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If youre thinking of adopting a female dog, you may wonder if female dogs have periods, or if you live with one that isnt spayed you might be curious as to why she is bleeding. Female dogs do undergo a regular cycle and bleed once they reach maturity, if they are not spayed. The experience may seem frightening at first (and messy), but the better you understand it, the more youll be able to help your dog.
Dogs in Heat and the Estrus Cycle
Do female dogs have periods? Well, yes, but they are a part of what is properly called an estrus cycle. You may have also heard of a dog as being “in heat” or “in season” during this time, and the estrus cycle is sometimes called a “heat cycle.”
The first estrus cycle for dogs happens when the animal reaches puberty at around six months of age, though that number may vary between breeds and individual dogs. Smaller breeds tend to reach maturity earlier, while larger dogs might take more than a year to have their first heat.
The cycle often happens twice per year. The American Kennel Club (AKC) writes that some smaller breeds can go into heat up to four times per year, and extra-large dogs, such as St. Bernards or Great Danes, may only experience it every eighteen months. When a dog enters the cycle, it lasts for two to three weeks, though the actual amount of time differs for each individual dog. During this time, the vulva becomes red and swollen, a pink or clear discharge leaks out, and your dog will likely seem jittery and alert, notes the AKC.
Discharge also varies quite a lot and is not pure blood, notes PetWave. Some dogs may leave spots on the floor or dog bed, while for others the discharge will be barely noticeable. The cycle often starts with a heavier reddish discharge in the beginning, which fades to a yellow, pink, or watery spotting later on. Cleanup can be exasperating, and Canine Journal has even reviewed some doggy diapers for pups in heat. If you use diapers make sure to change them frequently and keep the skin clean and dry. Heavy bleeding or bleeding outside of a heat cycle is not normal. If your dog experiences it, you should call your veterinarian immediately.
While dogs are bleeding, they also urinate more frequently, says Daily Puppy. Some dogs will mark areas of their house or outdoors with their strong-smelling urine, known to attract their male counterparts and alert them of their mating status.
Since all of these symptoms can be startling or uncomfortable, some dogs can become grouchy or fretful while in heat. Pethelpful recommends showing your dog a little extra love and attention during this time. Keep an eye on her appetite and give her frequent baths to clean up any discharge. You should also be careful to keep her away from any male dogs who might turn aggressive and make sure she is securely on a leash or behind a fence when shes outside.
If you adopted a dog that wasnt spayed, this whole bleeding experience will probably be new for you. Make a list of any questions you have and visit your veterinarian to learn about how to best care for a dog in heat. If you arent sure what questions to ask your vet, here are a few to get you started:
How long do heat cycles last?
If your dog is going through their heat cycle, the time they are bleeding will last 7 to 10 days. Their whole heat cycle from beginning to end will usually last 2 to 4 weeks.
For other questions relating to dog heat cycles such as when do they start, how long do they last, do dogs get cramps, etc, be sure to read our post Dog Period Questions answered by a veterinarian.