Wondering How Often Do Dogs Go into Heat? Videos of puppies constantly go viral on the internet and invade all of our social media platforms with their antics. Their cuteness and clumsiness are some of the driving forces behind their success. Puppies are one of the most popular pets worldwide.
They are often the first to be adopted from shelters and sought out from specialized breeders. Due to the rate at which they are requested, it is key to maintain a successful breeding program. For this, breeders need both male and female dogs, and the female dogs have to go into heat to start the reproductive process. So, how often do female dogs go into heat?
How Often Do Dogs Go into Heat?
Female dogs generally go into heat about twice per year or every six months. These intervals may vary between dog breeds. Smaller dog breeds may go into heat three times a year, while the largest dog breeds may only go into heat once per year. Additionally, the heat cycle generally lasts about two to three weeks. Without going into heat, a female dog cannot be bred.
The First Heat
A female dog’s first heat cycle varies greatly by breed. Smaller dog breeds go into heat for the first time as early as four months of age, while the larger dog breeds don’t go into heat until almost two years of age. Usually, female dogs will go into heat for the first time between nine months to one year of age.
Once they are of age, this four-staged cycle will repeat every six months until the dog is spayed. It is quite common for the very first heat cycle to go unnoticed without any outward symptoms. This is referred to as a ‘silent’ heat. It is unlikely that a female dog’s first heat will lead to a successful litter of puppies, so it is recommended to wait until the second or third heat cycle before breeding the female dog.
The Four Stages of a Dog’s Heat Cycle
There are the four stages of a female dog’s heat cycle which occurs every six months. Let’s look more closely at the different stages and signs of a female dog in heat.
The First Stage: Proestrus
Proestrus is the beginning of the heat process where the female dog’s body prepares to mate. Some of the signs that a female dog is in proestrus include vulvar swelling, bloody vaginal discharge, excessive licking of her genital area, clingy behavior, and aggression towards male dogs.
The Second Stage: Estrus
Estrus is the stage of heat where the female dog will be open and receptive to the male dogs. This usually occurs around seven to ten days into the heat cycle.
Some signs that a female dog has entered into the estrus stage include more frequent urination (which communicates to the males that she is ready to mate) and less discharge (which should be lighter in color by this point). A female dog in estrus may be more aggressive to other females and approach male dogs with her tail held to the side.
The Third Stage: Diestrus
The diestrus stage occurs immediately after the ‘in heat’ stage and is the stage at which the female dog’s body returns to normal or develops a pregnancy. At this time, the symptoms subside, and she returns to her normal behavior.
The Fourth Stage: Anestrus
The anestrus stage is the inactive stage where there are no hormonal or sexual behaviors. This is the stage that the female dog will remain in until the next heat cycle begins.
Signs of a Female Dog in Heat
Most of the symptoms that indicate a female dog is in heat occur during the proestrus and the estrus stages. The most obvious sign is the bloody vaginal discharge; however, the more you monitor and observe your own dog, the more you will notice when she develops other symptoms.
It is important to note that the amount of discharge may be light or heavy, depending on the individual dog. If you are concerned, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. Other symptoms that your dog has gone into heat include vulvar swelling, excessive licking of her genitals, more frequent urination, change in tail position, and more agitated or aggressive behavior.
Precautions for a Female Dog in Heat
To ensure your female dog’s safety, never let her off her leash or out into the yard unsupervised. This will also avoid unintended pairings with any male dogs that may be wandering around the area. In case of an accidental escape, make sure to keep her tags and microchip information up to date. If you notice any unusual symptoms or signs of illness, contact your veterinarian immediately.
During her heat cycle, it is not uncommon for female dogs to pick up bacterial infections. If left untreated, they could become fatal. If you do not intend to breed your female dog, consider spaying her after her first heat cycle. Most dog breeds are eligible to be spayed as early as four months of age. Contact your veterinarian for more details about your particular dog breed and your individual dog. In the long run, there are many health benefits to spaying your dog.
Pregnancy
A female dog goes into heat every six months and has the potential to develop a pregnancy. If pregnancy occurs, she will have a gestation period of about 63 days. Her litter can range anywhere between one to twelve puppies; however, five or six puppies are usually the average litter size. Female dogs make great mothers, so you can stand back and allow her to follow her instincts.
Final Thoughts
Female dogs go into heat every six months. During their heat cycles, their bodies undergo hormonal and behavioral changes. Take precautions to ensure your dog’s safety and contact your veterinarian if any issues arise. And if all goes well, two months later, you will have a brand new litter of puppies to welcome into your home.