Shih Tzu menstruation is a normal thing that every Shih Tzu goes through every year three to four times. It should not be taken the same as human menstruation because there are many things different in Shih Tzu menstruation. It is very important to treat your Shih Tzu in a way so that it can pass this difficult and painful time easily.
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Shih Tzu Menstruation /Does Shih Tzu Get Periods?
Dogs like Shih Tzu have menstruation at an early age of 4 and 7 months. A Shih Tzu is still a baby, a puppy, when its menstruation cycle starts. It can be a shock to many owners.
It is a must that your Shih Tzu will go through the menstruation cycle during this period. If your Shih Tzu still has not got its first cycle and it has turned one or above, you must consult a veterinarian as soon as possible.
How Many Days Does Shih Tzu Menstruate?
Shih Tzu normally has 2 to 3 cycles in a year which means it has a cycle every 4 to 5 months. Your Shih will still go through the menstruation cycle when it grows up because, in dogs, there is no such thing as menopause. They have a longer reproductive system (life-long) as compared to humans.
Dogs have the reproductive system to reproduce for life. So, with time they become habitual with menstruation cycles. If you train your Shih Tzu for this time, you can both pass this cycle easily.
How Long Does Dog Menstruation Last?
It is expected that with time, the discharge level decreases as compared to how it was at its younger age. However, as in humans, you have it from 5 to 7 days; in dogs (Shih Tzu), it lasts for 2 to 4 weeks.
Signs Of Menstruation In Shih Tzu
1. You can notice her vulva getting swollen, and its size will double or triple times its original size. Before getting a Shih Tzu or before you think your Shih Tzu will start its menstruation cycle, it is very important that you consult a veterinarian about the look of the vulva so that at the time of the first menstruation cycle starts, you know it.
- When your Shih Tzu is bleeding from the vulva, it becomes obvious that the menstruation cycle has started. Keep track of its cycle and check its vulva as the days come closer.
- You may notice that your Shih Tzu has an increased mounting behavior which means that something is strange, which can be menstruation.
- When your Shih Tzu is confused and is found licking its genital area, then you must check if its menstruation cycle has started.
- Another sign of menstruation is that your Shih Tzu will have an increased urination level than normal.
Important Things To Know When Shih Tzu Is Menstruating
1. When you look at your Shih Tzu, it is not easy to tell whether the discharge is light or moderate. You will only get to know when your Shih Tzu is sitting at a place, and when it gets up, it leaves a stain. So, it is very important to keep a check.
2. When your Shih Tzu is going through menstruation, the color of its discharge may change and not stick to the same color every time. The color can be either white-pinkish or red. It is also possible that the color may increase with time; like first, it is very light, but it starts to turn more toward the red color with time.
3. When your Shih Tzu goes through its menstruation cycle, protecting them and keeping them safe inside your house is very important.
The dogs can detect whether a female dog is going through its cycle or not. These male dogs will get extra interested in this female Shih Tzu. Even stray dogs detect this and get attracted to female dogs.
4. In the same way, female dogs like Shih Tzu are also attracted to male dogs now.
You may notice that your Shih Tzu is moving its tail to the side to attract other male dogs.
5. When your Shih Tzu is going through its menstruation cycle, it can also go through mood swings because that is a very normal thing when menstruating. At this time, your Shih Tzu can become more sensitive and vulnerable.
Does Shih Tzu Go Through Pain While Menstruating?
As Shih Tzu goes through mood swings during this time, it is very obvious that he is going through some discomfort or is having cramps.
At this time, Shih Tzu deserves to rest and be taken care of with full attention. Use a warm bottle around its belly to help with cramps and discomfort.
At the start, it will be more difficult to see your Shih Tzu in pain, but with time, your Shih Tzu will become stronger towards menstruation and accept its occurrence multiple times in a year. Remember, your love and attention will help it with the pain and mood swings.
When Does Shih Tzu Become Pregnant During The Cycle?
It is possible that within the time of the menstruation cycle, if there is no discharge, there is an 80% chance that your Shih Tzu is pregnant.
But your Shih Tzu is usually acting as if it is pregnant when there is no such thing happening. So, it is important to understand the situation, and if you are unsure, you can always consult the vet.
What To Do When Shih Tzu Is Menstruating?
1. It is important to know that menstruation is not fun, so don’t treat your Shih Tzu in a fun way during this time period. It is a very uncomfortable process for your Shih Tzu. You can also take some medicines from the veterinarian to help your Shih Tzu during this time.
