What to do when your dog is in heat

A dog’s first heat cycle - or season - is not a fun time for you, or your pooch. It’s messy, lengthy, and not all that comfortable for your pup but, unless you get your dog spayed, it's a normal and natural part of their lives.

In this guide, we take a closer look at what happens when dogs come into season, key signs to look out for, and advice for how to keep your canine companion comfortable during this time.

Featured in this article: 

1. What does it mean when a dog is in season?
2. How often do dogs go into heat?
3. Understanding the phases of a dog’s heat cycle
4. Signs a dog is coming into season
5. Care tips for dogs in heat
6. Clean up hacks for dogs in heat

What does it mean when a dog is in season?

When a female dog is in season, it means she’s going through the fertile phase of her reproductive cycle. This is when her body prepares for the possibility of pregnancy, and it usually begins when your pooch is between 6-12 months old.

How often do dogs go into heat?

Most female dogs come into heat every six months, but this can depend on their breed and size. Some dogs have longer or shorter seasons, and it can take time for them to develop regular heat cycles before it becomes easier for you to keep track of when their season will arrive.

Understanding the phases of a dog’s heat cycle

• A dog’s heat cycle is made up of four key stages. These are:
• Proestrus - swelling of the vulva followed by light to heavy bleeding
• Estrus - when the dog is fertile and willing to accept male company
• Diestrus - the dog is no longer fertile and might start feeling more like themselves again
• Anestrus - the resting stage that lasts 100-150 days before the entire heat cycle starts again

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.

Can dogs get pregnant at any point during heat?

Usually, dogs will normally only get pregnant during the estrus phase of their heat cycle. This is when ovulation happens and your dog is most fertile.

However, because sperm can survive for several days in a female dog’s reproductive tract, your dog could still conceive if she mates before or after her peak fertile days. If you're not planning to breed, the safest approach is to keep her away from unneutered males for the entire two-to-three-week cycle.

It’s important to note that even though female dogs as young as 6 months old can get pregnant (even during their first season), it’s always best to wait until her second heat cycle to allow the eggs time to fully mature. This increases the chances of a safe and successful pregnancy.

Signs a dog is coming into season

While some dogs may not show any obvious signs of being in heat, changing hormone levels can cause a few different physical symptoms and behavioural changes.

These can include:

• A large, red, swollen vulva
• Bleeding* or pink discharge from the vulva
• Excessive grooming and licking of genitals
• Urinating more than usual
• Overfriendliness with other dogs
• Lifting or flagging their tail around male dogs
• Roaming or eager to get outside
• Humping objects or attempting to mount other dogs
• Moving their tail when touched
• Gathering toys in their sleeping area (nesting)
• Becoming anxious, clingy, or restless
• Being overly tired, irritable, and less tolerant of dogs

*Bleeding is commonly mistaken for menstruation in dogs, but it’s a completely different process that signifies the beginning of their fertile window - it is not similar to menstruation in humans. 

Changes in behaviour before, during, and after heat

Before your dog starts their heat cycle, you might notice that they seem on edge by pacing or panting more than they usually would. Some dogs can become less energetic as they go into heat and possibly start showing less of an interest in things they might usually have wanted to do.

When your dog is coming into season, 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) and as your dog moves into estrus (the second phase), you'll see her flirt (watch what she does with her tail) with males.

As all dogs react differently to the changes happening to their bodies, it’s difficult to know how your pooch might act until they experience their very first heat. Once you know how your dog is likely to behave during their heat cycle, you can care for them in ways that will make the experience easier for you, your dog and others around them.

How do I know when my dog’s heat is over?

Sometimes, the end of your dog’s heat cycle isn’t always immediately clear, but typically, bleeding will stop, swelling reduces, and your pet’s behaviour should gradually return to normal. This usually takes around 21 days, but fertility can linger for a few extra days, so it’s important to remain cautious for the whole duration of their season.

Care tips for dogs in heat

During heat, your dog will be feeling hormonal and possibly a bit confused, so it’s important to keep her comfortable and distracted. Whether you’re looking for tips on what to do when your dog is in heat for the first time, or need some simple strategies to comfort and support her, we’ve got you covered:  

Change to their walks

Try and schedule your walks during less busy times of the day and find quiet areas to help avoid unwanted attention from potential suitors. Keep your dog on a lead to stop her running away from you as she tries to find a mate. Some local areas offer fenced fields that can be booked so your dog won’t be bothered by other canine friends on their walk.

Avoid stressful events

While your dog is on heat, try and avoid any stressful events or big changes such as staying in kennels, visits to busy places or moving to a new house.

Spend some time together

One of the best ways to comfort your dog when in heat is to give her some TLC. Keeping her entertained by playing games, giving her things to do in the house (such as a treat-filled toy), and taking her on walks can help keep your dog calm and distracted as her body changes.

Don’t get angry

Never scold your dog if she happens to make a bloody mess, as this can make her feel worse than she already does. Just try to calmly reassure her while you clean it up and provide some cuddles afterwards if you can!

Keep your pets apart

If you own a male dog who’s not been neutered, you’ll need to keep them apart while your female dog is in season or else you could end up with a pregnant pooch. Place both dogs in separate rooms as far from each other as you can manage in your home, keep these doors shut and try not to let them out at the same time to help avoid any unplanned pregnancies.

Clean up hacks for dogs in heat

One of the common 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

If you’re looking to prevent potential stains 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.

These won’t work for all dogs so instead you may want to limit your dog’s access to carpeted areas, sofas and bedding or lay down some towels if these can’t be avoided or they won’t tolerate having to wear something throughout the day.

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, you should use stain removers to help remove any signs of their heat.

Final notes

While a dog’s heat cycle is not an illness, discussing the process with your vet may help you prepare for any unexpected challenges that might occur during this time.

If you have any top tips for coping while your dog is in season, please share them with us on our Facebook, or Instagram page to help other pet parents just like you!

Related Resourcs

Guide to Neutering and Spaying your Dog
Guide to Dog Pregnancy