Heat cycle of a female dog is the one of the main aspects of responsible pet care. Whether you are going through the breeding process, or simply wanting to keep your dog healthy, the knowledge of dog’s periods, caring of dog’s behaviors and so on will all be helpful in finding the right ways to help her.
What Is a Dog’s Heat Cycle?
Heat cycle, medically known as estrus, is a time period when a female dog is suitable for impregnation and eventually dies through pregnancy. Dog’s heat, unlike human periods, is a part of the whole reproductive cycle consisting of bleeding, hormonal changes and behavioral changes. It takes place in several months apart through cycles lasting for several weeks.
At What Age Do Dogs Experience Their First Period?
In general, females experience their first heat during the timespan of 6-12 months.
- Small breeds: As soon as 4 months
- Medium breeds: Roughly 6 to 9 months
- Large breeds: 12 to 18 months or even longer
Though the young females can become pregnant, they are not sufficiently developed for a healthy breeding process. It is always advisable to wait until after their second or third heat for any planned breeding.
How Long Does a Dog’s Period Last?
Dog’s period (heat cycle) has a duration of about 2 to 3 weeks on average.
- Bleeding phase: Normally 7 to 10 days
- Fertile window (estrus): Generally lasts 5 to 10 days
- Total cycle length: It can last up to 18 to 21 days
A few dogs may have shorter or longer cycles based on their health, age, and breed.
Stages of the Heat Cycle in Female Dogs
The heat cycle is broken down into the following four stages:
Proestrus (Pre-heat)
Duration namely 7 to 10 days
- Heat comes in signs
- Vulva gets enlarged
- Bleeding varies from light to medium
- Males are attracted, but female is not open for mating yet
Estrus (Fertile Phase)
Duration namely 5 to 10 days
- Bleeding might be very little or nil
- Dog is open for mating
- Ovum is released
- Copulation is possible
Diestrus
Up to 60 days
- Dog becomes refused
- Body returns to its normal state
- If the dog is not pregnant, hormonal levels decrease
- Few dogs may go through pseudo pregnancy
Anestrus
Duration 4 to 6 months
- Period for the next heat to come
- No sexual activities
- A time when spaying or health checkups are ideal
Signs Your Dog Is in Heat
The following are the typical signs that your dog is in heat:
- A swollen vulva
- Discharge with blood
- Genital area licking is more frequent
- Restlessness or anxiety
- Tail is to the side (flagging)
- Urination is more frequent
- Male dogs showing more interest
- Changes in behavior such as being clingy or moody
How Often Do Dogs Go Into Heat?
The majority of canine females experience their heat cycle every half year or two times annually.
- For small breeds, the number may go up to 3 times a year
- Large breeds may have only one cycle per year
The frequency of cycles can change a bit as the dog gets older, but spayed females will still not have heat cycles while unspayed ones will have them throughout their lifetime.
Do Dogs Bleed the Entire Time?
The answer is No. It is only during the initial stage of the heat cycle that most dogs bleed.
- Bleeding usually starts from the 1st day and lasts till the end of the 10th day
- It might look red, pink, or brown
- After this, bleeding is either not there or very little
There are some dogs that bleed a lot while others do not and thus show little or no blood at all as they keep themselves clean.
Differences Between Small and Large Breeds
Size of a breed can determine the when and the how of the occurrence of heat in dogs.
Small Breeds
- Heat can start so early as 4 months
- Frequent cycles (every 6-7 months)
- Generally, less bleeding
Large Breeds
- Delayed onset of first heat till 12-18 months
- Infrequent cycles (once or twice a year)
- Extensive bleeding and discharge may accompany the first heat
Behavior Changes During Heat
The dog’s mood and behavior are under the influence of hormones.
- Possibly more possessive or loving
- Anxiety, nervosity, or restlessness may be exhibited
- Male or female dogs, as well as objects, may become the focus of her mounting behavior
- An increase in barking or whining may occur
- Behavior may be distracted or oversensitive
- Her compliance with commands or adherence to daily routines may be reduced
The said changes are not permanent and will dissipate with the conclusion of the heat cycle.
How to Care for A Dog in Heat
Extra care and attention will be required by your dog during the said period.
Tips:
- Maximize her staying indoors
- Keep her away from male dogs
- Use doggy diapers or pads that can be washed
- Design a noisy, stressful-free area
- Constant cleaning of her bedding and area
- Take her on a leash for a short, gentle walk
- Keep her busy with toys or puzzle feeders
Should You Let Your Dog Mate During Heat?
Only if you have planned breeding with health checks, timing, and vet supervision.
If not:
- No interaction with unspayed males at all
- Lock doors and gates
- Don’t let her outside without supervision
- If not breeding in the future, think about spaying
False Pregnancy After Heat
Sometimes dogs may act pregnant even when they are not. This is called a false pregnancy and usually happens during the diestrus phase.
