How do I Know if my Puppy is in Heat? What Owners Need to Know

Are you waiting for your beautiful babies to create their next litter of gorgeous little puppies? Or trying to keep your female dog away from the male pups so she doesn’t fall pregnant? Either way, you’re going to need to have a solid idea of when your puppy is on heat so you can take precautions or make preparations. 

But how do I know if my puppy is in heat? Are there signs that indicate she could be fertile? There certainly are, and you’ll find each of these signs and stages of heat outlined in this post. Are you ready to find out all the ins and outs of your puppy being one heat? Keep reading!

How do I know if my puppy is in heat? 9 Signs

There are definitive signs that your puppy is in heat, you just need to know what to look out for. You should keep an eye on your young pup as she will either need to be protected from her male companion, or put outside with him in order to achieve the desired results. 

1. Swollen Vulva

The most obvious sign you can look for that your pup is in heat is the swelling of the vulva. This is caused by an increase in blood flow to the area and will make her genitalia look larger than normal. The swelling will last the whole duration of her dog heat cycle.

2. Excessive Licking

Another sign that your puppy is in heat is she will lick her genital area more excessively than usual. She’s likely trying to soothe herself as her hormones are all over the place, but this could also be a way of keeping her genitals clean and free from any debris or dirt.

Do note that if your dog is licking its paws, that might be a different issue. 

3. Bleeding

The third sign of a puppy in heat is a bloody discharge from her vulva. It is generally a straw-like color and can be a little inconvenient (especially if your dogs are allowed on the furniture). In cases such as this, it would be better to keep your dog outside during the day and put dog diapers on your pup when she comes inside. 
This way she won’t go ruining any of your furniture or bleeding on the floor. 

4. Receptive to Male Dogs

You may find that your pup is more open to male company when she is on heat. This happens to even the most unfriendly of dogs. She might welcome a play date with a male pup more open-armed than she would have if she weren’t on heat. If you notice a similar type of behavior from your bitch, she may just be on heat.

5. Agitated, Aggressive, or Nervous Behavior

You may notice that your pup is a little more nervous or agitated than usual when she’s in heat. These behavioral changes are likely because of all the changes her body is going through, and she may not know how to deal with them.

If your pup starts exhibiting aggressive or nervous behaviors, it’s best to consult your veterinarian so they can rule out any other potential health issues. It’s also a good idea to keep a close eye on your puppy during this time, as she may be more prone to accidents or getting lost.

6. Loss of Appetite

If you notice that your pup has a change in appetite and is eating less than usual, it could be a sign that she’s in heat. This is because her body is going through so many changes and may not have the same appetite as normal.

If your pup starts to lose interest in her food, it’s important to consult your veterinarian. They would then be able to rule out any other potential health issues. You may also want to try feeding your pup smaller meals more often, as opposed to one large meal.

If you are not feeding your pup quality dog food, this would be a good time to make the switch to good dog food.

7. Panting or Excessive Thirst

You may notice that your puppy is panting more than usual or seems to be excessively thirsty when she’s in heat. This is because her body is working overtime to deal with all the changes it’s going through.

8. Increased Urination or “Spotting” (Light Bleeding from the Vulva) 

Pups tend to urinate more frequently when they’re in heat as their bodies are trying to flush out all the excess hormones. Your puppy may also be “spotting,” which is when she has light bleeding from her vulva.

Either of these symptoms could also mean there is something else wrong, so be sure to consult your vet for further advice. Your pup’s water intake could also be a worry, so keep your eyes peeled and make sure that your pup has access to fresh water at all times.

9. Crouching with Her Tail to the Side When Someone Approaches her from Behind 

You may notice that your pup has a change in tail position when she is in heat. This is because she is trying to make herself more accessible to males.

If you notice your pup doing this, it’s important to consult your veterinarian so they can advise you on what to do next. You should keep your eyes peeled and make sure your pup doesn’t get too close to any males that you don’t want her to mate with.

What are the Four Stages of Canine Heat? 

If you’ve realized that the probability of your pup being on heat is quite high, then it’s important to note at what stage of the dog’s heat cycle she is in. This way, you can monitor progress and know when to stop guarding her (if you don’t want her to have puppies), or can put the nappies away when her heat is done. Smaller breeds tend to go into heat earlier and larger breeds or giant breeds can take up to two years of age to go into heat for the first time.

These are the four stages of your dog’s sexual maturity that will help you monitor her hormonal changes a little more easily. If you pay close attention, you’ll notice or pick up which stage your pup is in through some physical changes.

1. Proestrus

This is the first stage of your pup’s heat cycle and can last anywhere from 9-17 days. And during this time, the first sign is often that your pup’s vulva is swollen and she has a blood-tinged discharge. You may want to purchase some doggy diapers to capture the vaginal bleeding. Your dog’s behavior may change in that she may be more clingy than usual and seem to want attention all the time. However, your furry friend will still reject any male dogs that try to approach her.

2. Estrus

This is the second stage of your pup’s heat cycle and is when she is actually ready to mate. The estrus cycle lasts anywhere from 5-9 days and during this time, her vulva will be even more swollen than before and her bloody vaginal discharge will lessen and be more watery. She will also allow male dogs to approach her and may even exhibit some “flirty” behavior. 

