Introduction
Female dogs go through a heat cycle, also called an estrous cycle, as part of their normal reproductive system. The heat cycle occurs when a dog is maturing and getting ready to reproduce. It typically begins around 6 months of age but can start anytime between 6-24 months. The heat cycle lasts 18-21 days on average and recurs every 6 months unless the dog is spayed. During the heat cycle, dogs exhibit behavioral changes and discharge from the vulva. This is an important issue for dog owners to understand so they can properly care for their dog’s health and wellbeing during this time.
Signs of Illness
There are several common signs that a dog may be sick after a heat cycle:
- Lethargy – The dog may seem more tired and less energetic than usual (Source: https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/systemic/heatstroke-dogs)
- Vomiting – The dog may vomit repeatedly (Source: https://animalemergencyservice.com.au/blog/heat-stress-in-dogs/)
- Diarrhea – Frequent loose or liquid stools (Source: https://www.noahsarkvet.com/11-symptoms-of-heat-exhaustion-in-dogs)
- Loss of appetite – The dog may not be interested in food (Source: https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/systemic/heatstroke-dogs)
- Heavy panting – Rapid breathing or panting that persists even when the dog has cooled down (Source: https://animalemergencyservice.com.au/blog/heat-stress-in-dogs/)
- Increased thirst and urination – The dog may drink and urinate more frequently (Source: https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/systemic/heatstroke-dogs)
These signs can indicate that the dog may be suffering from heat exhaustion, heat stroke, or other illness brought on by excessive heat exposure during their heat cycle.
Potential Causes
Some potential causes for a dog feeling ill after being in heat include uterine infections like pyometra and vaginal infections. Pyometra is a bacterial infection in the uterus that causes it to fill with pus and fluid (Source). It is a serious, life-threatening condition that must be treated quickly with antibiotics, IV fluids, and often surgery to remove infected uterine tissue (Source).
Vaginal infections may also occur after heat cycles. The swelling of the vulva and discharge during heat can allow bacteria to enter and proliferate. This can lead to vaginitis, which causes discharge, irritation, and discomfort.
Additionally, female dogs may develop mastitis, a mammary gland infection, during or after heat cycles due to hormonal fluctuations and changes in the breast tissue. This causes the breast tissue to become inflamed, hot, and painful.
Risk Factors
Certain factors can increase a dog’s risk of becoming ill after being in heat. According to research, breeds such as Chow Chow, Bulldog, and French Bulldog are at higher risk (Hall, 2020). Additionally, dogs with a higher body weight, over 15 kg, have an increased risk of illness after estrus (Bruchim, 2017). Age can also be a factor, with very young and senior dogs being more vulnerable (Hall, 2022).
The reproductive cycle itself is a risk factor. Estrus, or being in heat, causes a rise in body temperature in dogs that can make them prone to overheating (Bruchim, 2017). The progesterone levels during diestrus, which follows estrus, also contribute to an increased body temperature (Bruchim, 2017).
Pre-existing health conditions like heart disease, laryngeal paralysis, and brachycephalic airway syndrome can increase susceptibility as well. Obesity is another major risk factor, as excess body fat inhibits the dog’s ability to thermoregulate and cool itself effectively (Hall, 2020).
Preventative Care
There are some steps you can take to provide preventative care for your dog before, during, and after their heat cycle:
- Get your dog spayed if you do not intend to breed her. Spaying prevents heat cycles altogether (Source).
- Give your dog a bath and trim the hair around her vulva before her heat starts. This helps keep the area clean (Source).
- Use doggie diapers or pants during her heat to prevent spotting in the house (Source). Change frequently.
- Keep her away from male dogs during her heat and walk her on a leash. This prevents unwanted mating and pregnancy (Source).
- Wipe her vulva daily with unscented baby wipes to keep the area clean (Source).
- Schedule a vet visit after her heat ends to check for signs of infection like pyometra (Source).
Seeing the Vet
It is important to take your dog to the vet for an exam after her heat cycle. There are a few key reasons for this veterinary visit:
To check for signs of infection or illness. Dogs can sometimes develop issues like pyometra (a uterine infection) after a heat cycle. The vet will examine her and run tests as needed to check for any problems.
To discuss hip and joint evaluations. It’s recommended to x-ray for hip dysplasia after a heat cycle, as hormones can relax joints and tendons and give a better view of any existing issues. The vet can review these x-rays and determine if your dog is clear to breed.
