When Should My Dog Have Her First Heat
The heat cycle of female dogs usually starts between six and nine months of age. The first heat cycle is called the proestrus, or false pregnancy.
How long does a dogs first heat last?
Although this can vary with each individual, on average a dog will be in heat for 1 ½ to 2 weeks but this can be shorter or longer.[1]
What are the signs that your dog is going 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]
Should you let a female dog go into heat before spaying?
Q: Should I let my dog have a heat before I spay her? A: Medically, it’s better to spay your dog before their first heat. It greatly reduces the risk of mammary tumors. People who wait to spay their dogs until after their second heat greatly increase the risk of mammary tumors in their pets.[3]
Can a dog be in heat but not bleed?
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]
Do dogs change after first heat?
Changes can range from quite mild to more severe. Sometimes a female dog will become more affectionate and clingy with her owner, other times she may seem a bit grumpy. Appetite changes: It’s not unusual for a dog to go off her food a bit during this first week, or she may get hungrier.[5]
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.[6]
What are the 4 stages of a dog in heat?
Proestrus: The beginning of heat lasts between 7 and 10 days. Estrus: This is the mating period of the estrus cycle. Diestrus: This period lasts anywhere from 10 to 140 days. Anestrus: This is the period of downtime before the next heat cycle, lasting around 6 months.[7]
Do female dogs change after being spayed?
Some people think that spaying a dog will get rid of all her behavior problems. Although it often reduces undesirable behaviors caused by the heat cycle, there’s no guarantee that your dog’s behavior will change after spay surgery.[8]
Will spaying calm a female dog?
Does Spaying a Dog Calm Them Down? Yes, in most cases. Since they’re not competing for attention in regard to mating, and certain hormonal protective instincts are removed.[9]
What happens if you spay a dog too early?
Spaying your dog too early can result in health problems later on since her hormones should have some time to work. Early spaying can increase the risk of hip dysplasia, torn ligaments, bone cancer, and urinary incontinence.[10]
Why hasn’t My dog had her first heat?
Most dogs go through their first heat cycle between nine and 12 months, but larger breed dogs may not go into heat until they are 12 to 18 months of age. If she doesn’t go into heat in the next few months it would be a good idea to schedule an exam with your veterinarian.[11]
Can a dog have a silent heat?
Some dogs experience a condition called silent heat, in which they do ovulate but the characteristic signs of being in heat, such as vulvar swelling and discharge, are not observed. Although rare, some dogs may also have an autoimmune disease that affects their ovaries and interferes with estrous cycling.[12]
