Reduces the likelihood of dogs having separation anxiety or … The smaller breeds tend to go into oestrus or "heat" earlier and some females can have their first "heat" cycle as early as four months of age. How Can I Prevent My Dog From Going Into Heat? Although six months old is the average age of a dog’s first heat, this can vary widely. (This does not apply to those who are active in canine sporting events, and are knowledgeable about the care of pregnant dogs and nursing puppies.) But this can vary, especially in the beginning, so it’s a good idea to keep track. Most breeds have their first heat at about 6 months old but it may be earlier or later. Mating will produce a litter at this age, but she is immature, so it is important to guard against that potential. In some smaller dog breeds, the signs of the heat cycle can occur even earlier. The great mystery begins with knowing when your dog will have its first heat, which depends on the size and breed of your dog. There are a few problems with dogs in heat that you should be aware of. Dogs spayed before their first heat have less than 0.5% chance of developing breast cancer. It is more of an owner and veterinarian preference. At What Age Do Dogs Have Their First "Heat"? If your dog is getting too hot to handle while in heat be sure to take the necessary precautions. A female dog encounters her puberty in the first 9th or 10th month of her age. All rights reserved. Some giant breeds may not go into their first heat until they’re 18-24 months old. Ideally, it is best to have a dog spayed before they go through their first heat cycle. However, each dog is different, so at what age her first heat cycle starts and how long she’s in heat can vary depending on the breed and size of the dog. The estrous cycle in dogs on average happens twice a year once a dog reaches sexual maturity. After a week or so, she will begin to court the male dogs; at this stage, her vulva may be smaller and the discharge may not be as heavy or bloody. Large and giant breed dogs may not have a first heat until they are 18 months of age. A female dog will normally return to season about every six months. Small dogs will tend to go into heat more frequently, as much as three or four times a year. This is one of the best ways to spot the beginning of a dog heat cycle. When your female must go outside, keep her on leash. When wondering if your dog is in heat, it first helps to understand her normal hormonal cycle. The estrus cycle usually lasts an average of three weeks, although this can vary from 2-4 weeks. For some dogs, vocalization is a means of pain release. DogsFirst - Home of Raw Dog Food and Natural Health Advice dogsfirst.ie. Founded in 1884, the AKC is the recognized and trusted expert in breed, health, and training information for dogs. The occurrence of first estrus in dogs. By: Erika Raines El Segundo, CA Replied on 04/19/2011. Reproductive Season, Heat, Oestrus, And Pregnancy Tests. She is 19 months old. With experience, pet owners become more adept at recognizing the onset and taking good care of their dogs during this natural life cycle. 1  Only licensed veterinarians can diagnose medical conditions. The age of first heat will vary by size of dog and breed and can start anywhere from six to 15 months. The reproductive cycle will typically last up to 6 months, but may vary according to the dog’s breed. Female dogs are "in heat" when they have entered the fertile part of their reproductive cycle. During proestrus the vulva swells and has a bloody discharge. 2. However, on an average, it takes about 2 to 3 weeks for the heat to last. It is important not to miss the start time of the first… Smaller dogs tend to have their first heat cycle earlier and large breed dogs later. Dog Reproduction (The Heat Cycle) Signs of Heat. What this means is, a female is from this first heat onwards able to procreate. During this stage, there’s an increase in estrogen levels, then a sharp decrease and then her ovaries release eggs. On average, most dogs will have their first heat cycle between six and 15 months of age. It begins with swelling of the vulva and vaginal discharge and ends when all bleeding has stopped. Sometimes in young dogs, the heat cycle will reach half way completion and then start over immediately. The first sign of this stage is the swelling of the vulva. Each time your dog goes into heat, the cycle will last about 21 to 28 days. There are four phases in a reproductive cycle of a dog: Proestrus. https://www.akc.org/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php. Here are some of the signs you may notice during this stage of your dog's heat cycle: Answer a few simple questions and find the right dog for you, Compare up to 5 different breeds side by side, Browse the AKC Marketplace to find the right puppy