Heat Cycle.

[erdog3]

Changes in the vulva, from the start of the heat cycle through to the finish.

PICTURE 1....Start of heat, slight colored discharge, swollen vulva. This lasts for a couple of days before they are into a full heat, with bright red bloody discharge.

PICTURE 2....Twelth day of heat, typical 'stand' often heard being refered to.
Normally the dog is no longer bleeding, but in some instances, as every one can be different the bleeding can continue right through the whole heat cycle.
Note the tail put to the side, this dog is now fully ready to mate and will accept ANY male. She is not fussy, any breed, age, it is now crucial, that if you do not want pups you keep her confined.
She will stand like this typically for at least 4 - 6 days, any matings from any dogs can produce pups, a split litter is possible, that is you could mate her to one of her own breed, then to a mongrel and pups will be viable.
She will also do her best to make sure this is possible, seeking prospective mates.

PICTURE 3....coincides with the second, that is you see her stand, that is a close up of her vulva.

PICTURE 4....Vulva is now returning to normal, this can take from 25 days as at the beginning of the heat cycle to 30 days.

PICTURE 5....Now the vulva is completely back to normal size.