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Sep 18, 2015 · The heat cycle of a female dog has four stages: proestrus, estrus, diestrus, and anestrus. Signs that a female dog is in heat include bloody discharges, a swollen vulva, tail flagging, male interest, and mood changes.
May 22, 2024 · Learn about the early signs that your dog is giving about entering her heat cycle and when is the best time to get her a mate.
The reproductive cycle in female dogs has 4 phases. Female dogs that have not been spayed (bitches) typically have 2 estrus or “heat” periods per year (about 6 months apart), each lasting about 2 to 3 weeks. In some dogs, the intervals between estrus are much longer.
Most dogs will have two heats per year or an average of every 5-11 months. Some breed exceptions occur, such as the Basenji and Tibetan Mastiff, which typically only cycle once yearly. The most notable sign of a dog’s heat cycle is bloody vaginal discharge, usually lasting between 14 and 21 days.
For many dogs, the first heat is 'silent' or does not have clinical signs associated with estrus. Additionally, many dogs' first estrus cycle is unlikely to allow successful breeding, therefore the standard practice is to wait until the second or third heat cycle before breeding.
The timing of a dog’s first heat varies, with size being a major factor. Small dog breeds tend of have their estrus cycle at an earlier age (around 6 months old), while large or giant-breed dogs may not come into heat until later (18–24 months).
Recognizing the signs of a heat cycle and understanding the stages of the female reproductive cycle can help improve breeding management. Importantly, it can help you achieve successful conception and produce healthy litters of puppies.
