How Does Dog Come in Heat
The heat cycle of a dog is controlled by the hormones in the animal’s body. The cycle starts with a surge of estrogen, which causes the dog to go into estrus and become fertile. The heat cycle lasts about two weeks before it goes back to being infertile.
The first sign that a dog is coming into heat is that they will start to produce vaginal discharge, which may be either clear, cloudy or bloody. They will also start to show behavioral changes such as pacing and restlessness and their vulva may swell up. This is usually accompanied by an increased appetite and more urination than usual.
What are the 4 stages of a dog in heat?
The canine estrous (reproductive) cycle is made up of 4 different stages. These are proestrus, estrus, diestrus, and anestrus.[1]
How do you know when a dog comes into heat?
Swollen Vulva. Located just below the anus, your dog’s vulva will turn redder in color and increase in size — often 2 to 3 times its normal size. Behavior Quirks. Increased Licking of the Vaginal Area. Vaginal Bleeding.[2]
How often does a dog go into heat?
Most dogs come into heat twice per year, or about every six months, although the interval can vary between breeds and from dog to dog. Small breed dogs may cycle three times per year, while giant breed dogs may only cycle once every 12 months.[3]
How long does a dog go into heat?
Heat usually lasts between 2-4 weeks. Early in the cycle, a female dog may not be receptive to male dogs, although some are receptive through the entire cycle. It can be shorter or longer and you’ll know the cycle is over when all her vulva returns to its normal size and there’s no more bleeding or discharge.[4]
How long do females dog periods last?
A dog may experience a sort of “period” when they’re in heat, which is part of the estrous cycle. Dog “periods” typically last about 2-4 weeks, but that duration can vary a bit depending on your dog. During this time, your dog may try to attract male dogs and mate.[5]
How long do dogs bleed in heat?
You may also observe that her vulva is large, red, or swollen with some bleeding or blood-tinted discharge. Your dog will only bleed for around half of the total cycle, usually 7 to 10 days. Generally, bigger dogs bleed more than smaller dogs, but it varies between dogs. Some dogs bleed very little.[6]
Can a dog go into heat and not bleed?
Silent Heat Cycle This occurs when your female will have a heat cycle without the normal symptoms such as bleeding and swelling of the vulva. Females will still be receptive to males and can become pregnant. Your veterinarian can check for a silent heat cycle by performing vaginal cytology and progesterone assays.[7]
What age do female dogs go into heat?
When does a female dog first come into heat? Puberty or sexual maturity in the female dog usually occurs around nine or ten months of age. Smaller breeds tend to go into estrus or ‘heat’ earlier, even as early as four months of age in some females, while in large and giant breeds, it can take up to two years.[8]
What can I give my dog when she is in heat?
Dog Diapers. Dog diapers are designed to trap blood while your dog is in heat. Pads. Dog pads are made from the same cotton material as dog diapers, but the dog does not actually wear the pads. Wipes. Special wipes similar to baby wipes are also sold at the pet store. Treats. Sprays.[9]
What month does a dog 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.[10]
Can I walk my dog when she is in heat?
When your dog is in season, it can be a stressful time for both you and your dog. Here are our top tips for tackling walks with confidence during those weeks of raging hormones. The short answer is yes it is safe to walk your dog in season.[11]
How can I keep my house clean with my dog in heat?
1 Put your pup in doggy diapers. 2 Contain your dog in a room with hard floors. 3 Put covers on your furniture. 4 Line your dog’s bed with old towels or blankets. 5 Take your dog out to go potty more frequently. 6 Wipe your dog with a disposable wipes.[12]