3. Diestrus

This is the third stage of your pup’s heat cycle and is when she is no longer receptive to males. The diestrus stage can last anywhere from 60-90 days and during this time, her vulva will return to normal and her discharge will go back to being bloody. She will also be less clingy with her pet parents than she was in the previous stages. 

4. Anestrus

This is the fourth stage of your pup’s heat cycle and is when she is not in heat at all. It lasts anywhere from 3-5 months and during this time, her vulva will be back to normal size and she will have no discharge. She will also be back to her normal self in terms of behavior.

Spaying Your Dog

If you want to avoid unwanted pregnancies or you want to help regulate your dog’s heat cycles, then you may want to consider spaying her. This is a surgical procedure that involves removing your dog’s ovaries and uterus so that she can no longer go into heat. It’s a relatively safe and simple procedure that is usually performed by a veterinarian.

There are a few things to keep in mind if you decide to spay your dog, such as the fact that she will no longer be able to have puppies and that her behavior may change slightly. However, overall, spaying is a safe and effective way to control her heat cycles. You can also get your dog spayed at a low cost with SpayUSA. 

At What Age Should my Dog be Spayed?

The best time to spay your dog is actually before her first heat cycle. This is because there are many health benefits associated with spaying, such as a reduced risk of mammary cancer and uterine infections. If you do decide to wait, then don’t stress, you can still have your dog spayed after your dog’s first heat cycle.

There are a couple of things to keep in mind if you decide to wait until after your dog’s first heat cycle to spay her, such as the fact that she may be more prone to certain health problems. However, overall, it is still better to have her spayed than not at all.

What Should I do if my Dog is in Heat? 7 Things

If your dog is in heat, there are a few things you can do to make her more comfortable, such as:

1. Providing her With a Clean and Comfortable Place to Rest

You should ensure that your pup has somewhere that they can be alone. This is because they may be feeling anxious and stressed during this time. Providing them with a comfortable bed is essential. 

2. Giving her Extra Attention

During this time, your pup may be feeling insecure and clingy. So, it’s important to give her extra attention and reassurance. This can help to ease her anxiety and make her feel more secure.

3. Keeping her Calm and Comfortable

It’s important to keep your pup calm and comfortable during this time. So, avoid any strenuous activity or situations that may cause her stress.

4. Monitoring her Closely

During this time, it’s important to monitor your pup closely for any signs of distress or discomfort. If you notice anything too unusual, then you should contact your veterinarian immediately.

5. Limit her Exercise

You need to limit your pup’s exercise in order to prevent her from overheating. You can do this by lessening her walking time and keeping her indoors if she wants to play too boisterously. 

6. Keeping her Away from Male Dogs

If you are not planning on breeding with your dog, then it’s important to keep her away from male dogs during this time. This is because they may try to mount her and she could become pregnant. It may be a good idea to keep unspayed female dogs away from dog parks.

7. You Should Also Keep an Eye on her for any Signs of Discomfort

Make sure you keep a watchful eye on your pup for any signs of discomfort. If you have any concerns, then don’t hesitate to contact your veterinarian.

How to Control a Female Dogs Heat

The best ways to control a dog’s heat are to spay them. This will help to regulate their hormones and prevent them from going into heat. If you are not able to do this, then you can try using a dog diaper or belly band. 

This will help to catch any blood or urine that may be released during their heat cycle. You will also want to keep your dog away from other dogs during this time, as they may be attracted and drawn to the scent of her in heat.

Frequently Asked Questions about Puppies in Heat

How Long Will my Puppies First Heat Last?

The length of your puppy’s first heat will depend on a few factors, such as her breed, health, and whether or not she has been spayed. On average, however, most puppies will experience their first heat sometime between 6 and 24 months of age. The cycle itself usually lasts anywhere from 3 to 4 weeks. 
You may also notice that your pup’s cycles become more regular as she gets older. This is because they are influenced by the number of daylight hours, with more daylight hours causing shorter cycles and vice versa.

What can I Give my Dog to Get her out of Heat?

There is no certain way to get a dog out of heat, as it is a natural process that they go through. However, you’ll realize that there are a handful of things that can be done help make the process easier for both you and your dog. First, you will want to spay your dog if possible. This will help to regulate their hormones and prevent them from going into heat. 

How Often Should my Dog Go Into Heat?

The frequency of your dog’s heat cycles will also depend on a few factors, such as her breed, health, and whether or not she has been spayed. On average, most dogs will go into heat every 6 to 8 months. However, some may go into heat as often as every 3 months, while others may only go into heat once a year.
Again, the cycles are also influenced by the number of daylight hours. So, if your dog is experiencing more frequent cycles, it may be due to the season and the number of daylight hours she is exposed to.

How Often Should I Change my Dog’s Diaper While She’s on Heat?

If you are using a diaper or belly band on your dog while she’s in heat, you will want to change it frequently. This is to prevent any urine or blood from soaking through and making your dog uncomfortable. You should aim to change the diaper every few hours, or as needed.

Final Thoughts on How You Know Your Puppy is in Heat 

If you notice any drastic changes in your pup’s behavior or appearance, it’s best to consult your veterinarian. They will advise you on what to do next and rule out any other potential health issues. You may also want to keep an eye on your pup during this time, as she may be more prone to accidents or getting lost.

Now that you have a better idea of what you can expect from your pups while they’re on heat, you can handle the situation a little better when it arises.