When a female dog is "in heat," it means that the dog is ready to breed and become pregnant. The proper term for this stage of a female dog's reproductive cycle is estrus. While most dog owners who do not plan on using the dog for breeding choose to have their female dog spayed, if you have recently adopted an intact female dog or do want to breed the dog, you should know what to expect when your dog comes into heat. Show
A dog in heat may exhibit signs including bloody discharge, receptiveness to male dogs, agitated behavior, and much more. An unspayed female dog going through a heat cycle will experience different symptoms in each of the four phases. A bloody discharge is the most common sign a dog is in heat, but it's not the only sign indicating your pooch is ready to mate. Having an unspayed dog—especially if you also have an intact male dog—in your home can be a challenge, but knowing what to expect can help prevent problems from arising. When Should I Expect My Dog's First Heat?The age of a dog’s first heat cycle varies greatly between breeds. Toy breeds can come into heat for the first time as young as four months, while large and giant breeds may be as old as two years before experiencing a first heat cycle. On average, most dogs will have their first heat cycle between six and 15 months of age. What Signs Indicate That My Dog Is in Heat?The more aware you are of your dog's cycle, the more prepared you will be for any physical and behavioral changes that may occur during her heat. During each phase of her heat cycle, you will notice different changes, and they may include the following seven signs:
With clues gleaned from your female dog’s physical appearance and behavior, you can determine which stage of her heat cycle she is experiencing. The Spruce / Lara Antal What are the Four Stages of the Canine Heat Cycle?During your dog’s heat cycle, she will experience four phases, noted by various changes in her body and behavior. The four stages of the canine heat cycle are as follows:
How Often Will My Dog Go into Heat?Dogs have an average of two heat cycles per year, roughly six months apart. Some females will have irregular cycles, especially if they are very young or very old. Small breeds may cycle three times per year, while giant breeds may only cycle once every 12 months. Unlike some other species, canine estrous cycles are not dependent on the seasons, sunlight, or temperature. What Should I Do if My Dog Is in Heat?If your dog is experiencing her first heat cycle, it can be an unsettling situation for both of you. Follow these tips to ensure her heat goes as smoothly as possible:
At What Age Should I Spay My Dog?Although veterinarians used to recommend spaying your dog as young as four months old to ensure she never experienced a heat cycle to prevent mammary cancer, current research is leaning toward allowing large- and giant-breed dogs to grow before removing the hormones necessary for skeletal development. Discuss health concerns with your veterinarian before deciding what age is appropriate to spay your dog. FAQ
If you suspect your pet is sick, call your vet immediately. For health-related questions, always consult your veterinarian, as they have examined your pet, know the pet's health history, and can make the best recommendations for your pet. What 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.. What time of year do dogs go into heat?Female dogs cycle into heat on average every six months. But this can vary, especially in the beginning, so it's a good idea to keep track. It can take some dogs 18-24 months to develop regular cycles. Small dogs will tend to go into heat more frequently, as much as three or four times a year.
Can you predict when a dog will go into heat?The surest way to know when your dog will come into her heat cycle is to count the months between two heats. Typically dogs go in heat twice a year which gives you five to eight months between each of her two heats. Note that a dogs heat cycle happens throughout the year.
How long does a dog in heat bleed?The first signs your dog is in heat are the swelling of her vulva and bright red bloody discharge. This stage is called proestrus. "There will be lots of licking," Nielsen says. A dog in heat can bleed for around seven to 10 days.
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