Female Dog Heat Cycle – All You Need to Know!
Are you the owner of a four-legged lady? Perfect, then you've come to the right place. Taking care of a female dog during her heat cycle can seem overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be! Here's everything you need to know about your dog's heat cycle and how you can help your female dog feel her best during this time.
When Does the Female Dog's Heat Cycle Begin?
Female dogs reach sexual maturity around 6-24 months of age (depending on their breed's size, smaller dogs mature earlier than larger ones). It's common for them to start their heat cycle at this stage, usually around 8-12 months of age.
Afterward, a female dog goes into heat 2-3 times a year, which can vary from individual to individual. Each heat cycle can last up to three weeks and is divided into four different phases: proestrus, estrus, diestrus, and anestrus.
The Four Phases of the Heat Cycle
Proestrus: what you need to know and how you can help
During proestrus, a dog's body prepares for ovulation by increasing the production of estrogen. During this phase, the dog's vulva may swell, and there may be occasional spotting of small amounts of blood.
Towards the end of proestrus, the bleeding becomes more pronounced. Proestrus typically lasts for about 9 days, but it can vary from 3-17 days.
Symptoms during proestrus
During proestrus, a dog may feel tired and appear easily irritated. Some dogs may lose their appetite or refuse to eat during this period. The vulva may swell, and there may be bleeding.
Assistance during proestrus
Help your dog by providing a calm environment, avoiding walks in places where she may encounter male dogs, and allowing her to groom herself as she pleases. You can gently dab a clean compress or paper towel against her vulva to gauge the amount of bleeding and understand which phase she's in.
Estrus
During estrus, the female dog is receptive to mating, and ovulation usually occurs after 2-3 days. Estrus can last from 3-21 days, but typically, it lasts for 7-10 days.
During this phase, the female may experience heavier bleeding and emit a different scent to attract males. This is when male dogs are most interested in her. The female dog may also become highly interested in male dogs and may lift her tail to facilitate mating.
Often, the female dog is energetic and playful during her estrus phase. Her mood is typically elevated.
Symptoms during estrus
Estrus is characterized by increased energy, excitement, and greater social friendliness towards other dogs. The female dog experiences heavier bleeding.
Assistance during estrus
Help your dog by keeping her on a leash during walks, using doggy diapers to prevent blood stains in the home (change them regularly for hygiene reasons), and allowing her to groom herself. Avoid contact with male dogs, especially unneutered ones. Keep assertive dogs away to ensure your female dog has peace and privacy.
Diestrus: body recovery and preparation
During diestrus, the production of estrogen decreases as the body prepares for a potential pregnancy. If the female dog doesn't become pregnant, this phase will be short and lead to anestrus.
However, if the female dog does become pregnant, diestrus can last for approximately 60 days (the duration of pregnancy). Interest in male dogs diminishes during this time, and the female may become irritable if approached by suitors. This is when some female dogs experience pseudopregnancy.
Symptoms during diestrus
During diestrus, the female dog may experience physical discomfort and desire to be left alone. She may want to stay home more and may become easily annoyed by males attempting to court her. Pseudopregnancy is more likely to occur during diestrus.
Assistance during diestrus
Help your dog by providing extra attention and stimulation, ensuring she gets enough exercise, and avoiding contact with male dogs. If you suspect your dog is experiencing pseudopregnancy, it's a good idea to increase exercise and stimulation. Don't make a big deal about "puppies" (the toys that collect in the bed and are guarded). Contact your veterinarian if symptoms become severe or do not subside, as medical help is available.
Anestrus
Anestrus is the phase between heat cycles when there are no hormonal changes. It is a calm period that lasts between heats.
Symptoms during anestrus
Anestrus is a quieter period where symptoms cease.
Assistance during anestrus
Female dogs rarely need assistance during this phase.
Pseudopregnancy (False Pregnancy)
It's quite common for female dogs to experience pseudopregnancy during diestrus. The body prepares for pregnancy, both physically and emotionally. Your dog may become hungrier, want to eat more, and even seek food outdoors. Her mammary glands may swell and become filled with milk. She might start carrying around toys as if they were puppies and even "nurse" and protect them.
Signs of pseudopregnancy
A female experiencing pseudopregnancy may become more reactive, guard the home more diligently, dislike visitors, and refuse to go on longer walks away from home. All of this is to care for her "puppies."
Pain During the Heat Cycle
It's common for female dogs to experience pain during their heat cycles. There may be a dull, intermittent ache as the pelvis prepares for potential pregnancy and the uterus becomes active.
Pain can manifest as increased self-licking, difficulty sitting or standing, and appearing tired and irritable. If you notice that your dog is in a lot of pain or seems uncomfortable, contact your veterinarian to discuss appropriate pain relief measures. For more information on the symptoms of pain, please check out Could Your Dog Be in Pain? – Symptoms to Watch For.
Signs That Something Is Wrong
Each heat cycle is a physical adjustment, so it's wise to be extra attentive to your dog's symptoms. This way, you can easily notice if something is amiss.
Bleeding
If your dog is bleeding more than usual or continues to bleed after her heat cycle, it could be a sign of health problems, such as uterine infection, inflammation, or injury. Read more about this in the article Uterine Infection in Dogs: Causes and Treatment.
Abnormal behavior to watch out for
If your dog behaves differently than usual, such as becoming aggressive or depressed, it could also be an indication that something is wrong.
Signs of tenderness or pain:
If your dog appears to be in pain or is tender around the abdomen or vulva, it could be a sign of infection, inflammation of the uterus, or other illnesses.
Abnormal discharge: what it can mean
If your dog has unusual or foul-smelling discharge from her vulva, it could be a sign of infection or inflammation of the uterus.
Decreased Appetite:
If your dog stops eating or drinking, it could be a sign of uterine infection, inflammation, or other health problems.
If you suspect that your dog is having issues during her heat cycle or notice signs of illness, it's important to contact your veterinarian as soon as possible for medical assistance. Untreated uterine infections can be life-threatening.
Everyone is different, so your dog's heat cycle may vary from one individual to another. Pay attention to your dog's behavior and physical symptoms, and adjust your assistance according to her needs. If you're concerned about your dog's well-being, always contact your veterinarian!
Written by: Caroline Alupo
Caroline Alupo is Petli's co-founder. She has a master's degree in ethology and is also a trained dog trainer and dog psychologist. She has 19 years of experience as a professional dog trainer. Read more about Caroline here.
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