How long does a period last for my dog?

Dogs will have their first estrous (reproductive or heat) cycle when they reach puberty. Each cycle consists of several stages; the stage called estrus refers to when the female can become pregnant. Often a dog that is in the estrus stage is said to be in heat or in season.

"A dog that is in the estrus stage is said to be in heat or in season."

On average, puberty (or sexual maturity) is reached at about six months of age, but this can vary by breed. Smaller breeds tend to have their first estrous cycle at an earlier age, while large and giant breeds may not come into heat for the first time until they reach eighteen months to two years of age.

How often does a female dog come into heat?

Most dogs come into heat twice per year, or about every six months, although the interval can vary between breeds and from dog to dog. Small breed dogs may cycle three times per year, while giant breed dogs may only cycle once every 12 months. When young dogs first begin to cycle, it is normal for their cycles to be somewhat irregular. It can take up to two years for a female dog to develop regular cycles. There is no time of year that corresponds to a breeding season for (domesticated) dogs except for Basenjis and Tibetan Mastiffs which typically tend to cycle in the spring.

What are the signs of estrus?

The earliest sign of estrus is swelling or engorgement of the vulva, but this swelling is not always obvious. In many cases, a bloody vaginal discharge is the first sign that a pet owner will notice when their dog comes into heat. In some cases, the discharge will not be apparent until several days after estrus has begun. The amount of discharge varies from dog to dog.

"In many cases a bloody vaginal discharge is the first sign that a pet owner will notice when their dog comes into heat."

The vaginal discharge will change in color and appearance as the cycle progresses. At first, the discharge is very bloody, but as the days pass, it thins to become watery and pinkish-red in color. A female dog that is in heat will often urinate more frequently than normal, or may develop marking behavior, in which she urinates small amounts on various objects either in the home or when out on a walk. During this phase of her cycle, the urine contains pheromones and hormones, both of which signal her reproductive state to other dogs. This is the reason that dogs in heat will attract other dogs, particularly males.

Male dogs can detect a female in heat from a great distance and may begin marking your property with their urine in an attempt to claim their territory.

How long does estrus last?

Estrus is the stage when the dog can become pregnant. Although this can vary with each individual, on average a dog will be in heat for 1 ½  to 2 weeks but this can be shorter or longer.

At what stage of the estrus cycle is the dog able to get pregnant?

The female dog usually ovulates at about the time that the vaginal discharge becomes watery; this marks her most fertile stage and is the time when she will be most receptive to breeding. However, sperm can survive for a week in the reproductive tract and still be capable of fertilizing the eggs, so it is possible for her to get pregnant at any point while she is in estrus. Contrary to popular belief, it is not necessary for the female to tie with the male dog in order to get pregnant (for further information see the handout "Estrus and Mating in Dogs").

How long does pregnancy last in a dog and when can pregnancy be detected?

Pregnancy lasts approximately nine weeks (63 days) in the dog.

How can I prevent my dog from becoming pregnant?

The best way to prevent your dog from becoming pregnant is to have her surgically sterilized (an ovariohysterectomy or spay operation) before she has her first estrous cycle. Since it can be difficult to predict when this first cycle will occur, most veterinarians recommend performing an ovariohysterectomy before the dog is six to seven months of age.

Is there anything I can do if my dog has been mismated, or accidentally mates with another dog?

If this happens, you need to contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. There are mismating injections that can be used within the first one to two days after mating, but there are risks associated with their use. Your veterinarian will discuss your options and any risks associated with them.

Should I let my dog have an estrus cycle or a litter of puppies before spaying her?

There are no valid reasons for letting a dog have a litter of puppies before being spayed. Newer research has shown that some larger dog breeds (Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds) may benefit medically from delaying their spay surgery until after their first heat cycle; however, the overall consensus at this time is that spaying will increase the lifespan of a dog. Dogs can become pregnant on their very first estrous cycle, increasing the chance that an accidental breeding may occur. Dogs are indiscriminate, so a brother may breed with its sister, a father may breed with his daughter, and a son may breed with his mother.

A common myth is that female dogs will become more friendly and sociable if they are allowed to have a litter of puppies. This is not true, and only serves to contribute further to the serious problem of dog overpopulation.

