Do female dogs bleed when in heat

No, the vast majority of dogs do not need to have a season before they are speyed. However, each dog is different and it’s always a good idea to speak to your vet about the right timing for your dog. 

How much blood is normal for a dog in heat?

As a general rule, big dogs tend to bleed more than small dogs, but it varies a lot, some dogs bleed heavily, some hardly bleed at all, and some are so light that you won’t even notice it. Lots of dogs are also very clean, so you may not see much blood around the house if your dog is grooming themselves a lot. Always contact your vet if you are worried about the amount your dog is bleeding.

Can a dog get pregnant when not in heat?

No, a dog has to be in heat to get pregnant, but it’s important to be aware that not every heat is obvious. If you suspect your dog could be in heat, or it’s roughly the time that she should be, take precautions to stop her getting pregnant or consider neutering her to prevent an unexpected or unwanted litter.

How swollen is too swollen for a dog in heat?

The amount your dog’s vulva swells during their season will be individual to them, but if your dog’s vulva is so swollen that it’s causing them pain or discomfort, contact your vet for advice.

Is a white discharge from female dog in heat normal?

No, a white discharge could be a sign of infection (such as a pyometra) and should always be checked by a vet.

When a female dog is “in heat” or “going into heat,” it means she’s open and receptive to mating and is releasing mating hormones. 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.

Unawareness that your dog is going into heat or not knowing what to look for can result in an unwanted pregnancy. However, learning what to do when your dog is in heat will help you properly prepare for a new furry family member should you desire the pregnancy instead.

What Is the Dog Heat Cycle?

The dog heat cycle, also known as the estrus cycle, is a biological event where a female dog is most receptive to mating. It usually lasts anywhere between two and four weeks, and a female dog will experience this about every six months. A dog in heat may exhibit strange personality and physiological changes throughout the cycle.

There are four stages:

• The proestrus stage: This is the first stage of a dog’s heat cycle and usually begins with the swelling of the vulva. It can last anywhere from three to 17 days. A female dog in this stage of the heat cycle is resistant to male company and may exhibit changes in personality, appetite, and more frequent tail tucking.
• The estrus stage: A female dog will begin to naturally follow her breeding instinct in the estrus stage of her heat cycle. She is the most fertile here as her ovaries release eggs for fertilization and she is most willing to accept male company in this stage. She’ll raise her rear toward male dogs and may remain in this stage for between three and 17 days.
• The diestrus stage: In this stage, the dog’s heat cycle begins to come to an end. If a female dog entering this stage has been impregnated, this stage will last from the end of the estrus stage up until her puppies are born (about 60 days). A female dog will not flirt as much and her swelling will decrease gradually.
• The anestrus stage: This is the stage of the dog’s heat cycle that lasts the longest, anywhere between 100 and 150 days. The anestrus stage is also known as the resting stage. The dog’s heat cycle starts again after this stage.

Study each stage to help you identify when your female furry friend may be going into heat.

How Often Are Dogs in Heat?

Female dogs will often go into heat once every six months (or about twice a year), but the breed size of the dog also affects the frequency of the cycle: a smaller dog may go into heat more often than a larger dog, and a dog’s heat cycles may seem irregular when they first start to experience them.

How Long Are Dogs in Heat?

The proestrus and estrus stages of the dog’s heat cycle can last anywhere from two to four weeks collectively. However, it may still vary as the cycle officially begins and ends with the swelling and return to normalcy of the vulva. The pregnancy status of a female dog will affect how long she remains in the diestrus stage; the anestrus stage of the dog’s heat cycle is simply the resting stage that intermits the next one.

When Do Dogs First Go Into Heat?

A female dog can first experience her heat cycle as early as six months of age, but this varies with breed. A smaller dog may first experience their heat cycle earlier than a larger dog, who may not experience theirs until up to two years of age. Female dogs will continue to experience heat cycles throughout their lives up until death, but the time between each cycle will increase with age. Female dogs don’t experience menopause.