Symptoms:
- Behaviors associated with nesting
- Belly or breasts enlargement
- Making milk
- Playing with stuffed animals as if they were puppies
Generally, it takes care of itself, but consult your veterinarian if symptoms are severe or don’t get better.
Health Risks if Not Spayed
There are several problems that can occur if you do not spay your dog:
- Pregnancy that you did not want
- Pyometra (a very serious uterine infection)
- Tumors in the mammary glands
- Cysts in the ovaries
- Each heat cycle is very stressful
Spaying of your dog will eradicate or at least tremendously reduce these risks, particularly if done prior to the first or second heat.
Tips to Manage Bleeding and Hygiene
- Utilize diapers specifically made for dogs or reusable panties
- Put towels or absorbent pads under the places where the dog rests
- Stay away from carpeted areas or couches
- Lengthen and supervise walks
- Lightly wash the area using a wet cloth if necessary
- Change the bedding every day
Should You Spay Your Dog Before Her First Heat?
Most veterinarians suggest the spay surgery to be done before the first heat at about 6 months of age.
Early spaying has the potential to:
- Decrease the chances of cancer
- Thwart matings and consequently no unwanted puppies
- Avoid the haughty female dog behavior
- Make the surgery easier and quicker recovery
Nevertheless, there are also some veterinarians who recommend waiting till after the first cycle for big breeds. It is always best to have a discussion with your veterinarian regarding the timing.
When to Call the Vet
Get in touch with the veterinarian if you observe:
- Bleeding that goes on for more than 3 weeks
- Very much or heavy bleeding
- Very strong and bad smell coming from discharge
- Very drastic changes in behavior
- Any sign of pain or discomfort
- No heat cycle for over a year (if not spayed)
Conclusion
So, how long does a dog’s period last? Most dogs will bleed for approximately 7 to 10 days but the complete heat cycle lasts for about 3 weeks. This cycle consists of four stages and it brings physical, hormonal, and emotional changes. Your dog will be safe, clean, and free from stress if you recognize the signs, know what to expect, and provide proper care.
The most common inquiries are as such:
Is it possible for a dog to go through her heat cycle without shedding blood?
Yes, the case of female dogs having a “silent heat” is very rare but some may still go through the cycle without letting blood out. The changes in hormones and the fertility cycle are nonetheless present. This is usually seen in younger dogs or some particular breeds. The silent heat can also lead to pregnancy in the presence of the male dog albeit very rarely.
My dog had her period only for a few days. What could be the reason?
The main reason for a short heat cycle could be hormonal imbalance, differences among the breeds, or some underlying health issues. Some dogs naturally have very short cycles, but in the case that bleeding stops very early or suddenly, it is better to consult a vet in order to rule out infections or other abnormalities.
Do stress or illness have the power to postpone a dog’s heat cycle?
Certainly, both stress and illness can play a role in the alteration of a dog’s reproductive hormones. In case the dog is sick, very thin, or has gone through a big life change (like a move), her heat may be postponed or skipped. Moreover, continuous stress can temporarily stop the reproductive cycle.
Is it safe to let my dog out for a walk if she is in heat?
It can be safe depending on the precautions taken. Always put on a reliable leash, walk when it is not very crowded and steer clear of places where off-leash male dogs are present. A female dog on heat will call males from a long distance, thus, keeping her under control and away from other dogs is vital to prevent mating.
Do female dogs go through pain when they are in heat?
Although dogs don’t menstruate like humans, they might still experience a little discomfort or sensitivity because of the hormone fluctuations. Majority of them do not indicate pain, however, some may be moody, sleepy, or become less tolerant of touch. If your dog seems to be suffering seriously, then consult a vet.
Is the dog aware of her being in heat?
Dogs do not experience “awareness” like humans, but they react quite naturally to hormonal changes. During the heat, females become more conscious of the males and may even try to attract them by changing their behavior, posture, and even marking their territory with scents — all being purely instinctive of the natural process of reproduction.
Is it possible for a female dog to go into heat while still feeding the puppies?
It is rare but a possibility. The majority of dogs will not go into heat until weeks or even months after they have been weaned. On very few occasions, a dog can become heat again while continuing the nursing process particularly if the prior heat was irregular or delayed.
Is it a common thing for the heat cycles to change as my dog gets older?
Definitely. The cycles might be of shorter or longer duration, less regular or more regular as dogs get older. Although dogs do not pass through the menopause stage like humans, the frequency of their heat may naturally decrease and their fertility may also decline with age.
What could be the reason for my dog to be aggressive during her heat?
Changes in hormones might lead to increased territorial behavior, anxiety, or anger in some dogs. They might even growl at other animals or people. This is usually an unstable behavior that recedes with the end of the heat cycle, but it is still recommended to support the dog through this period by keeping her stress-free and providing a calming environment.
Do canines experience periods like people do that are not regular?
The answer is affirmative. Puppies might have unsteady cycles as their body gets used to the first heat. Besides, mature dogs might still display irregularity. But, if the cycles are very unpredictable, often not happening and accompanied with other signs, it is suggested to consult with a vet.
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