Do dogs have periods? No—at least not like humans do. Dogs do not menstruate and are only receptive to mating when actively in heat. Do dogs go through menopause? No; dogs can become pregnant throughout their entire lives.

There’s no short answer to explain the reproductive cycle of a female dog, especially in comparison to the human menstrual cycle. Here’s a guide to help you better understand dog heat cycles and all the changes that come with them.

When Do Dogs Go Into Heat?

The term “time of the month” in relation to our canine companions is a misnomer. Female dogs do not cycle every month, but usually only once or twice a year. The average is about every seven months.

Just as the duration of a human menstrual cycle varies from person to person, every dog is different, and there can be variations among breeds and even variations from one cycle to another in the same animal. 

Phases of Dog Heat Cycles

A female dog’s reproductive cycle is called an estrous cycle and is broken down into three different phases:

1. Proestrus is the beginning of the heat cycle. It’s characterized by swelling of the vulva and a blood-tinged vaginal discharge. Female dogs will not allow mating to occur in this phase. This phase can last anywhere from a few days to four weeks. On average, it lasts 7-10 days.
2. Estrus is also known as “heat.” This is the time when the female dog will allow mating to occur.  This phase of the cycle lasts anywhere from 3-21 days, with an average length of 9 days.
3. Anestrus is defined as the timeframe when cycling ceases. This phase usually lasts about four to five months.

How Do Male Dogs Know a Female Dog Is in Heat?

When a female dog is in heat, her vaginal and urinary secretions will contain different pheromones than when she is not in heat. Male dogs’ keen sense of smell can detect these pheromones.

What Happens When a Dog Goes Into Heat? How Can You Tell Your Dog Is in Heat?

Dog pheromones are undetectable to humans, but there are several other reliable ways to tell if your dog’s in heat, including:

• Physical changes: You may notice continued swelling of the vulva, cessation of the bloody discharge, or even a change in the color (usually straw-like). Your dog may also arch her back when pressure is applied to her lower back, and you may notice her moving her tail sideways.
• Behavioral changes: Courtship-like behavior is often initiated by the female dog and may include releasing pheromones, vocalization, postural changes, increased physical activity, urinating in the presence of a male dog, or allowing male interest (e.g., sniffing or licking the vulva).
• Diagnostic testing: Vaginal cytology (similar to a pap smear) is a low-cost, relatively quick and valuable monitoring tool that can be performed on an outpatient basis with the veterinarian.

When in doubt, consult your veterinarian.

At What Age Do Dogs Go Into Heat?

The first time you may notice that your dog has come into heat may be as soon as 6 months of age or as late as 24 months of age. Even though dogs can become pregnant during this timeframe, it’s generally not advisable, as they are still not fully mature.

Do Dogs Go Through Menopause?

In short, dogs do not go through menopause. Because their reproductive cycles are different than in humans, dogs can continue to go into heat and subsequently become pregnant throughout their lives. 

You may notice, however, that your dog’s cycle may occur less often, or the duration seems longer from one heat to the next. That’s normal in dogs as they age; however, dogs that have ceased having cycles altogether should be examined by a veterinarian, as this can signal an underlying health condition or metabolic disease process.

But just because dogs can get pregnant as seniors doesn’t mean they should. Litters tend to be smaller, there may be more puppy deaths, and labor may be more difficult if carried to term. Moreover, females that get pregnant after 8 years of age are more at risk of developing pyometra, which is a life-threatening disease.

Having Dogs Spayed Is the Most Reliable Form of Dog Birth Control

Preventing your dog from getting pregnant is not as easy as it sounds. Don’t underestimate the determination of your dog—or someone else’s—to reproduce. Extra vigilance is needed; trust me, just because you have a fenced-in yard, that doesn’t mean anything!

Having dogs spayed, which involves removing the ovaries and/or uterus, is the most common and effective method for preventing unwanted dog pregnancies and reducing pet overpopulation. Sterilization is permanent and cannot be reversed.

From dog diapers to body wraps, there are multiple at-home, nonpermanent ways to prevent pregnancy. Do not frequent dog parks or other dog-populated areas while your dog is in heat.  Additionally, if you choose to use a dog diaper, keep in mind it should be leakproof, absorbent, comfortable, and most importantly, secure. It should also be changed frequently.

Featured Image: iStock.com/Capuski