What does it mean when your dog is in season?
Being in season means your dog is fertile and may get pregnant. Only female dogs who aren’t spayed will go into season or heat.
The signs of a dog in heat
A female dog that is in heat may show the following signs [3]:
- A large, red, swollen vulva
- Bleeding from the vulva (or a yellow/red/brown discharge)
- Licking the back end more than usual
- Weeing more than usual
- Panting more than usual
Behavioural changes may include:
- Being over-friendly to other dogs
- Trying to escape to find a willing male (look out for her trying to get over/under fences, escaping through open doors, windows, and be wary of leading her off the lead)
- Mounting and humping
- Standing/moving the tail to one side when touched
- Becoming anxious and nesting
- Changes in appetite: Some dogs may go off their food, others may want to eat more
What is a dog heat cycle?
A dog’s heat cycle is the period of time when a female dog is fertile. A heat cycle has 4 stages.
The different phases of a dog’s heat cycle
There are 4 stages to a dog’s heat cycle. These are [4]:
- Proestrus: This is the start of the heat cycle and lasts 7 to 10 days. During this time the vulva swells and blood flows. The pheromones given off by females will attract males, but the female will not allow mating.
- Oestrus: This is when she’s at her most fertile and this phase can last 5 to 10 days. During this time the blood flow lessens and then stops. Females continue to attract males and they may be willing to mate. Ovulation (an egg is released from an ovary) also occurs during this time, usually 2 to 3 days after mating.
- Metoestrus (also known as diestrus): This phase is when a dog is either pregnant or is in a resting period because of not becoming pregnant. This phase occurs 10 to 14 days after heat and usually lasts around 55 days.
- Anestrus: This is the resting phase between diestrus and the next heat cycle.
At what age does a dog’s heat cycle start?
On average, dogs reach sexual maturity at about 6 – 9 months, marked by the first oestrus cycle (season) [1]. The age of the first season may be different for different dog breeds. For example, small dog breeds may have their first season at 5 to 6 months, and for larger breeds, this could be around 18 months to 2 years.
How often do dogs go into heat?
Following her first season, most dogs will have a season every 6 or 7 months, so twice a year. If your dog is having irregular seasons, it may be worth chatting with your vet for specific dog advice.
At what age does a dog stop having seasons?
Dogs are different from humans, and female dogs don’t experience menopause, so it’s possible they can become pregnant at any age. However, as dogs age, the time between seasons gets longer [2].
How long is a dog in heat or season for?
A female dog can be in season or heat for approximately 16-18 days, and during this time they go through different stages [3].
How long does a dog in season bleed?
Dogs that are in season, typically tend to bleed for 7 to 10 days, which is roughly half their season [3].
Can a male dog go into a heat cycle?
No, male dogs don’t have a heat cycle like females. However, they may show behavioural changes when exposed to a female’s pheromones who are in heat, but only if they have reached sexual maturity too, which is on average 6 months old.
What to do when your dog is in heat
Here are some tips on how you can help your dog cope when she’s in heat:
Distraction
To help keep her mind occupied and have less focus on what is physically happening, you can:
- Play games at home: hide and seek, catch, a simple obstacle course
- Walks: you may need to change your normal walking routine to avoid meeting lots of dogs
- Treats: Preferably inside a toy, so she has to work to get to it. Remember to include treats in her daily calorie intake
Comfort
Your dog will be experiencing physical changes that she may not understand. Showing her extra care and attention at this time will help ease her anxiety. You can:
- Give her extra cuddles and strokes
- If she’s looking tired, let her rest
- Extra grooming may help her feel relaxed
- Create a calming environment by playing soothing music and dimming lights
Should you walk a dog when they are in season?
Dogs must get regular exercise, which applies to female dogs in season. The pheromones she gives off may attract some male dogs, so you may want to consider changing your normal walking routine to avoid other dogs.
Should you contact your vet if your dog is in season?
If your dog seems to be coping OK with their season, there is no reason to contact your vet. But, if you notice anything unusual, like a severely swollen vulva or excessive bleeding, then get them checked by a vet.
How to prevent pregnancy when your dog is in season
If you don’t want your dog to get pregnant, you’ll need to take extra steps during this time. Some things you can do include:
- Keeping your dog on a leash to prevent her from running off
- Walking her at quieter times of the day to avoid meeting too many male dogs
- Exercising in the garden or house
- Spaying her when the time is right, and if you want to do this
If your dog does mate with another dog, there’s no certainty she will become pregnant. Something to note, she may show signs of pregnancy but, it could be a phantom pregnancy.
Can a dog get pregnant when they are not in season?
No, a dog can not get pregnant when she’s not in heat.
References:
- Reproductive system of the cat and dog, BVNA: https://bvna.org.uk/blog/reproductive-system-of-the-dog-and-cat-part-3-reproductive-physiology-of-the-bitch-by-victoria-aspinall/
- Understanding your dog’s seasons, The Kennel Club: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/health-and-dog-care/health/health-and-care/a-z-of-health-and-care-issues/seasons-and-being-in-heat/
- Dogs in heat/coming into season, PDSA: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/conditions/seasons-in-dogs
- Breeding and reproduction of dogs, MSD Manual Veterinary Manual: https://www.msdvetmanual.com/dog-owners/routine-care-and-breeding-of-dogs/breeding-and-reproduction-of-dogs
