When Do Dogs Get Periods
There are two main reasons why dogs get periods.
Some female dogs will have a period when they come into heat. This is called an estrous cycle, and it lasts about two weeks.
The other reason is that some female dogs will have a period when they are not in heat or pregnant. This is called an ovarian cycle, and it can happen at any time throughout the year.
The first sign of a dog’s period is usually bleeding from the genital area, which may be accompanied by blood clots or discharge from the genital area. Female dogs do not menstruate on a monthly cycle like humans do, so there is no way to predict when their next period will be coming up.
How do you know when a dog is going to start her period?
Proestrus: Proestrus is the start of the heat period where your dog’s body is preparing to mate. Signs seen during this phase include a swollen vulva, blood-tinged discharge, excessive licking of the genital area, clingy behavior, and aggression toward male dogs. Your dog may also hold her tail close to her body.[1]
What month do dogs have period?
Dogs typically go into heat on average every six months, but this varies especially in the beginning. It can take some dogs around 18 to 24 months to develop a regular cycle. Small dogs usually go into heat more often — as much as three to four times a year.[2]
Do dogs have periods and bleed?
When a female dog is in heat (called estrus), she has a bloody discharge from her vulva—similar to a human period or menstruation. But that’s where the similarities end. While humans experience a menstrual cycle every 28 days on average, dogs’ estrous cycle is six months or more.[3]
How long does dog period last?
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. If you’re not sure what to do when your dog is in heat, consider talking to your vet about whether you should have your dog spayed.[4]
How long does a puppy’s first heat last?
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.[5]
What do I do when my dog gets her first period?
Pups tend to get quite snuggly during this time, so set aside some extra slots for lots of cuddles. Offer a safe, chew resistant toy that she can nudge up against. Never scold your pup if she happens to make a bloody mess, just calmly reassure her while you clean it up.[6]
How long do female dogs bleed?
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.[7]
How does dog period look like?
When a dog enters the cycle, it lasts for two to three weeks, though the actual amount of time differs for each individual dog. During this time, the vulva becomes red and swollen, a pink or clear discharge leaks out, and your dog will likely seem jittery and alert, notes the AKC.[8]
Do female dogs feel pain during their period?
Yes. It is not uncommon for female dogs to experience period cramps during their heat cycle. However, female dog periods are very different from female human periods.[9]
Can a dog take a bath even with menstruation?
The reason we even ask whether it is OK to bathe a dog in heat is because of the myth surrounding it. Many people believe giving a dog in heat a bath can exacerbate the problems related to it. But this is nothing more than a myth. It is not only perfectly fine to bathe a dog in heat, it can be very beneficial to them.[10]
Why do dogs smell your private parts?
Key takeaway. Dogs sniff people’s crotches because of the sweat glands, also known as apocrine glands, that are located there. Sniffing these glands gives a dog information about a person such as their age, sex, mood, and mating probability.[11]
Do dogs smell in heat?
Parting Thoughts. A dog on heat can give off a distinct pungent and fishy smell, thanks to her estrus discharge.[12]
