Heat usually lasts between 2-4 weeks. Early in the cycle, a female dog may not be receptive to male dogs, although some are receptive through the entire cycle. It can be shorter or longer and you’ll know the cycle is over when all her vulva returns to its normal size and there’s no more bleeding or discharge. There’s a relatively small window when your dog is most fertile during the heat cycle; it may begin about nine or ten days after she goes into heat and lasts about five days. However, she can become pregnant until the end of the cycle.
Dogs can go into heat as young as four months in smaller breeds, but averages about six months old. Some giant breeds may not go into their first heat until they’re 18-24 months old. It is strongly advised not to breed young female dogs during their first and second cycle. Their eggs are not yet mature and the dog hasn’t reached full maturity. If you’re planning on breeding your dog, your vet will be able to tell you when the dog is mature enough to be bred.
With the exception of breeders of purebreds, most pet owners elect to spay their female dogs before the first heat. Some experts believe this reduces the risk of mammary cancer and other conditions. It also eliminates the possibility of unwanted litters. https://www.akc.org/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php Get Your Free AKC eBook
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Once estrus begins, it may take awhile for the cycle to become regular. Some dogs can take up to eighteen months until their cycle becomes regular. It’s a good idea to keep a record during these early days. Once it does, the average is about every six months. Smaller breeds may go into heat more frequently, as often as 3-4 times a year. Larger dogs, like Irish Wolfhounds, St. Bernards and Great Danes may only go into heat every 12-18 months. Unlike humans, female dogs experience estrus throughout their lives, although the time between cycles will get longer.
When does a female dog first come into heat?
Puberty or sexual maturity in the female dog usually occurs around nine or ten months of age. Smaller breeds tend to go into estrus or heat earlier, even as early as four months of age in some females, while in large and giant breeds, it can take up to two years. For many dogs, the first heat is silent or does not have clinical signs associated with estrus. Additionally, many dogs first estrus cycle is unlikely to allow successful breeding, therefore the standard practice is to wait until the second or third heat cycle before breeding.
Anestrus Stage
Anestrus is the final stage of the dog heat cycle, also known as the resting stage. This is the longest phase of a dog’s heat cycle, from 100-150 days, at the end of which the entire heat cycle starts again.
How long does a dog in heat bleed?
Dogs in heat need to be treated with care. Do you know how to recognize the signs of a dog in heat? Get informed and be prepared for whatâs to follow, so you can keep your furry friend safe.
Do you have a male or female dog, which has not yet been spayed or neutered? In this case, knowing the signs of a dog in heat is very important for both male and female dog parents. This can help you to do the following:
So what are the most common symptoms of a dog in heat? What can you expect when your dog is in heat? Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions on dogs in heat.