What Are The Signs That Your Dog Is Going Into Heat?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,
  • Swollen vulva.
  • Bloody or straw-colored discharge from the vulva.
  • Receptive to .
  • Excessive licking of the genital area.
  • Agitated, nervous, or aggressive behavior.
  • Urinating more frequently.
  • Change in tail position.

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

. Each stage has differing signs related to behavior, physical or clinical changes, hormonal changes, physiologic changes, and cytologic (vaginal smear) changes.

What are the signs of a dog coming into season?

  • A large, red, swollen vulva.
  • Bleeding from the vulva (or a yellow/red/brown discharge)
  • Licking the back end more than usual.
  • Weeing more than usual.
  • Behaviour changes such as: being over friendly to other dogs. roaming to find male dogs. mounting and humping.

How do you comfort a dog in heat?

  1. Pups tend to get quite snuggly during this time, so set aside some extra slots for lots of cuddles. …
  2. Offer a safe, chew resistant toy that she can nudge up against. …
  3. Never scold your pup if she happens to make a bloody mess, just calmly reassure her while you clean it up.

What is the first heat of dog?

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

.

Can a dog go through heat without bleeding?

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

.

Do dogs in heat sleep more?


Different dogs react differently to heat

. Some may feel tired all day, while others may become restless. Observing your dog's behavior and choosing the right amount of rest and exercise is important to keep your dog comfortable.

What color is dog period blood?

The vaginal discharge will change in color and appearance as the cycle progresses. At first, the discharge is very bloody, but as the days pass, it thins to become

watery and pinkish-red in color

.

What does a dogs first heat look like?

Signs seen during this phase include a

swollen vulva, blood-tinged discharge

, excessive licking of the genital area, clingy behavior, and aggression toward male dogs. Your dog may also hold her tail close to her body.

How long after a dog starts bleeding is she ready to breed?

Your dog will be fertile

around 12 days

after she starts bleeding, as it gets thinner and lighter. You may also notice the blood or discharge has a distinct smell.

Do dogs cry when in heat?

Your dog's crying can make you worry that something must be seriously wrong for her to act this way. … Since dogs are individuals with unique reactions to the things they encounter in life,

not all intact females will cry when they are in heat

.

Are female dogs more aggressive when in heat?

More Irritable or “Cranky” With Other Dogs: As their hormone levels change, you might see your dog become less tolerant of other dogs in your home.

During the first phase of the heat cycle

, female dogs are not receptive to mating and might act more aggressively than usual in telling other dogs to give them space.

Do dogs get clingy when in heat?

Will my dog's behaviour change when she's in season? Just like humans,

all dogs are different and will display different behaviours when they'

re in heat. Some pups may demand more of your attention and become overly clingy. Others may become more aggressive or stop following instructions that they would normally do.

Is it safe for a dog to get pregnant first heat?


Your dog can get pregnant during the very first heat

, or estrus cycle. Though most dogs experience estrus around 6 months of age, some small breeds can go into heat at four months old, so it won't be long before your little princess is able to have pups of her own!

Do dogs smell in heat?


Female dogs generally experience heat cycles up to two times annually

. … It is this discharge that produces a unique smell that is quite appealing to male dogs. The discharge and the accompanying smell is nature's way of alerting male dogs to the fact that a female is fertile.

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.