If you’re searching to learn if dogs can get period cramps, you’ve come to the right place!
In this Digdoggy.com guide, you’ll learn:
- If your dog is having period cramps
- How to relieve your dog’s period cramps
- What to give your dog during this time
And much more!
Having stomach cramps is no fun, and if you see your dog stretching out from stomach pain during their period (better known as a dog’s heat cycle), then it’s time to dig further and find out exactly what’s going on.
Do Dogs Get Period Cramps?
Yes, female dogs do get cramps during their periods. Perhaps the process is not identical to human cramps, but similar nonetheless. This usually begins at around 6 months of age and then every 180 days thereafter but may vary from pet to pet.
This is an opportunity where we, as her human owner can help make her comfortable, relaxed, and calm.
Indulge your dog by providing her with an extra soft pillow, some quality time, and dog treats during her time of heat, especially if she is going through this for the first time.
what are the symptoms of a dog period cramp?
Symptoms and signs of cramps during periods include a swollen vulva, blood-tinged discharge, and excessive urinating. However, this can also be reflected in misbehavior, aggression, painting, or crying.
She may also be more receptive to male dogs, distracted and nervous. She may even go after your male dogs herself until her period is over. This lasts for around 3-weeks. The discharge turns pink and she may become pregnant even after the second week.
How Do Period Cramps in dogs work in Humans?
What causes period cramps in your pooch is not exactly the same as what causes them in humans. In humans, prostaglandins which are substances like hormones cause dysmenorrhea, also known as period cramps.
This causes contraction of the walls of the uterus to shed its lining, which essentially, is what a period is. Often, cramps are associated with higher prostaglandin levels.
You might say that the natural process of uterus walls being shed each month is what causes period cramps in humans.
Of course, your she-dog is physically different from humans. Remember, however, that the process of reproduction is quite similar.
Since they can’t verbally express themselves, however, the general agreement is that a female dog that goes through heat is not unlike human discomfort during their menstruation cycle.
It is presumed that the cramps that contractions caused in a human’s uterine walls are more or less what goes on in your dog’s uterus during the heat cycle, as well.
Remember, though that humans’ and canines’ reproductive systems are similar but not the same. In humans, menstruation suggests that no fertilization has occurred.
However, in dogs, it is the opposite. When your dog begins bleeding or having a period, this begins her heat cycle which means that she is receptive to the possibility of becoming pregnant.
Thus, they are not shedding the lining of their uterus. Rather, instead of getting rid of their linings, they tend to reabsorb it.
The heat cycle is when the hormone estrogen triggers the blood vessels of the uterus to be extremely permeable.
It leaks through a diapedesis process and causes a discharge of blood. This process does not involve muscle spasms or contractions. Rather, diapedesis is a passive process.
When your dog starts crying and is in heat at the same time, it can be due to the hormonal changes and discomfort she feels while she is in heat.
Her crying can also attract male dogs and act as a mating call.
What Can You Give A Dog To Relieve Menstrual Cramps?
Your vet can prescribe something after an examination to help with the pain. However, when your vet is out of town, knowing what to buy ahead of time does come in handy.
Anti-inflammatory drugs
You can give your dog non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs designed for dogs called NSAID’s. These reduce fever, pain, and inflammation.
Your vet may even prescribe aspirin, which is an NSAID to your pet, under strict supervision. the list of NSAIDs for dogs includes Metacam, Previcox, Deramaxx, Rimadyl, or Novox.
Your vet will prescribe these for your pet if needed. If your dog is taking these medications for the first time, watch out for possible side effects including vomiting, diarrhea, digestive issues, skin redness, loss of appetite, and changes in behavior.
hemp seed and CBD oil
Recently, hemp seed and CBD oil have also been administered to dogs to treat pain.
Oils, supplements, and treats that contain cannabis contain cannabinoids which are pain relievers. CBD comes from the stalks, leaves, and flowers of the hemp plant.
On the other hand, the oil of hemp seeds is extracted from the seeds and contains low CBD levels.
Even with no formal research regarding hemp seed oil or CBD oil products, many pet owners have testified and seen great results. Talk to your veterinarian if you want to use hemp seed oil or CBD to treat your dog’s pain.