2. The most important thing to do is to get the best dog diaper for your Shih Tzu. You will have multiple options in the market, from disposable to reusable diapers. If you need any directions for your Shih Tzu diapers, check out these diapers online.
3. For this time of the year, give your Shih Tzu a special blanket so that it feels extra special and connected with you. In this way, its emotions will help it overcome the cramps and mood swings because your good behavior will positively impact your Shih Tzu.
4. Keeping everything clean is very important at this time because it’s your Shih Tzu’s health and the look of the house. Keep wipes with you all the time to clean any spots or stains quickly before they leave their mark.
How To Keep Your Shih Tzu Comfortable During Menstruation?
1. Having a menstruation cycle for the first time can be very surprising and challenging for Shih Tzu. It will require a lot of love and attention so that it feels secure and okay.
2. Saving extra time for cuddles and love is the best thing you can do for your Shih Tzu.
3. Keep your Shih Tzu distracted from pain and discomfort by giving it new toys that it can chew and play with.
4. In case of any stains or spots, do not scold your Shih Tzu, as it is going through a very sensitive time. Make your Shih Tzu realize that you still love it and are there for it while cleaning the mess.
5. Maintaining the diet will become difficult at this time. So, it is important to ensure your Shih Tzu is getting enough food and water to stay healthy.
6. Allow your Shih Tzu to have more potty breaks than usual because it is still figuring out the situation happening below.
What Are The Stages Of Menstruation In Shih Tzu?
Usually, the reproductive cycle of ShihTzu has four stages, and they are:
The Proestrus Stage
It is the initial stage of menstruation and lasts from about nine to twenty-seven days. At this stage, the estrogen levels are very high in Shih Tzu, which is when its eggs will start developing.
At this stage, the male Shih Tzu starts showing their interest, but the female Shih Tzu is not that interested in this stage.
So, at this time, you may find your Shih Tzu acting differently, and it may become more attached to you because it needs attention.
It is very difficult for Shih Tzu to clean its vulva as compared to other dogs who can easily do that. So, Shih Tzu owners need to get them diapers to keep the area and their Shih Tzu clean.
The Estrus Stage
It is the second stage and lasts for less time than the proestrus stage. It usually lasts from four days to up to twenty-four days. However, most dogs complete this cycle stage in only nine days.
At this stage, you can see your Shih Tzu showing interest in male Shih Tzu attention and is seen lifting its tail up and to the side. Its tail indicates that it is ready for attention.
The attention level of male dogs increases more in this stage than in the first stage.
The size of the vulva will increase from before, and the discharge will change its color to brown or will be completely clear.
The Diestrus Stage
This stage is the longest one as compared to the previous two stages. It usually lasts for two months, and you will see that your Shih Tzu is no longer interested in receiving attention from male dogs.
Its vulva will reverse to its original size, and there will no longer be any discharge.
At this stage, you can feel as if it is pregnant because it will start acting like it even when there are zero chances of being pregnant.
Your Shih Tzu will feel restless, depressed, more aggressive, showing interest in a specific toy, and will also lose its appetite.
Even after losing appetite, you will see that your Shih Tzu is not losing any weight. Its belly will swell, and its mammary glands can stop lactating. However, if it is pregnant, take it to the vet as soon as possible.
The Anestrus Stage
During this last stage, the Shih Tzu body will prepare for the next cycle.
This stage lasts for four months and sometimes even more than that.
You will find no difference in your Shih Tzu behavior at this time as it will no longer be going through menstruation. There will no longer be any physical changes at this stage.
Tips To Prevent Your Female Shih Tzu From Being Chased By Male Shih Tzu
1. Never leave your ShihTzu alone at the time of menstruation. There are chances it might escape itself to look for make dogs. You need to be aware of its actions as it is very creative in terms of planning escapes.
2. Keep the doors and windows shut during this time.
3. Allot your Shih Tzu a specific area to spend time there during this cycle.
4. Spend more time with your Shih Tzu and distract it from external needs and urges.
Conclusion
Menstruation is normal in Shih Tzu, and they become habitual of it with time.
They only find it very difficult when it’s their first or second time or when it is not getting enough attention and care during this time.
Keeping your Shih Tzu away from male dogs is the biggest task in this cycle.
If you have both male and female Shih Tzu, try to keep them away from one another during this time.
It is very important for you to have knowledge about its cycle and how your Shih Tzu behaves in it.
Because every Shih Tzu is not the same, it is very important to know your Shih Tzu specifically so that you can help and take care of it in these uncomfortable times.