A dog’s first season can be a messy and turbulent time for pets and owners alike, but if you’ve decided not to neuter your new puppy or if you plan to breed from her in the future, it’s an inevitable stage to be gotten through. Show
Let’s take a closer look at the dog heat cycle, understanding your bitch’s first season and how to make life easier for her during this time. A brief summary...
Dog heat cycle: the stages of a bitch’s seasonAn un-neutered female dog will usually come into her first season at around 6 months old, although smaller breeds can come into season earlier and larger breeds a while later (sometimes not until they’re 12 months old). From then on, she’ll have a season roughly every 6 months. How long are dogs in heat – is it a lifetime thing?Unlike humans, female dogs can go into heat throughout their lives – although the length of time between seasons will increase as they get older. Read more: Dog vaccinations: keeping your puppy happy and healthy. How long does a dog's season last?The typical heat cycle will last between 2 and 4 weeks. The bitch will be fertile during this entire time but there is a small period, 9-10 days into the cycle, where they are especially fertile. Bitches may not be receptive towards male dogs during the first few days of their cycle but this varies from dog to dog. How long does a dog in heat bleed?Bitches usually bleed during the pro-oestrus period – where the body essentially gets itself ready for the season or ‘oestrus’ period. This occurs 7-10 days before she comes into season and usually stops once the oestrus period has begun, although this isn’t the case for all. If you’re concerned about your bitch and her pro-oestrus cycle, have a chat with your vet. Are there any other signs a dog is coming into season?Bleeding isn’t the only sign that your dog has come into heat. You can usually tell a bitch is coming into season from other signs such as:
Will my dog’s behaviour change when she’s in heat?Dogs in heat tend to be more receptive to company. They might display sexual behaviour: mounting other dogs, your furniture or your leg, for example. Some bitches may become more domineering or commanding during their season; others may appear anxious and display maternal characteristics such as gathering toys in her bed or sleeping area. Keep your bitch separate from male dogsA dog in heat is essentially sending pheromones out to the male dogs in the area, so she’ll be getting her fair share of attention! If you have other dogs in your house, it’s a good idea to separate them at night and when you leave the room – consider a baby gate if you don’t already have one. When walking, keep your bitch on the lead. Aim to walk during quieter times of the day, avoiding other dogs where possible. Don’t let her outside on her own and give any dog socialising classes a miss until the season is over. Spend some quality time with your dogShe’ll be feeling confused during her season so keep her reassured with lots of cuddles and quality time. You’ll naturally be exercising her outside less so if your bitch is restless, keep her mind occupied with some indoor games. Read more: 5 dog enrichment ideas! Add menthol to the tip of her tailThis may help to cover the scent – especially useful if you have other dogs at home. Use special dog pantsThese are lifesavers when your dog is in season. If she really doesn’t like wearing pants, keep her somewhere with a laminate floor or a surface that’s easy to clean blood/discharge from! Not breeding from your dog? Think about neuteringIt’s a good idea to have your dog neutered. This will eliminate the risk of womb infections, unwanted pregnancies and free both you and your pet from the hassle associated with their season. Read more: Dog neutering: what you need to know. Need more info?If you need more advice about your dog’s season, neutering or any other aspect of their welfare, have a chat with your vet. Find your nearest vet using our Find a Vet page, or speak to a vet online using Online Vets. How do dogs act in their first heat?Some signs of a female dog going into heat may include lower energy levels, more aggressive behavior, differences in leg-raising while urinating, urinating more often than usual, and even running away from home. This is unlike male dogs, who do not experience heat cycles.
What age do dogs go into heat first time?Although six months old is the average age of a dog's first heat, this can vary widely. Some dogs can go into heat as young as four months, while larger breeds may be as old as two years before their first heat.
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