Several drugs on the market will prevent or stop the female's estrus cycle. Unfortunately, because they are hormones, they have the potential for interfering with the bitch's own cycle, which is hormonally synchronized.

These products should never be used on the first heat and after that only with very good reason (performance events or medical conditions such as vaginal hyperplasia and prolapse).

Inconvenience does not seem like an adequate reason to take such risks. If you are going to breed, it isn't that much hassle to put up with three weeks of careful crating and mood swings twice a year. If it is too much trouble to deal with, the permanent solution of spaying would be a better answer.

Author(s): Wilcox, Bonnie, D.V.M.
Publication: Dog Fancy
Issue Date: August 1994