When is dogs first heat

Some dogs can take up to eighteen months until their cycle becomes regular. Once it does, the average is about every six months. Smaller breeds may go into heat more frequently, as often as times a year. Larger dogs, like Irish Wolfhounds , St. Bernards and Great Danes may only go into heat every months. Unlike humans, female dogs experience estrus throughout their lives, although the time between cycles will get longer. With the exception of breeders of purebreds, most pet owners elect to spay their female dogs before the first heat.

Some experts believe this reduces the risk of mammary cancer and other conditions. Your female dog is able to have a litter but she is far from being ready to raise them. Breeding and getting your dog pregnant on your dog's first heat can also pose health risks for both your dog and her pups like bad genes being passed on, and behavioral changes like aggression.

Aside from labor and delivery, the constant breast feeding of the dam to her pups can cause too much stress to her body so she must be physically and mentally matured for that. Although her reproductive system tells you your dog is ready to have your grand pups, her body isn't so reconsider when you plan to announce the arrival of pups. Also, many tests that your female dog should undergo to make sure she she is healthy and fit for breeding can't be done until your dog turns 2 years old.

You could end up breeding an unhealthy dog and there is a huge possibility for the passing on of genetic defects in her litter. Your dog's heat cycle happens in this process and it's better to prepare and secure her from any unwanted breeding if she begins showing these stages:. Stage 1: Proestrus - there is vaginal discharge, males become attracted to females but the females are still unwilling to mate.

Length: days. Stage 2: Estrus - your dog will have a swollen vulva, together with some yellowish vaginal discharge, mating occurs during this phase with the female dog giving in freely to the males. This is the stage where your dog is most fertile.

Stage 3: Metestrus or Diestrus - the period after mating. If your dog is pregnant, pregnancy will last between days.

Stage 4 Anestrus - the period of inactivity in dogs sexual and hormonal between estrus phases. Bernards among others, may only go into heat every twelve months. The estrus cycle usually lasts an average of three weeks, although this can vary from weeks. It begins with swelling of the vulva and vaginal discharge and ends when all bleeding has stopped. A female may allow a male to mount her at any time during the cycle, although most not only only accept mounting later in the cycle, but actively seek it.

Your dog will continue to go into heat throughout her life, although the length of time between estrus will increase as she gets older. With experience, pet owners become more adept at recognizing the onset and taking good care of their dogs during this natural life cycle. Compare Breeds Compare up to 5 different breeds side by side. Dog Name Finder Browse our extensive library of dog names for inspiration. Once the bleeding stops, the second stage of the dog heat cycle has begun.

Many people make the mistake of thinking their dog's estrus is done at this point, but this second stage is actually when your dog can become pregnant.

The final 7 to 10 days is the last stage of the heat cycle. It includes reswelling of the vulva and pink discharge, but she will not accept a male. As this final stage ends, the vulva returns to normal and the discharge tapers off. So just how long does a dog stay in heat? You might be surprised to find out that your dog's heat cycle might be for an entire month!