How Often Do Small Dogs Go Into Heat?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Most dogs come into heat twice per year, or about every six months, although the interval can vary between breeds and from dog to dog. Small breed dogs may cycle

three times per year

, while giant breed dogs may only cycle once every 12 months.

How long is a small dog on heat for?

Heat usually lasts

between 2-4 weeks

. Early in the cycle, a female dog may not be receptive to , 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.

What are the signs that your dog is going into heat?

  1. Swollen vulva.
  2. Bloody or straw-colored discharge from the vulva.
  3. Receptive to male dogs.
  4. Excessive licking of the genital area.
  5. Agitated, nervous, or aggressive behavior.
  6. Urinating more frequently.
  7. Change in tail position.

How often do chihuahuas go into heat?

However, most Chihuahuas experience a heat cycle

every six months or every nine months

. Most heat cycles in dogs last about a month – 21 to 28 days to be exact. Chihuahuas have been reported to have had their first heat cycle as young as six months old, and as late as one and a half years old.

Do dogs get periods every month?


Most dogs come into heat twice per year, or about every six months

, although the interval can vary between breeds and from dog to dog. Small breed dogs may cycle three times per year, while giant breed dogs may only cycle once every 12 months.

What months do dogs go into heat?

This depends on your dog's size. Smaller dogs can go into heat as soon as they are 4-months old. Larger breeds may not first go into heat until they are 18 to 24 months old. On average, the first heat begins at around 6 months of age.

Do dogs bleed the whole time they are in heat?

However, the most obvious recognizable sign of heat in dogs is vaginal bleeding. This may not become apparent until a few days after the female has come into estrus.

Some experience heavy vaginal bleeding during estrus, while other dogs have minimal bleeding

. If you are concerned, consult your veterinarian.

What are the 4 stages of a dog in heat?

The canine estrous (reproductive) cycle is made up of 4 different stages. These are

proestrus, estrus, diestrus, and anestrus

.

Do female dogs calm down after first heat?

In addition to the medical benefits listed above,

there can be a significant improvement in a female dog's behavior after you spay her

. When a dog enters heat, the hormones in her body change. This fluctuation can cause some dogs to become irritable or stressed, and may cause her to act out.

How much does it cost to spay a dog?

Clinic/Vet Base Price: Spay Spay, neuter, and vaccine clinic

$150–$240 (depending on weight)
Nonprofit veterinary clinic $50–$80 (depending on weight) SPCA/Humane Society Free Private animal hospital $320–$514 (depending on age and weight)

What do you do when your dog has her period?

Never scold your pup if she happens to make a bloody mess, just calmly reassure her while you clean it up.

Make sure she's eating well and drinking plenty of water. Provide extra potty breaks

, as there is a lot going on down there and she may feel the urge to relieve herself more often.

How long after bleeding is a dog fertile?

After about

9-10 days

, the bleeding will become more watery, or stop. It is at this time your female will, most likely, be at her most fertile. This proestrus stage can last as long as 20 days in some dogs. So the end of bleeding can be a more useful indicator of peak fertility.

How many days are female dogs in heat?

The heat cycle of the female lasts from

18 to 21 days

. The first stage is called proestrus. It begins with mild swelling of the vulva and a bloody discharge. This lasts for about 9 days, although it may vary by 2 or 3 days.

How do you stop a dog from bleeding in heat?

The bleeding can be controlled by

investing in some doggy diapers that your dog can wear while she is around the house

. If you can, keep her off the furniture, and perhaps leave her in a part of the house that has floors that are easy to clean, rather than carpet or rugs.

Why do female Chihuahuas hump?

During the female heat cycle, females will commonly participate in the humping behavior because

their bodies are processing hormones in a different way

. They have a stronger sexual desire, especially when they are around male animals.

Do female dogs bleed every month?

If you're thinking of adopting a female dog, you may wonder if female dogs have periods, or if you live with one that isn't 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

.

Does a spayed dog still have a period?


A spayed dog is no longer physically capable of having her period

. Her ovaries and uterus are removed during her spay surgery, so both the organs responsible for her period and the hormones they produce are physically no longer in her body.

How long does a dog stay in heat after bleeding stops?

Female dogs stay in heat for 17 to 21 days depending on their age, size, and overall health. The bleeding stops towards the beginning of the female dog's heat and generally lasts for a week or so. In most cases, the dog will remain in heat for

an extra week

after the bleeding stops.

How many times should a dog mate while in heat?

Answer: Once may be enough. However, to ensure that all of the eggs released by your Lab are fertilized, I always let my dogs mate every two days while the female will stand to be bred. Usually, it is

3 or 4 times

.

When should dogs be spayed?

The American Kennel Association recommends waiting to spay your pet

between five and nine months of age

. Waiting until after the animal has gone through puberty offers some key benefits to the animal.

Can a 8 month old male puppy get a female dog pregnant?

In answer to your original question,

yes, he could mate with her and get her pregnant

. It would be kinder to your dog if you could send him away, to stay with a friend, family member or even kennel him.

How long does a puppy's first season last?

Overview. A heat/season is the fertile period of a dog's cycle when they can get pregnant. Dogs usually have their first heat at around 6 months old, and then every 6-7 months afterwards. Each heat tends to last approximately

16-18 days

.

How do you calm a dog in heat?

Can you walk a dog in heat?

When your dog is in season, it can be a stressful time for both you and your dog. Here are our top tips for tackling walks with confidence during those weeks of raging hormones. The short answer is

yes it is safe to walk your dog in season

.

Can a dog be in heat but not bleed?

You may think your dog is no longer in heat once she stops bleeding. However, that's not true.

Each heat cycle lasts three to four weeks, but bleeding is seen only during the first two weeks

. The most fertile period is when the bleeding lessens and becomes clear or pink.

How often do dogs get their period?

Dogs typically go into heat on average

every six months

, but this varies especially in the beginning. It can take some dogs around 18 to 24 months to develop a regular cycle. Small dogs usually go into heat more often — as much as three to four times a year.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.