Do female dogs have PMS symptoms? Essential Tips

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Before you get a dog, it’s important that you’re ready to be a responsible dog owner. From getting a properly-sized dog crate to setting up puppy vet visits, there’s a lot of preparation to do. And if you have a female dog, that includes getting ready for your dog’s “periods” — or more accurately, her estrus cycles. Dogs don’t menstruate in the same way human females do.

Here’s everything you need to know about how to take care of your dog during her estrus cycle, including when dogs go into heat, how often, and products you’ll need to help manage the physical signs.

When Do Dogs Go Into Heat?

The term “time of the month” in relation to our canine companions is a misnomer. Female dogs do not cycle every month, but usually only once or twice a year. The average is about every seven months.

Just as the duration of a human menstrual cycle varies from person to person, every dog is different, and there can be variations among breeds and even variations from one cycle to another in the same animal.

A female dog’s reproductive cycle is called an estrous cycle and is broken down into three different phases:

Proestrus is the beginning of the heat cycle. It’s characterized by swelling of the vulva and a blood-tinged vaginal discharge. Female dogs will not allow mating to occur in this phase. This phase can last anywhere from a few days to four weeks. On average, it lasts 7-10 days.

Estrus is also known as “heat.” This is the time when the female dog will allow mating to occur. This phase of the cycle lasts anywhere from 3-21 days, with an average length of 9 days.

Anestrus is defined as the timeframe when cycling ceases. This phase usually lasts about four to five months.

How Often Will My Dog Go into Heat?

Dogs have an average of two heat cycles per year, roughly six months apart. Some females will have irregular cycles, especially if they are very young or very old. Small breeds may cycle three times per year, while giant breeds may only cycle once every 12 months. Unlike some other species, canine estrous cycles are not dependent on the seasons, sunlight, or temperature.

Ask The Vet, (Dogs getting their period.) Dr Yalda Motavali

Proestrus: Proestrus is the start of the heat period where your dog’s body is preparing to mate. Signs seen during this phase include a swollen vulva, blood-tinged discharge, excessive licking of the genital area, clingy behavior, and aggression toward male dogs. Your dog may also hold her tail close to her body.

Dogs don’t menstruate in the same way human females do. Here’s everything you need to know about how to take care of your dog during her estrus cycle, including when dogs go into heat, how often, and products you’ll need to help manage the physical signs.