Dogs in heatFemale dogs are "in heat" when they have entered the fertile part of their reproductive cycle. A heat lasts for 3 weeks on average and a dog will usually go into heat every 6 to 8 months. Show
Most breeds have their first heat at about 6 months old but it may be earlier or later. A heat can usually be identified when there is some bleeding from the vagina, a swollen vulva or increased urination. Female dogs do not produce very much blood however, and in a small dog you may not even notice the bleeding. Unwanted attention The first thing you will notice if you have a bitch in heat is that she will attract un-castrated male dogs within a very large radius. Her behaviour will change too, so while she normally wouldn't let males mount her, she almost definitely will while in heat. Additionally, male dogs will go to surprising lengths to get to a female in heat. While your bitch is in heat it's inadvisable to leave her unsupervised outside, and you'll need to keep her on the lead at all times while on walks. In general, other pet owners you encounter will be able to control their dogs, but the scent of a female in heat can cause aggressive behaviour in some dogs. Bleeding The second concern is bleeding. If your dog is producing enough blood to cause a mess you may want to restrict her to easy- to -clean, un-carpeted floors. Just leaving her outside is a bad idea unless you want her to have male visitors (and potentially puppies). Unless you intend breeding, it is best to have her spayed. Spaying will prevent her from going into heat. There is some debate about when it is best to spay your bitch. Some veterinarians will advise to let a dog have one heat while others will spay as early as 6 months. Ask your vet which course of action they think is right for your dog. iStock.com/Sviatlana Barchan Dog in Heat: How to Tell and What to DoIf you have a female dog that has not been spayed, i.e. had the surgery that will remove ovaries and uterus and make it impossible for her to get pregnant, then she will go into heat. To avoid becoming an unexpected dog grandparent, here is everything you need to know about preparing for a dog in heat. When Do Dogs Go Into Heat?When a female dog is “in heat,” it means she is ovulating and can breed and get pregnant. Dogs can go into heat when they are as young as 6-8 months of age, which means if they go into heat and have sex with a male dog, then they can get pregnant, even if they themselves are growing still. The first heat cycle often is missed by pet parents, which is why many veterinarians advocate for spay surgery at 6 months of age to prevent unwanted pregnancies. Heat cycles vary depending on the dog’s age, size and breed. Small dog breeds can cycle every 3-4 months, medium and large breeds typically cycle every 6 months, and giant breeds may only cycle every 6-12 months. Older female dogs may cycle less often than younger dogs. Bleeding during proestrus typically lasts around 7 days. What is Happening When a Dog is in Heat?There are 4 stages, or heat periods, in a dog’s heat cycle: proestrus, estrus, diestrus, and anestrus.
Signs of a Dog in HeatThere are behavioral clues and physical symptoms of a dog in heat, which can include:
How to Prepare for a Dog in HeatIf you have an unspayed female dog who is experiencing heat cycles, then you must prepare ahead of time to prevent unwanted pregnancies, bloody messes, escapes or aggression. Here are some best practices:
How to Prevent Pregnancy in a Dog in HeatWhat can you do when a dog is in heat to prevent pregnancy? Try these tips:
The most important thing to remember when a female dog is in heat is that if she is around an unfixed male dog, she can get pregnant. She wants to breed, and she might be grouchy. So how can you help your dog in heat? Use these tips:
With proper attention and tools, your dog’s heat cycle can be easy to manage. Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian if you notice that your dog’s heat cycle is irregular, if there is extended bleeding or discharge, if you think your dog might be pregnant, or if your dog’s behavior becomes abnormal. Frequently Asked QuestionsQ: How long do dogs stay in heat? A: A dog is said to be in heat when they are in the proestrus and estrus stages of their reproductive cycle. During proestrus and estrus a dog will have bloody discharge from the vulva, and during estrus, a dog can get pregnant. Proestrus and estrus last anywhere from 1-3 weeks in most dogs. Q: How often do dogs go into heat? A: Heat cycles in dogs range from every 3 months to every 12 months, depending on the dog’s age, size and breed. Q: How long does the bleeding in a dog in heat last? A: Proestrus and estrus, the heat phases during which a dog has bloody discharge, can last between 1 and 3 weeks. Q: How do you care for a dog in heat? A: The most important thing to remember when a female dog is in heat is that if she is around an unfixed male dog, she can get pregnant. To prevent pregnancy, keep her in a secure enclosure with her own food bowl, water bowl and bedding, apart from other dogs. Use doggie diapers to keep messes to a minimum, and unless she initiates interactions with you, give her space. Q: Can a dog be in heat and not bleed? A: Typically, female dogs will have a swollen vulva and bloody vaginal discharge when they are in heat. Sometimes, these signs are not apparent even when a dog is in heat. When this happens, it is said that the dog had a silent heat cycle. Q: Can a dog in heat be spayed? A: When a dog is in heat, the uterus is big, bloody and fragile due to hormones. This makes the surgery more difficult, dangerous and expensive. Unless medically necessary, do not schedule your dog to be spayed while she is in heat. Learn about what happens during a spay surgery here. Published: June 4, 2021 Featured ProductsWhat are the signs that your dog is going into heat?Early signs. Swelling of the vulva.. Bloody vaginal discharge.. Holding or tucking her tail closer to her body.. Increased clinginess.. Changes in appetite.. Aggression toward male dogs.. At what age does a female dog go into heat?Although six months old is the average age of a dog's first heat, this can vary widely. Some dogs can go into heat as young as four months, while larger breeds may be as old as two years before their first heat. Responsible breeders never breed a dog on her first or even her second heat.
How long is a dog's first heat?Each heat cycle lasts around 18 days, for generally anywhere from 2 to 3 weeks. The frequency depends on your dog, but her estrus cycles should be consistent. If these are inconsistent, your vet can determine if your dog has irregular seasons. As your dog gets older, the frequency of her seasons may slow down.
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