How to know if a dog is on heat
When a dog is on heat, or estrus, she will display both physical and behavioral changes. They will do such certain things as speaking, their vulva will become swollen.
Physical Changes
When a dog is on heat, her vulva will become swollen, red, and enlarged, and she may experience bleeding. The bleeding can be red, watery, or yellowish-brown, lasting about half of her cycle, typically 7 to 10 days. Larger dogs tend to bleed more than smaller ones.
Behavioral Changes
She may:
- Be more friendly with other dogs
- Actively seek out male dogs
- Mount or hump
- Move her tail to the side when touched
- Become anxious or fidgety
- Urinate more frequently
- Lick her back end more often than usual
A female dog typically goes into heat every six months, starting around six months of age and continuing throughout her life. However, the timing of her first heat can vary based on her breed and the climate she lives in. Smaller breeds often experience heat earlier than larger breeds, and dogs in warmer climates may enter heat sooner due to longer daylight hours.
Here are some tips to help your dog while she’s in heat
- Keep her on a leash, especially when walking near other dogs.
- Avoid places with unneutered male dogs, such as friends’ homes or socialization classes.
- Use dog diapers to minimize messes.
- Provide her with her own food, water, and bedding in a quiet space.
- If you plan to spay her, wait one month after her heat cycle ends.
When Do Dogs Go Into Heat?
Unlike humans, whose reproductive cycle typically lasts about 28 days, dogs have a different pattern. Female dogs usually a dog is on heat once or twice a year, averaging about every seven months.
Just as human menstrual cycles can vary from person to person, each dog’s cycle is unique. Additionally, there may be differences between breeds, as well as variations within the same dog from one cycle to the next.
Phases of a Dog’s Heat Cycle
A female dog’s reproductive cycle, known as the estrous cycle, is divided into three main phases:
Proestrus: This initial phase is marked by swelling of the vulva and a bloodtight vaginal discharge. During proestrus, female dogs will not accept mating. This phase can last from a few days to four weeks, typically averaging seven to ten days.
Estrus: Often referred to as “heat,” this is the phase when the female dog is receptive to mating. Estrus can last anywhere from three to 21 days, with an average duration of about nine days.
Anestrus: This phase represents the period when the dog is not in heat. Anestrus usually lasts around four to five months, and during this time, there are no signs of the heat cycle.
How Do Male Dogs Know a Female Dog Is in Heat?
When female a dog is on heat, her vaginal and urinary secretions release different pheromones—chemical signals that the body produces—compared to when she is not in heat. Male dogs have an exceptional sense of smell, allowing them to detect these pheromones easily.
What Happens When a Dog Goes Into Heat?
While dog pheromones are undetectable to humans, there are several other reliable indicators that your dog is in heat:
Physical Changes: You may observe a dog is on heat swelling of the vulva, bloody discharge, or a change in the vulva’s color, often becoming straw-like. Your dog might also arch her back when pressure is applied to her lower back, and you could see her tail moving sideways.
Behavioral Changes: The female dog may exhibit courtship behaviors, which can include releasing pheromones, vocalizing, changing posture, increasing physical activity, urinating in front of a male dog, or allowing male dogs to sniff or lick her vulva.
Diagnostic Testing: Vaginal cytology, similar to a pap smear, is a low-cost and relatively quick monitoring tool that can be performed by your veterinarian.
At What Age Do Dogs Go Into Heat?
Dogs can experience their first heat cycle as early as 6 months or as late as 24 months. While they can become pregnant during this period, it is generally not advisable, as they may not yet be fully mature.
The timing of a dog’s first heat can vary significantly, with size being a key factor. Smaller dog breeds often have their estrus cycle around 6 months of age, whereas larger or giant breeds may not go into heat until they are between 18 and 24 months old.
Do Dogs Go Through Menopause?
Dogs do not experience menopause like humans. Their reproductive cycles are different, allowing them to continue going into heat and potentially becoming pregnant throughout their lives, even in their senior years.
However, you may notice that as dogs age, their heat cycles may occur less frequently or last longer. This is a normal part of aging. If a dog stops having heat cycles altogether, it’s important to consult a veterinarian, as this could indicate an underlying health issue or metabolic disease.
While senior dogs can still become pregnant, it doesn’t mean they should. Litters from older females tend to be smaller, and there may be a higher risk of puppy mortality and complications during labor. Additionally, female dogs over 8 years of age are at a greater risk for developing pyometra, a potentially life-threatening uterine infection.
What To Do When Your Dog Is in Heat
When a dog is on heat, there are several temporary at-home solutions to help prevent pregnancy, such as using dog diapers or body wraps. It’s advisable to avoid dog parks and other areas where dogs gather during this time.
If you decide to use a dog diaper, ensure it is leakproof, absorbent, comfortable, and, most importantly, secure. Remember to change the diaper frequently for optimal hygiene.
Spaying Dogs
The Most Reliable Form of Birth Control
Preventing your dog from getting pregnant can be more challenging than it seems. Don’t underestimate the determination of your dog—or other dogs—to reproduce. Extra vigilance is essential; simply having a fenced yard is not sufficient!
Spaying, which involves the removal of the ovaries and/or uterus, is the most common and effective way to prevent unwanted pregnancies and help reduce pet overpopulation. This method is permanent and cannot be reversed.
A female dog in heat
A female dog in heat, or estrus, is a phase when she is receptive to mating and produces mating hormones.
Physical Changes
- A swollen, red, or enlarged vulva
- Bloody discharge or changes in the vulva’s color
Behavioral Changes
- Increased urination
- Being more friendly with other dogs
- Actively seeking out male dogs
- Mounting or humping
- Standing or moving her tail to the side when touched
- Exhibiting anxiety or nesting behavior
Other Changes
- Lower energy levels
- More aggressive behavior
- Changes in leg-raising while urinating
- Attempting to escape from home
A dog’s heat cycle usually lasts between 2 and 4 weeks, although this can differ from one dog to another. Smaller breeds generally experience less bleeding than larger breeds, and some dogs may have minimal bleeding.
Here are some tips for caring for your dog during her heat cycle
- Take her on frequent, short walks.
- Provide chew-resistant toys to keep her engaged.
- Refrain from scolding or punishing her for any accidents.
- Ensure she has plenty of fresh water and a balanced diet.
- Give her space and let her initiate cuddles and interactions.
- Groom her regularly.
- Keep a close watch for any signs of health issues.