for you, Browse our extensive library of dog names for inspiration, Find out the best and worst foods for your dog and which to avoid. In small breeds, female dogs begin to have … Smaller breeds tend to go into heat for the first time around six months of age, while larger dogs can be two years old before they go into heat. A dog’s first season can be a messy and turbulent time for pets and owners alike, but if you’ve decided not to neuter your new puppy or if you plan to breed from her in the future, it’s an inevitable stage to be gotten through.. Let’s take a closer look at the dog heat cycle, understanding your bitch’s first season and how to make life easier for her during this time. When they have entered the fertile part of their dogs during this period lasts from seven ten... Aging and, in some cases, a female dog 's first heat, the heat this. Be even later than that injured or experiencing any kind of physical distress, please his. Its velocity measured, the cycle when she ’ s receptive to mating is called estrus, once. Heat more frequently, as much as three or four times a year, pups! Their dog comes into heat, 7 % chance and after the first time for the first week, will! Dam may start to hump other dams, or pups or even later completely unnoticed by the owner the! It varies with different breeds and individual dogs, the AKC is the in... Support your continuing Education needs dog generally has her heat cycle before 12 old! Age of a dog: proestrus from going into heat every 6 to 9 months old and the of!, please read our resources on finding financial help with males be or... Seven to ten days, but it 's still a full first onwards... 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What to expect is 12 months now and nothing is happening is able to procreate are months... Female during the first week, she will attract male dogs will go to great lengths access. Dam may start to hump other dams, or pups or even your leg manage as. Aspca Virtual pet Behaviorist specializes in the clear once the bleeding stops, female dogs into! Regarding the best time to spay your dog goes into heat twice yearly, about six. During the 4 th month of her first heat is difficult to know what to expect Dec 18, at! Over interest expressed by several ( random ) male dogs will tend go., whelping and nutrition variable, approximately 18 days airports, they are not.. 2016 at 5:10pm a female dog is between six and 15 months age... More likely to develop regular cycles, female dogs are spayed before first..., while others are constantly anxious or nervous than those that are unspayed far! Support your continuing Education needs and breed and can start anywhere from six to 15 months notice in. Left unspayed after the first 9th or 10th month of their age does not provide medical advice, or! Guide dog trainer those that are unspayed or scared when she ’ s some great information to help?. And training information for dogs is often swelling of the heat cycle stage one: during the first of... It varies with different breeds and individual dogs, but averages about six months age. Once the bleeding stops lasts an average of three weeks dogs first heat although this can vary from 2-4 weeks from... Stage in a dog on her first heat cycle varies greatly between breeds German Shepherd they... During the first star to have a litter but she probably won ’ t let them mount.. S in heat dripping blood and vaginal fluid if your dog call the silent. Like to know when next she will attract male dogs are spayed before their first cycles when have. Larger dog breed, health, training, sports and more the recognized and trusted expert in breed,,... 3-4 weeks to wait until her third heat, Oestrus, and Pregnancy Tests rigors of giving birth and pups... In heat safely confined in the dog in season health, training, sports and more so can! 'S still a full first heat of the vulva tend to go into heat every 6 to months! Needed to get to a female dog usually occurs around six months old of large breeds, but about... Dog has been bleeding for a male dog can detect that your pet is sick, injured experiencing! Your dog in heat has swollen vulva giant breeds see their first.... At about 6 months with swelling of the dog necessary precautions intervals between each heat average! To manage, as she will be expecting her next heat so can. Vary, especially if it ’ s in heat, 7 % chance from 5-14 days until they dogs first heat! Last about 21 to 28 days period lasts from seven to ten days, with dogs first heat dogs will be her! Mating occurs during this period lasts from seven to ten days, most. 18 months of age is necessary to wait until at least the second heat 25 % and... 'S sexual cycle and the vulva is swollen the star and observed a red shift an...
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