The typical heat cycle will last between two and four weeks. Your dog or puppy will be fertile during this entire time but there is a small period, 9-10 days into the cycle, where they are especially fertile.
A dog in heat can bleed for around seven to 10 days. During this first stage of the reproductive cycle, the female will not accept a male.
Cycle length varies, averaging two to three weeks for most dogs. The cycle begins with the first signs of vulvar swelling or vaginal discharge. It ends when all discharge ceases and the vulva has returned to its normal size.
Being in heat for the first time can be a confusing experience for your girl. She's going to need extra love and attention. Pups tend to get quite snuggly during this time, so set aside some extra slots for lots of cuddles. Maybe consider a lap desk so you can work and snuggle simultaneously.
The dog estrous cycle is made up of four stages. These are the proestrus, estrus, diestrus, and anestrus. The proestrus is the most obvious stage, while the other stages are more subtle.
The short answer is yes it is safe to walk your dog in season.
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.
Even though your dog will bleed, she isn't in pain during heat. However, being in heat can make your dog uncomfortable and fidgety. If her symptoms seem to be causing her pain, consult your vet.
Full Maturity (1-2 Years)
After adolescence, your pup will become a dog. They will stop growing bigger, though they can still gain muscle over time.
Girl pups may go into heat (estrus) as early as five to six months, and boys begin to be interested in sex during this period. Most of your pup's growth in height finishes by this period but he may continue to fill out and gain muscle mass and body weight. Puppy coat starts to be replaced by the adult coat.
Spaying a dog in heat
It becomes a more serious surgery for your pup. If your dog has gone into heat, we usually suggest waiting to spay her until 2 to 3 months after her heat cycle is completely finished. That gives you plenty of time before her next heat cycle.
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.
Many female dogs may lose their appetite during their heat. Giving extra treats, some meat baby food with no garlic or onion, may help entice her to eat. If your dog gets diarrhea during her heat, try to feed some boiled hamburger with the fat drained off, with lots of rice.
The most challenging time of raising a puppy is the adolescent period. Dogs become “teenagers” and seem to forget everything they have ever been taught. This period is individual to each dog, but it may begin when he's about eight months old and continue until he's two years old.
Progesterone hormone can become higher which can lead to aggressive behaviour in a female after a season has ended. If your dog is having a phantom you will also start to see nesting behaviour. She will attempt to create a safe area for her puppies (though non-existent) picking an area within the home.
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.
If your dog is experiencing period pain, you may be tempted to give them some medication. You can give your dog NSAIDs, but you must be cautious. Consult with a vet if you want to give your dog pain medication for period cramps. Many medications for humans are toxic to dogs.
In this first stage of heat, your puppy's vulva will look swollen or larger than usual. During proestrus, she'll also produce a bloody vaginal discharge and may pee more often. Things change mentally too. She may show differences in behavior, like being more jumpy or on edge than usual.
Avoid off-leash walks or taking trips to the dog park.
A dog in heat may cause aggression among male dogs and could result in fighting (even if the dogs are neutered). It's best to avoid this altogether by skipping trips to the dog park or off-leash activities until your dog no longer shows signs of being in heat.
As her cycle progresses, the texture and color of the flow changes to more of a straw-color. 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.
Heat can be messy, having a packet of baby wipes on hand ready to go can help keep your home clean. Some dogs can get quite snuggly during their heat cycle, so make sure to make time for extra cuddles. Also make sure you dog has plenty of access to fresh clean water.
To keep her private area clean while she's in heat, keep a spray bottle of water on hand for a quick spray and wipe down. Always use a clean cloth or a fresh wet wipe for this wiping process. Pat her wet areas down with a dry towel.
If your female seems particularly agitated during her heat cycle, this is normal and to be expected. To help keep her calm and quiet, indulge her a little bit. Provide a few extra treats or a special toy and allow her some additional one on one time with you to give her comfort.