Your Dog and Your Cat 



she is about one year old, but it may appear at 

 any time from the ninth to the eighteenth month. 

 It should recur, thereafter, at intervals of six 

 months. An irregularity of the interval between 

 seasons sometimes occurs, but the period is always 

 constant for the individual concerned. Some dogs 

 come in season but once a year, others are sick at 

 regular intervals of four months, and others at 

 three. 



Estrum is first recognized by a swelling of the 

 vagina or external genital. In a few days a mucous 

 discharge appears, the amount of which depends 

 on the sexual vigor of the animal. This period 

 lasts from seven to ten days. The dog is very 

 playful and desires the company of other dogs, 

 especially of the opposite sex, but she will not per- 

 mit intercourse. During the second stage of sea- 

 son the discharge becomes bloody and more copious. 

 This period lasts about seven days, during which 

 time mating may take place successfully. When the 

 bleeding stops, the swelling of the vagina disap- 

 pears. The entire period of season covers from six- 

 teen to twenty days. 



Care of the Dog During Estrum. — ^When breed- 

 ing is not desired the bitch should be kept away 

 from all other animals since their presence causes 

 undue excitement. Being naturally prolific breeders 

 they usually try to seek a mate. When a male and 

 female are kept in the home together they should 

 be separated at this time and every precaution taken 



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