Do dogs act lethargic when in heat? Here’s What to Expect

Proestrus stage

The first stage of the dog heat cycle is called proestrus. This stage can last from 3 to 17 days, but many dogs experience about 9 days in proestrus. The first sign of this stage is the swelling of the vulva. This is one of the best ways to spot the beginning of a dog heat cycle. During the proestrus stage, you may notice the following symptoms:

Diestrus Stage

As diestrus takes over, the fertile part of the heat cycle comes to an end. This stage can last from 60-90 days and, at this point, the dog is no longer fertile. If the dog has been impregnated, the diestrus stage lasts from the end of the estrus until the birth of the puppies (around 60 days). Signs of the diestrus stage include:

Consult a vet

Even though being in heat is not an illness, having a chat with your veterinarian about things to take care of during heat may help you if unexpected trouble occurs.

Menthol on the tip of her tail

When walking outdoors, this may be a good trick to hide the scent. It may become handy if a male dog suddenly appears nearby, so he does not detect your female in heat.

How can I tell if my dog is in heat?

First of all, what are some of the main signs that your dog is in the heat? Unfortunately, the behavior of a dog who is in the heat is not very consistent.

However, most un-spayed female dogs in heat are quite likely to urinate differently and more often, raising her leg while doing so. This is the most obvious sign.

She is also quite likely to start paying a lot more attention to male dogs, whether she previously had zero interest in them or played peacefully enough with them before. But conversely, she could also start bolting away from every male dog she sees, as practice for hiding from them later.

A female dog will also have a period when she is in heat. You might notice spotting on her legs or in her bed. There’s no telling how she will react to this – it may scare her a bit, she may be indifferent or she may keep herself so well-groomed that you don’t even notice it.

An un-spayed female dog will have her first heat when she reaches puberty. This typically occurs at around six months. A female dog’s cycle will last around 21 days.

4 Stages of Dog Heat Cycle (may be graphic)

Summer means vacation, relaxation, and fun in the sun, but the high temperatures can put your dog in danger of heat exhaustion. To make sure all your four-legged family members stay safe and cool this summer, read on to learn how to prevent, detect, and treat heat exhaustion.