How to Tell If a Dog Is in Heat

As a pet parent, it’s a good idea to verse yourself well on the signs of a dog entering their heat cycle. Common signs of a dog entering heat include:

• Frequent urination: This is one of the most common signs that a dog is entering heat, especially if they’re uncharacteristically urinating in the house.
• Vaginal bleeding and/or discharges: A female dog entering heat may lightly discharge and/or bleed from her vagina while entering the proestrus stage. The bleeding will grow heavier and lighten in color as she enters the estrus stage.
• More attention paid to male dogs: If a female dog in heat sees a male dog, she’ll “flirt” with him by exposing and raising her rear in his direction while moving her tail out of the way.
• Excessive genital licking: A female dog in heat will excessively lick (or “clean”) her genital area.
• Nervously aggressive behavior: Since a female dog in heat is secreting mating hormones, she may exhibit unusually aggressive behavior.

Other signs of a dog in heat include tail tucking and the swelling of the vulva.

What to Do When Your Dog Is in Heat

You should never panic if you notice your dog entering her heat cycle; it’s a very natural occurrence! There are simple steps you can take to make sure your dog gets the special care she’ll need.

• Do not leave your dog outside and unsupervised: A female dog in heat who’s also outside and alone is the perfect company for a passerby (or stray) male dog looking to mate.
• Walk your dog with a leash: To safely walk your dog while she’s in heat, you should always keep her on a leash despite her obedience skills. A female dog in heat will be heavily influenced by her hormones.
• Increase indoor supervision: You should stay mindful of your dog’s whereabouts and keep her off furniture, as she may naturally leave some blood spotting behind and potentially stain surfaces. Pads can also be used to allow her to enjoy her preferred resting spot without the risk of leaving stains behind on furniture or carpet, and providing for easier cleanup at regular intervals.
• Use diapers and washable diaper liners to prevent messes: Some bleeding or bloody discharge is normal during her time in heat, and she will likely have the need to urinate more frequently than you are used to. Use diapers to contain and prevent messes, and help both of you navigate this period without unwanted stains or accidents. There are multiple types of diapers for dogs in heat to choose from, including disposable and reusable garments. Wee-Wee Disposable diapers work much like a diaper for a human infant, plus include a special opening to accommodate your pet’s tail. They’re available in multiple sizes so you can find the one that’s right for your dog, ranging from X-Small to X-Large. Proper sizing is important to prevent leakage.

Deploying these four care tactics when your dog is in heat will ensure she has a safe, clean, and manageable experience.  

How do I know if my dog is on heat?

You can sometimes work out if your female dog is coming into heat through various signs. The more aware you are of your dog’s cycle, the more prepared you can be to help care for her needs. This can include:
Swelling

The vulva, near your dog’s tail, can become engorged and swollen. This is not always obvious.

Bloody discharge This can vary in volume from dog to dog, and even between cycles with the same pet. The discharge your dog passes during her heat cycle will change as her cycle progresses. Initially It may appear very bloody, but as time passes, it will thin and become a watery pinkish red colour.

Marking and Frequent Urination

You might notice your dog having more bathroom breaks and urinating more during her heat cycle. You may even notice her marking, leaving small amounts of urine in various places in the yard or on a walk. This is normal. During this phase of your dog’s cycle, her urine contains more hormones and pheromones which she uses to indicated to other dogs that she is fertile.

Licking

You might notice your female dog excessively licking her genital area. This can indicate that she is cleaning herself and is in heat.

Behaviour Changes

Tail Position

What are the 4 stages of heat?

Estrus

Diestrus

Anestrus

The anestrus stage is like the body’s standby mode. This is the inactive phase of your dog’s cycle where she doesn’t experience any hormonal or sexual behaviour changes.

How do I know when my dog has finished heat?

How often will my dog go into heat?

There is no link to indicate a breeding season for domestic dogs, so your dog may go into heat during summer, autumn, winter or spring. There are only 2 domesticated dog breeds with cycles that correspond to season, these are the Tibetan Mastiff and Basenji who typically only cycle in Spring.

How soon after my dog has finished her heat cycle, can she be desexed?

How Can I manage it & care for my dog?

Keep Wipes on Hand

Extra Cuddles

Chew Toys or Soft Toys

Providing some extra mental stimulation and security with toys can help to keep your pet feeling calm.

How can I keep my dog safe?

Avoid off leash play areas

Microchips and ID

Keep an eye on her health

Desexing

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