Heat is one of the most visible and uncomfortable signs of a dog's health. Heat can come from a number of sources, from climate change, extreme temperatures and food shortages. One way that you can be able to tell if your dog is in heat is by looking at her heat pictures. Heat can make dogs shiver or even jump, so look for a pattern. There are four types of heat: hot, moderate, cool and distant.
When looking at your dog's heat pictures: the best way to be able to tell us whether she is hot or just a little bit uncomfortable. Heat is sometimes also indicated by changes in behavior. If she is licking and sniffing around constantly, she is experiencing heat. In contrast, if she is usually warm when you pick her up but suddenly seems to be shivering, she may be cold. You should always remember to check the area surrounding the dog's body - ears, nose and tail.
An easy way to tell if a dog is in heat is to check her temperature: Most dogs will raise their anal glands to signal the body temperature to increase. You can also gauge how well insulated your dog is by checking her temperature. Most dogs will easily adapt to changes in temperature. However, if your dog remains cold, then she may be struggling with her reproductive cycle or could be experiencing heat exhaustion.
The first thing to do is to look through: your pet's personal heat chart and determine when she is currently in heat. Once you have the chart, look at it at various times of the day, especially during early morning and late evening. The chart will indicate which heat conditions your dog is in. There are charts available on the internet that can be printed and laminated so you can keep a printed copy.
You can also take your pet to the vet for a chart: Have your pet's temperature taken and take along with you as you visit the vet's office. Ask the vet questions about when your pet was in heat. How long did she stay in heat? Did she have a medical condition that prevented her from staying in heat?
If you do find out that your dog is in heat: consult your vet and take precautions to ensure she remains comfortable. For example you may need to bring her into the vet's office early in the day or change her bedding to avoid overheating. She may need to eat some low fat canned food to help keep her down.
Keeping your pet comfortable and keeping an eye on her heat levels will help you know how to tell if a dog is in heat.