For overall reproductive health exams. The vet will do a pelvic exam, take vaginal cultures, and discuss your dog’s reproductive status. They can make sure she is healthy before any future breeding.
Bringing your dog in after a heat allows early detection and treatment of any illness. It also gives you the green light from your vet before breeding your dog, helping ensure healthy pups.
Diagnosis
Veterinarians will begin diagnosing potential illnesses by first taking a detailed history and performing a thorough physical exam on the dog. They will ask about the dog’s symptoms, when they started, and look for clinical signs of illness. According to the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, vets will check the dog’s vital signs, look at the vulva for abnormal discharge, and palpate the abdomen to check for pain, masses, or an enlarged uterus (source).
One of the most common illnesses dogs can develop after a heat cycle is pyometra, a bacterial infection of the uterus. To diagnose pyometra, vets will run laboratory tests on blood and urine samples. They may also take vaginal swabs to look for bacteria under a microscope. Imaging tests like x-rays, ultrasounds, or CT scans can provide visual confirmation of an enlarged, fluid-filled uterus (source).
By combining information from the dog’s history, physical exam findings, lab work, and medical imaging, vets can make an accurate diagnosis of any illness present after a heat cycle.
Treatment
Treatment for a dog who is sick after being in heat will depend on the underlying cause. Some common treatments include:
Antibiotics: Broad-spectrum antibiotics like amoxicillin are commonly prescribed to treat infections of the uterus like pyometra. Antibiotics are used alongside fluids to fight the infection and prevent sepsis. According to the VCA Hospitals, most dogs with pyometra require hospitalization for intravenous antibiotics and fluid therapy [1].
Fluids: Fluids help stabilize dogs who are dehydrated or septic from a uterine infection. Intravenous fluids are typically given for 1-7 days depending on the dog’s condition [2].
Surgery: For open pyometra cases, surgery may be recommended to fully remove the infected uterus and allow the dog to recover. Surgery is always necessary for closed pyometra cases to drain the uterus and save the dog’s life [3]. The type of surgery depends on whether the dog is intended for breeding.
Other supportive care like pain medication, anti-nausea medication, and nutritional support may be needed as well. With prompt treatment, most dogs recover fully from being sick after their heat cycle.
Recovery Process
Once treatment for pyometra begins with surgery to remove infected uterine tissue, the typical recovery process and timeline is as follows:
For 1-2 days after surgery, the dog will need to stay at the veterinary clinic to receive intravenous fluids, antibiotics, and pain medication. Close monitoring is necessary during this initial recovery period.
According to VCA Hospitals, discharge is usually possible 2 days after surgery if the dog is eating, drinking, and eliminating normally. However, activity should be restricted during the first 7-10 days of recovery at home.
The recovery process typically takes 4-6 weeks from the time of surgery. Sutures are removed 10-14 days after surgery. Antibiotics may need to continue for 2 weeks post-surgery to prevent infection.
During recovery, the owner will need to monitor the incision site, check for signs of infection, ensure the dog takes all medications as directed, and limit activity to short leash walks. Jumping, running, and playing should be avoided during the first month after surgery.
According to the PDSA, most dogs make a full recovery within 4-6 weeks. However, complications are possible, and any concerns should be discussed with the veterinarian overseeing the dog’s care.
Prevention
There are several steps dog owners can take to help prevent illness after a female dog’s heat cycle:
Getting your dog spayed is the best way to prevent deadly infections like pyometra. Spaying involves surgically removing the uterus and ovaries, eliminating the risk of pyometra which requires the influence of progesterone produced after ovulation (https://www.fetchpet.com/the-dig/pyometra-in-dogs).
Closely monitor your dog for any signs of illness like lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, or vaginal discharge in the weeks following her heat cycle. Catching infections early vastly improves prognosis (https://www.sagec4a.org/pyometra/).
If you notice any of these signs, get prompt veterinary care. Your vet can run tests to diagnose the cause and start treatment with fluids, antibiotics, and sometimes emergency surgery.
Consider scheduling a vet visit 1-2 months after your dog’s heat cycle even if she seems healthy. Your vet can do an exam and run tests to catch potential issues early (https://www.dogseechew.in/blog/dog-heat-cycle-timing-signs-tips-to-help).
While spaying is the only sure way to prevent pyometra, you can lower risk without surgery by not breeding your dog and limiting her exposure to progesterone. Discuss options like hormone therapy with your veterinarian.