Yes, female dogs get a period, and knowing more about your pup’s period — also known as a heat cycle — can help you prepare and take the best care of your dog. This guide will walk you through what you need to know so you can properly care for your dog while they are in heat.
If your dog isn’t spayed, she will go through an estrus cycle — commonly known as “being in heat.” A dog’s heat begins with an increase in estrogen levels, then a sharp decrease in estrogen. Eggs are then released from their ovaries followed by an increase in progesterone. This is when they can get pregnant.
👉 Generally, your dog’s estrus cycle will last about three weeks, but some dogs have shorter heats (two weeks) while others have longer heats (four weeks).
Dogs will start experiencing estrus cycles once they reach sexual maturity — typically around six months old, though large dog breeds could take up to two years to get their first heat.
Once your dog reaches puberty and begins having estrus cycles, they’ll typically go into heat every six months. But just like with human menstrual cycles, it can take a while for your dog to develop a regular cycle.
The overall cycle is called the estrous cycle. There are four stages:
The first stage in the cycle is the proestrus cycle, which lasts anywhere from 3-17 days — while nine days is the average. You may notice a swollen vulva and light, bloody vaginal discharge that gets heavier as the days go on. During this time, your pup may become more affectionate, clingy, grumpy, and avoidant of male dogs.
The estrus stage is the period people call your dog’s heat. This is when your dog goes through ovulation, which means she’ll become fertile and can get pregnant. Like proestrus, this can last anywhere from 3-21 days, with nine days being the average. Pet owners may notice that their dog is more willing to accept male company. Additionally, you should see lightened discharge and the swelling of their vulva subside.
The third stage is called diestrus, which is when the fertile period of the cycle comes to an end. If your dog got pregnant during her heat, this stage will last for the duration of her pregnancy until she gives birth to her puppies (typically about 60 days). Whether or not your dog got pregnant, you’ll likely notice a return to her typical behavior, and most swelling will have gone down.
Finally, you have the anestrus stage. It’s the longest stage in the cycle, known as the “resting stage.” Generally, this will last anywhere from 100 to 150 days before the cycle starts over with proestrus.
You may not be able to detect the pheromones that your dog gives off when they’re about to go into heat, but you may notice other changes like:
If you’re unsure if your dog is in heat, you can always go to the vet and get a canine vaginal cytology — which is similar to a human pap smear.
If your dog is in heat, here are a few things to keep in mind:
While in proestrus and estrus, your dog may need to go out more regularly to urinate. But when you are outside, keep a close eye on her and the environment. Some female dogs will run away and hide around other dogs or even become more aggressive. Make sure to walk your dog on a leash or keeping them in a secure area. Because of pheromones, your dog may attract male dogs.
👉 Every dog is different! Some dogs may need more exercise while in heat to combat anxious energy, but others may feel lethargic and need less exercise than usual.
While dogs tend to clean themselves during their heat cycle, your dog may need some extra cleanup.
Dog owners should have a designated blanket around the house for sleeping, curling up on the couch for snuggles, and more. That way, at the end of their heat, you only have one blanket that needs heavy cleaning.
Additionally, make sure you have some cleaning supplies around. Disposable wipes work for furniture and hard floors, but you’ll want to have a stain remover for carpets.
Being in heat can be a vulnerable time for your pup. It’s important to pay attention to her behavioral cues and do what you can to keep her comfortable. That may mean finding a spot in the house for her, away from other pets and distractions. (One way to do this is to use a pet gate.)
Also, ensure she doesn’t escape your home or backyard during her heat cycle as they may seek out a male dog to breed with.
Something else to consider is doggie diapers, especially for primarily inside dogs. Having your dog wear a diaper during bleeding and discharge stages could help prevent a mess around the house. Plus, there are various types of doggie diapers to choose from.
While dogs technically have a “period” they don’t experience menopause the way humans do. Due to the differences in our reproductive systems, dogs can continuously go into heat and become pregnant even in their senior years. But, you may notice your dog’s heat cycles becoming less frequent or shorter, which is normal as dogs age. If you notice that your dog has completely stopped her cycle, consult with a vet as this could be due to an underlying cause.
Despite the fact that dogs can get pregnant at almost any age, it doesn’t mean they should. Young puppies or old dogs shouldn’t get pregnant for the health of both the mother and puppies.
If you don’t plan onbreeding your dog, spaying can be a great option for her health. Spaying can help prevent uterine infections and reduce the risk of breast cancer. Plus, spaying removes heat cycles, which can be uncomfortable for your dog and generally reduces mating behaviors that can be frustrating or even lead to dangerous situations.
But, as with any procedure, not all dogs will benefit from it at the same age. For example, research (Trusted Source) from the University of California–Davis shows that for some dog breeds, spaying at the wrong time could be associated with certain health risks like dysplasia or cancer.
So, when should you spay? Generally speaking, smaller breeds mature faster, so they can be spayed from around 6-9 months whereas larger breeds don’t reach sexual maturity until ages 16-18 months.
Typically, we recommend spaying smaller dogs at around six months old, medium to large size dogs at around 12 months old, and giant breeds (like Great Danes) at around 18 months old. There can be other factors that affect this, however, such as other dogs in the household.
Dr. Jennifer Schott
Ultimately, deciding whether or not to spay and how to handle your dog’s heat is best discussed with your vet. A veterinarian can help formulate a plan specific to your pup and lifestyle to ensure a seamless and safe cycle.
If there hasn’t been any vaginal trauma, the likely answer is that your dog has entered the estrus cycle — also known as her period. If your dog has been spayed, but you’re still not noticing blood from her vulva, consult with your vet.
Spaying removes the organs responsible for a dog’s heat cycle. Your dog shouldn’t bleed vaginally at all after being spayed.
The bulk of the heat cycle — often referred to as the estrus phase — takes anywhere from 3-21 days.
If your female dog is in heat, don’t let her outside alone and without supervision. When dogs are in heat they have a primal urge to seek out a mate and as such, may go to great lengths to escape. Also, watch her around male dogs during this time, especially the ones she will be near.
You can use doggie diapers to help prevent blood throughout your home. They come in reusable or disposable forms with multiple sizes to fit every dog.
