A Whippet usually has her first season at around 6 to 14 months. Whippets go into heat roughly every six months, and the season can last anywhere from two to four weeks. However, there are some general signs that your Whippet is coming into the season, so paying attention to your dog’s behavior is essential.
The process is usually gradual, but there are some early signs to look for. Keep an eye on your Whippet’s activities and rate her appetite carefully during this time. For example, suppose you notice any of the following symptoms. In that case, it’s time to take your Whippet to the vet for a fertility check: your Whippet becomes more aggressive, stops eating, starts urinating frequently, becomes restless, and cries out at night.
Signs Your Whippet Is Coming Into Season
Whippets are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world, for a good reason. They are playful, friendly, and adorable animals that make great family pets, but like all animals, Whippets come into season and must mate to reproduce.
Affectionate or Cranky
Whippets are very affectionate animals and will show signs of the season when they become more active. This usually happens in the colder months, around late October or early November. During this time, your Whippet may start to nip at you or be more cranky than usual. If you see these signs, it is time to start thinking about getting your Whippet ready for their season.
Prepare yourself for a lot of activity – your Whippet will want to run and play! Make sure you have enough toys, food, and water available so that he doesn’t get too tired during all the excitement.
Urination
Whippets will start urinating more frequently as their hormones adjust to the breeding season. This is a normal process; you should expect it to last a few weeks. Be on the lookout for other changes in your Whippet’s behavior- such as increased activity and mischief. If you notice these signs, it’s time to get ready for breeding!
Sluggish or Stimulated
Suppose you notice any of the following signs in your Whippet. In that case, it is time to breed them – sluggishness or a general slowdown in their movements, increased bouncing around and restlessness, scratching or biting at things, and noticeable swelling of their vulva.
Appetite Increase or Decrease
When Whippets are in season, their appetites will increase gradually and become more noticeable. If your Whippet starts eating a lot of dirt or grass, they are likely coming into season. When this happens, it’s essential to take them for a vet checkup to ensure everything is okay.
Bleeding
Bleeding is common in Whippets, and it’s usually just a sign that their reproductive cycle is starting. Around the time they are six months old, your Whippet will start bleeding for no apparent reason. This will continue until she becomes sexually active.
If you notice your Whippet bleeding excessively, it would be best to get her checked out by a vet immediately. However, her first season shouldn’t be too traumatic unless she gets pregnant or has surgery scheduled!
Rest and Exercise
Whippets in heat will rest more and exercise less, depending on their temperament. They will be more active at night and when it is cooler outside. Refrain from forcing your Whippet to do anything she is uncomfortable with – this can lead to problems down the track. Take her for walks during peak periods- this will help keep her happy and healthy!
How Often Whippets Go Into Heat
Whippets go into heat every six months, so keeping track of her cycles is essential. Signs that your Whippet is in heat include acting anxious or aggressive, urinating more frequently, and a loss of appetite.
There are ways to prevent your Whippet from going into heat – like using natural methods or barrier cream (such as progesterone). If your Whippet is in heat, be prepared with the appropriate resources (such as vet care). Keep your Whippet happy and healthy by monitoring her cycles and being proactive about preventing heat cycles.
How to Help a Whippet Through Her Season
Give More Attention
As the Whippet dog breed goes into season, it is vital to be prepared. There are a few things you can do in advance to help make the transition smoother for both of you – from getting her supplies early on to being patient during her season itself. Most importantly, be there for her as she comes into heat.
You can do a few things to help her cope, including providing plenty of love and attention, stimulating toys, etc. Keep a close eye on any changes in behavior – she may be more aggressive or clingy towards other animals during this period.
Provide Nutrition
Providing plenty of fresh water and good food will ensure that she stays hydrated and healthy throughout the process. An excellent way to familiarize yourself with what’s going on is by keeping track of her weight, activity level, etc., so that you have a better idea about how she’s feeling at any given time.
Health Concerns When Breeding Whippets
Whippets are a high-energy breed of dog that can be pretty active and playful when in good health. As an owner, it is crucial to be aware of the health concerns of breeding Whippets.
Arrhythmias
There are several health concerns you need to be aware of when breeding Whippets, one of which includes cardiovascular disease. For example, whippets are a breed that is known to be prone to arrhythmias. This phenomenon occurs when the heart beats irregularly and can ultimately lead to death in some cases.
Additionally, you should keep an eye out for various conditions, such as Von Willebrand’s Disease and myocardial infarction (heart attack), during the breeding season.
Myostatin Mutation
Whippets are a popular breed of dog, and their species is more popular due to their muscular build; however, be aware of the health concerns that Whippets can pose if you breed them.
They have a mutation in their myostatin gene, which causes them to develop muscle quickly. This can lead to serious health problems like joint disease and skeletal problems. So get your Whippet checked out by a vet before breeding them!
