to lead the way in terms of what she wants to do.
Keep Her On A Leash When On Walks
do not take your dog for a walk when she is on her estrus cycle, since she is likely to draw the interest of other male dogs. That attention could result in puppies in about 3 months!
Even if you believe she is well-trained, you should keep her leash at all times and stay near to home.
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Is It Painful For Dogs To Have Their Period?
Whimpering and other symptoms of pain are can be observed in dogs when they’re on their period, also known as their estrus cycle.
A fluctuation in hormone levels may be the cause of your female dog’s whimpering while she’s on her period. Most veterinarians believe that a dog’s heat-phase pain and discomfort is caused by hormonal surges. This is because the dog’s menstrual cycle begins with numerous surges of hormones.
Do Dogs Get Period Symptoms?
When a dog is on her period, also known as being in ‘heat’, there will usually be physical and behavioral symptoms that are easy to observe.
- For example, she will usually urinate more than she would normally.
- A blood-tinged discharge and a swelling vulva are both signs that your dog is going through her period.
- You may also notice that your dog is frightened, preoccupied, and responsive to male dogs during this period.
- Your dog may attempt to establish sexual contact with male dogs by elevating her rear end and diverting her tail to one side, among other things.
- It’s possible that your dog will pursue male dogs until her estrus cycle has ended.
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Do Dogs Get Period Cravings?
Cravings during menstruation are often attributed to hormonal fluctuations in women.
It’s probable that dogs would have cravings during their menstrual cycle since they are also affected by hormone imbalances.
If you feel that your dog has cravings during her period, you may want to feed her often throughout the day to keep her blood sugar stable and prevent her from overeating.
Giving her a few of her favorite foods will also help fulfil her cravings. As long as you don’t overindulge in anything unhealthy, you should be OK.
Are Dogs In Pain On Their Period?
When a dog is going through her period, commonly known as the estrus cycle, she may exhibit whining and other signs of discomfort.
Your female dog’s whining during her period may be due to a change in hormone levels. When it comes to dogs in heat, most veterinarians feel that hormonal surges induce pain and discomfort. A dog’s period is characterized by multiple surges of hormones at the outset.
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Can You Give Dogs Anything For Period Cramps?
If your dog is experiencing period cramps there are things that you can give her to help alleviate her discomfort. Before offering your dog any new foods or substances, be sure to check with a veterinarian first.
Over the counter pain medication
You may give your dog over-the-counter pain relievers if you think she’s in a lot of discomfort. Incorrectly administered pain medications may cause a range of health issues in dogs. Remember to consult your vet before giving your dog pain medication.
Essential oil
Aromatherapy treatments with vanilla essential oil might help your dog relax and enhance blood flow. Essential oils may help your dog sleep better and reduce stress.
Hot or cold packs
Heat or cold packs might help relieve period cramps in dogs.
Give your dog treats
Giving your dog her favorite treats might also help her feel better. Periods might lead a dog to forget to eat. So be sure to feed your dog nutritious food.
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Do Dogs Get Period Cramps? – Final Thoughts
After reading this article you should know the answer to the question; do dogs get period cramps? The answer is that dogs can experience pain and discomfort when on their period, but this is not the same as the cramps that women experience. A dog period is scientifically known as an estrus cycle or as being in ‘heat’.
When your dog is on her period there are things you can do to help alleviate any period cramps or period pain she may be feeling. It’s important to give your dog extra support and comfort during this stage.