Big Paws Only Dog Forums

On average, days 11 to 14 are the most fertile.  None of my dogs has been anywhere close to average, though.  When we were breeding, we did ovulation timing tests, and I had bitches who ovulated at 17, 19, and 22 days.  My vet told me that long cycles like that were not uncommon in giant breeds.  So, my advice is wait four weeks to be safe--two or even three is not enough to guarantee against an unwanted pregnancy.

Most bitches will flag their tales when they are most fertile, but it's not a guarantee, either.  To test this, scratch her back in the area just above her tail.  If she is "ready," she will fling her tail over to once side, exposing her goodies for anyone who might want them.  If this is happening, you definitely don't want any boy dogs anywhere near!!

As for spaying, it is important to wait until after a heat cycle, but one month after the beginning of the cycle is enough.  When she is bleeding, the uterus becomes engorged with blood, and dangerous complications can result from spaying during this time.  A couple weeks after the bleeding has stopped, the risk of bleeding problems during surgery is gone, too.  There's no need to wait for her hormones to return to "normal" because they will get there whether or not she is spayed.