7 Signs Your Dog Is In Heat

A dog going through a heat cycle will experience different symptoms in each of the four phases. Having an unspayed dog in heat can be a challenge. Knowing what to expect can help :max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/signs-your-dog-is-in-heat-3385379-final-ee6aced3a7d04eea929df5aff5b4c74d. jpg) The age of a dog's first heat cycle varies greatly between breeds. Toy breeds can come into heat for the first time as young as four months.

Large and giant breeds can be as old as six and 15 months old. Proestrus is the start of the heat period. This is when your dog's body is preparing to mate. Signs seen during this phase include swelling of the vulva, blood-tinged discharge, excessive rubbing of the genital area, and aggression towards male dogs. Your dog may also hold her tail close to her body. Dogs have an average of two heat cycles per year. They are roughly six months apart. Some females will have irregular cycles, especially if they are very young or very old. Giant breeds cycle once every 12 months. Never let your dog out in the yard alone when it's in heat. Do not mistake a male dog's drive to find a female who is breeding pheromones. If you have no plans to breed your dog, wait until after her heat cycle. Dogs are in heat for a week-and-a-half to two weeks. Sometimes longer. Talk about health concerns with your doctor before deciding what age is appropriate to spay your dog. The best way to keep your house clean is to put your dog in a heat diaper. . .