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iStock.com/Sviatlana Barchan Dog in Heat: How to Tell and What to DoIf you have a female dog that has not been spayed, i.e. had the surgery that will remove ovaries and uterus and make it impossible for her to get pregnant, then she will go into heat. To avoid becoming an unexpected dog grandparent, here is everything you need to know about preparing for a dog in heat. When Do Dogs Go Into Heat?When a female dog is “in heat,” it means she is ovulating and can breed and get pregnant. Dogs can go into heat when they are as young as 6-8 months of age, which means if they go into heat and have sex with a male dog, then they can get pregnant, even if they themselves are growing still. The first heat cycle often is missed by pet parents, which is why many veterinarians advocate for spay surgery at 6 months of age to prevent unwanted pregnancies. Heat cycles vary depending on the dog’s age, size and breed. Small dog breeds can cycle every 3-4 months, medium and large breeds typically cycle every 6 months, and giant breeds may only cycle every 6-12 months. Older female dogs may cycle less often than younger dogs. Bleeding during proestrus typically lasts around 7 days. What is Happening When a Dog is in Heat?There are 4 stages, or heat periods, in a dog’s heat cycle: proestrus, estrus, diestrus, and anestrus.
Signs of a Dog in HeatThere are behavioral clues and physical symptoms of a dog in heat, which can include:
How to Prepare for a Dog in HeatIf you have an unspayed female dog who is experiencing heat cycles, then you must prepare ahead of time to prevent unwanted pregnancies, bloody messes, escapes or aggression. Here are some best practices:
How to Prevent Pregnancy in a Dog in HeatWhat can you do when a dog is in heat to prevent pregnancy? Try these tips:
The most important thing to remember when a female dog is in heat is that if she is around an unfixed male dog, she can get pregnant. She wants to breed, and she might be grouchy. So how can you help your dog in heat? Use these tips:
With proper attention and tools, your dog’s heat cycle can be easy to manage. Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian if you notice that your dog’s heat cycle is irregular, if there is extended bleeding or discharge, if you think your dog might be pregnant, or if your dog’s behavior becomes abnormal. Frequently Asked QuestionsQ: How long do dogs stay in heat? A: A dog is said to be in heat when they are in the proestrus and estrus stages of their reproductive cycle. During proestrus and estrus a dog will have bloody discharge from the vulva, and during estrus, a dog can get pregnant. Proestrus and estrus last anywhere from 1-3 weeks in most dogs. Q: How often do dogs go into heat? A: Heat cycles in dogs range from every 3 months to every 12 months, depending on the dog’s age, size and breed. Q: How long does the bleeding in a dog in heat last? A: Proestrus and estrus, the heat phases during which a dog has bloody discharge, can last between 1 and 3 weeks. Q: How do you care for a dog in heat? A: The most important thing to remember when a female dog is in heat is that if she is around an unfixed male dog, she can get pregnant. To prevent pregnancy, keep her in a secure enclosure with her own food bowl, water bowl and bedding, apart from other dogs. Use doggie diapers to keep messes to a minimum, and unless she initiates interactions with you, give her space. Q: Can a dog be in heat and not bleed? A: Typically, female dogs will have a swollen vulva and bloody vaginal discharge when they are in heat. Sometimes, these signs are not apparent even when a dog is in heat. When this happens, it is said that the dog had a silent heat cycle. Q: Can a dog in heat be spayed? A: When a dog is in heat, the uterus is big, bloody and fragile due to hormones. This makes the surgery more difficult, dangerous and expensive. Unless medically necessary, do not schedule your dog to be spayed while she is in heat. Learn about what happens during a spay surgery here. Published: June 4, 2021 Featured ProductsWhat 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.. How long does a puppy's 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.
How long is a dog in heat bleed?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.
How long is a female dog in heat for the first time?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.
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