Dog in Heat: A Comprehensive Guide for Paw-Parents

As a responsible dog parent, you may have questions when your female dog goes into heat. You might wonder: What does it mean? How do I manage it? and What signs should I look for? Understanding the heat cycle in dogs is crucial for your pet’s health and well-being. In this blog, we’ll answer all your questions and provide practical tips to care for your dog during this phase.

What Does "Dog in Heat" Mean?

A dog in heat is essentially a female dog in her reproductive cycle. This is the time when she’s sexually mature, capable of mating, and often experiences physical and behavioral changes. Unlike human menstrual cycles, the heat cycle in dogs doesn’t mean bleeding every month. It’s just one stage in the estrus cycle, when a dog is fertile and ready for mating.

When Do Dogs Go into Heat?

Dogs typically enter their first heat around 6 months of age, but the timing varies by breed. Smaller dogs might reach sexual maturity earlier, while larger breeds might not go into heat until they are 18-20 months old.

Small dogs: Heat cycles may begin at 6-9 months.
Large breeds: Heat may start at 12-18 months.
Generally, female dogs go into heat twice a year, though some breeds cycle more frequently. For instance, Basenjis or Tibetan Mastiffs tend to go into heat only once a year.

How Long Does a Dog Stay in Heat?

A dog’s heat cycle typically lasts between 2-3 weeks (around 21 days), though it can vary. The cycle can be divided into four stages:

Proestrus: This stage lasts 7-10 days. You’ll notice the vulva swelling, and the dog starts bleeding but is not yet receptive to mating.

Estrus: This is the mating phase, lasting 5-10 days, where the dog becomes fertile and ready to mate.

Diestrus: After the estrus stage, the dog may either be pregnant or will enter a resting phase, which can last from 10 to 140 days.

Anestrus: This is the quiet period when the reproductive cycle resets. It lasts from 100 to 150 days.

Signs That Your Dog Is in Heat 

You’ll see physical and behavioral changes when your dog is in heat. Recognizing these signs helps you manage her care better.

Physical Signs:
Swollen Vulva: One of the first signs that your dog is in heat is swelling of her vulva.

Bloody Discharge: You’ll notice a bloody discharge, which may start off bright red and become lighter or pinkish as the heat cycle progresses.

Frequent Urination: Dogs in heat tend to urinate more often. They may also mark areas with small amounts of urine to signal to male dogs that they are ready to mate.

Behavioral Changes:
Increased Licking: Your dog may lick her private parts more frequently to stay clean during her cycle.

Male Attraction: Female dogs in heat become more receptive to male dogs. You may notice your dog wagging her tail excessively, or even trying to attract males.

Posture Changes: The classic sign is "flagging", where the dog will raise her tail to one side, indicating she is open to mating.

Mounting or Humping: Some dogs may exhibit mounting or humping behavior, even though they are not ready to mate.

Mood Swings: Much like humans, dogs in heat can show signs of anxiety, agitation, or even become lethargic. Some dogs become more affectionate, while others might be more irritable.

How Often Do Dogs Go into Heat?

Most dogs have a heat cycle twice a year—roughly every 6 months. However, this can vary:

Small dogs might go into heat 3 times a year.
Larger breeds may cycle only once every 12 months.
A dog’s heat cycle may not be regular in the beginning. It might take a year or two for the cycle to normalize, so don’t worry if her cycles seem inconsistent at first.

Do Male Dogs Go Into Heat?
Male dogs do not go into heat. They are fertile year-round once they reach sexual maturity (usually around 6 months). Unlike female dogs, males are always capable of mating, and their behavior is driven by the presence of a female in heat.

How to Handle a Female Dog in Heat
Having a dog in heat requires extra care and attention. Here’s what you can do to keep your dog comfortable and avoid unwanted situations:

1. Supervise Outdoor Time
Don’t leave your dog unsupervised outdoors. Female dogs in heat attract male dogs, and leaving your dog alone can result in an unplanned pregnancy. Always keep your dog on a leash during walks to prevent mating.

2. Use Dog Diapers
To prevent messes, consider using dog diapers during the heat cycle. These help catch any discharge and prevent marking behavior. Some dogs, especially those who keep themselves clean, may not need them.

3. Avoid Unwanted Mating
When your dog is in heat, she may try to escape or become more determined to find a mate. Always accompany her when she’s outside and consider using menthol sprays to mask her scent if needed.

4. Provide Extra Comfort and Care
Your dog may feel uncomfortable during her cycle. Show her extra love and attention—cuddle with her, brush her more frequently, and make sure she has a quiet, calm space to relax.

5. Use Calming Products
For dogs who become anxious or stressed, there are special calming treats and pheromone sprays available that can help soothe them during their heat cycle. If your dog is particularly anxious or aggressive, consider speaking with your vet for additional support.

6. Provide Distractions
Interactive toys and chew treats are a great way to keep your dog distracted from her cycle’s discomfort. Keeping her mind engaged can help reduce any anxiety she may be feeling.

How to Care for Your Dog During Heat

Provide Clean and Comfortable Bedding: During heat, your dog may prefer a quiet, comfortable spot to rest. Make sure she has soft, clean bedding.

Monitor Her Appetite: Heat cycles can affect your dog’s appetite. Some dogs may eat less, while others may have an increased appetite. Offer healthy, nutritious food that fits her needs.

Exercise Appropriately: Some dogs in heat feel more tired and lethargic, while others may be hyperactive. Adjust her exercise routine based on her energy levels to avoid stress.

Preventing Unwanted Pregnancy: Options Available
If you’re not prepared for a litter of puppies, spaying your dog is the best preventive measure. Spaying prevents her from going into heat altogether.

Spaying: This is a simple surgical procedure where the ovaries and uterus are removed, preventing future heat cycles and pregnancies.

Veterinary Abortion: In the unfortunate event that your dog gets pregnant during her heat, a vet can offer options to terminate the pregnancy. This can be done through medication or surgery, depending on the stage of pregnancy.

Conclusion

Managing a dog in heat requires some attention and care, but with the right knowledge, you can ensure your dog stays healthy and comfortable. Understanding the signs, stages, and needs of your dog during her heat cycle is key to keeping her happy. If you’re not ready for a litter, consider spaying to prevent future cycles