What to do when your dog is in heat

Just as female humans go through a monthly cycle, female dogs experience their own reproductive cycle as well. Understanding your dog’s cycle is an important part of pet ownership, because unless they’re spayed, being in season is something your female dog will experience regularly.

There are several terms used when discussing a female dog’s cycle, including:

• Oestrus.
• Season.
• In season.
• In heat.
• Heat cycle.

Discover how often female dogs go into heat, the length of time a season usually lasts, signs she’s coming into season, and ways to help her feel more comfortable…

How often do dogs go into heat?

Most female dogs come into heat twice a year, but this can vary from dog to dog. It can take time for female dogs to develop regular cycles before it becomes easier for you to keep track of when their seasons should arrive.

When do female dogs get their first season?

Since every dog is a unique individual, the age at which she experiences her first season will depend on aspects like her breed and size. For instance, smaller dogs may have their first season earlier than larger dogs. On average, though, most female dogs will have their first season by the time they reach around six months of age.

How long is a dog in season?

All dogs are different, but a season usually lasts around two to three weeks (approximately 16-18 days). It’s important to note that some dogs may not show obvious signs that they are in season throughout their entire heat cycle, so a keen eye can be crucial.

Signs a dog is coming into season

A female dog’s reproductive cycle can be broken down into four key stages:

• Proestrus – This is the beginning of the cycle, lasting around 7-10 days; there’s likely swelling of the vulva (part of a female dog’s reproductive system), followed by light to heavy bleeding.
• Oestrus – At this stage, your dog is at her most fertile (ovulation) and willing to accept male company, which could last around five days.
• Diestrus (or metoestrus) – During this phase of her cycle, your dog is no longer fertile, so she’ll start to feel more like herself again; lasting approximately 55 days.
• Anestrus – By this point in her cycle, your dog will enter the ‘resting’ phase, that lasts for around 100-150 days before her cycle starts again.

While some dogs may not show any obvious signs of being in heat, the behavioural clues and physical symptoms if your dog is in season could include:

• A large, red, swollen vulva.
• Bloody discharge from the vulva.
• Excessive grooming and licking herself.
• Peeing more than usual.
• Tucking her tail between her legs.

Changes in behaviour

As their hormone levels change, you might see this reflected in your dog’s behaviour. While behavioural changes will be different for each dog, and depend on the current stage of her cycle, some of the most common changes may include:

• Being overly friendly with other dogs.
• Roaming or eager to get outside.
• Mounting other dogs.
• Moving her tail when touched.
• Gathering toys in her sleeping area.
• Becoming anxious.
• Becoming less tolerant of other dogs.

Before your dog starts her cycle, you might notice that she seems on edge, e.g. pacing or panting more than usual. Some dogs can become less energetic as they go into heat and possibly start showing less of an interest in things they might usually enjoy.

When their cycle begins, you might see behaviours you’re not used to seeing in your dog, including: 

• Aggression towards both female and male dogs – during proestrus (the first stage of their heat cycle).
• Flirting with males (watch what she does with her tail) – as your dog moves into oestrus (the second phase of her cycle).

Since all dogs react differently to the changes happening to their bodies, it’s difficult to know how your dog might behave until she experiences her very first season. However, once you know how your dog is likely to behave during her heat cycle, you can care for her in ways that’ll make the experience easier for all.

Care tips for dogs in heat

Your dog will be feeling hormonal and possibly a bit confused during her season, so it’s important to keep her comfortable and distracted. Here are just some ways to keep your dog happy while she’s in season…

Adjust her walking routine

Try to schedule your walks during quieter times of the day, when there are less dogs out and about. Keep your dog on a lead at all times, to protect her from the unwanted attention of unneutered male dogs.

Top tip: We recommend booking time at a safe, secure dog walking field, where you can let your dog enjoy running and playing freely without the risk of meeting other dogs!

Avoid stressful events

While your dog is in season, avoid subjecting her to potentially stressful events or big changes, e.g. staying in kennels, visits to busy places, or moving to a new house.

Spend some time together

Keeping her entertained by playing games, giving her things to do in the house (e.g. a treat-filled toy), and taking her on walks could help keep your dog feeling calmer.

Comfort your dog

Remember to calmly reassure your dog if she ends up accidentally leaving drops of blood around the house, since it isn’t something she can prevent from happening. Don’t forget to give your dog plenty of cuddles and reassurance while she’s in season, so she doesn’t feel anxious or stressed.

Keep them apart from uncastrated males

If you own a male dog who hasn’t been neutered, you must keep them away from your female dog while she’s in season, otherwise she may become pregnant. Here are a few of our top tips:

• Place both dogs in separate rooms, as far from each other as possible.
• Always keep doors shut.
• Don’t let both dogs out at the same time.

For more information about the risks, costs, and challenges you might encounter should your dog get pregnant, please visit our guide to canine pregnancy.

Clean up hacks for dogs in heat

One of the signs your dog is in heat is the blood spots you might find as she wanders around the house. Here are a few ways to make your life easier when it comes to keeping your house clean while your dog is in season…

Invest in some dog nappies

To prevent potential staining on carpets and furniture when your dog is in heat, you can buy dog-specific nappies or period pants that can help contain the blood. However, these types of items won’t work for all dogs (for example, some dogs won’t be comfortable wearing them). So, as an alternative, you may want to limit your dog’s access to carpeted areas, sofas, and bedding – or lay down some towels.

Use a designated blanket

If your dog likes to cuddle up to you on the sofa, try using one blanket while she’s in season, so you won’t have too much washing to do! You could use a different blanket for each of her favourite spots as well – but make sure that everyone you live with knows not to sit on those blankets.

Quick clean-up is best

Try to keep disposable wipes on hand so you can rapidly swipe across furniture or hard floors if you find any spots of blood. If carpets do become soiled while your dog is in season, it’s worth using stain removers to clean up.

While being in heat is not an illness, discussing the process with your vet may help you prepare for any unexpected challenges that might occur for your dog.

Did you know? You can chat to the vet experts over at Joii Pet Care for advice at any time, from the comfort of your own home.

If you have any top tips for coping while your dog is in season, please share them with fellow pet parents via Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, or X (formerly Twitter)!