Typically, a dog period lasts 2-4 weeks, but the duration can vary from dog to dog. A dog's “period” is also known as the estrous cycle, and you may hear people refer to this as a dog “being in heat.” These terms are all interchangeable, so the information in this article applies to all these terms.
How long does a dog in heat bleed? Dogs in heat tend to bleed for approximately a week to 10 days. Some dogs bleed very heavily and others so lightly that it's barely noticeable.
Most dogs come into heat twice per year, 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 per year.
The cycle often happens twice per year. The American Kennel Club (AKC) writes that some smaller breeds can go into heat up to four times per year, and extra-large dogs, such as St. Bernards or Great Danes, may only experience it every eighteen months.
Some female dogs experience heavy vaginal bleeding during estrus, while other dogs have minimal bleeding. If you are concerned about your dog, consult your veterinarian. "...the most obvious recognizable sign is vaginal bleeding."
The dog estrous cycle is made up of four stages. These are the proestrus, estrus, diestrus, and anestrus. The proestrus is the most obvious stage, while the other stages are more subtle.
Female dogs do not have periods every month. While it is true that female dogs will bleed when they come into season, this only occurs once every six to eight months. In between seasons, female dogs do not experience any bleeding or discharge.
The typical heat cycle will last between two and four weeks. Your dog or puppy will be fertile during this entire time but there is a small period, 9-10 days into the cycle, where they are especially fertile.
Never scold your pup if she happens to make a bloody mess, just calmly reassure her while you clean it up. Make sure she's eating well and drinking plenty of water. Provide extra potty breaks, as there is a lot going on down there and she may feel the urge to relieve herself more often.
Your dog will only bleed for around half of the total cycle, usually 7 to 10 days. Generally, bigger dogs bleed more than smaller dogs, but it varies between dogs. Some dogs bleed very little.
As her cycle progresses, the texture and color of the flow changes to more of a straw-color. It is this discharge that produces a unique smell that is quite appealing to male dogs. The discharge and the accompanying smell is nature's way of alerting male dogs to the fact that a female is fertile.
Q: Should I let my dog have a heat before I spay her? A: Medically, it's better to spay your dog before their first heat. It greatly reduces the risk of mammary tumors. People who wait to spay their dogs until after their second heat greatly increase the risk of mammary tumors in their pets.
Behavior & Pain While In Heat
Much like humans, female dogs experience cramps and hormonal changes when their bodies are preparing to mate. Also, like humans, this can be uncomfortable and can make them feel irritable and emotional. Be sure to consider your dog's feelings and needs during this time.
The proestrus stage is the first stage of a heat cycle and it lasts approximately 9-10 days, during this time she will normally be bleeding.
While most vets prefer to perform the surgery while your dog is not in heat, they can do so even when she is. The procedure involves the complete removal of her ovaries (and commonly, the uterus) to ensure that she can no longer become pregnant.
A dog in heat can bleed for around seven to 10 days. During this first stage of the reproductive cycle, the female will not accept a male.
Look for the signs of the estrus cycle starting around 6 months of age. Starting when your female puppy is between six months and one year old, she'll begin her reproductive cycle, or “go into heat.” During this 3- to 4-week period, she's ready to mate and looking for dates.
Full Maturity (1-2 Years)
After adolescence, your pup will become a dog. They will stop growing bigger, though they can still gain muscle over time.
The diestrus stage occurs right after the proestrus and estrus or “in heat” stages of your dog's cycle. If not pregnant her vulvar swelling will decrease and discharge disappear. If she has been mated, then during this time she may develop into pregnancy. The dog is getting ready for their next cycle.
Female dogs do experience cramps when they are in heat. In the same way that women get period cramps during their cycle, dogs may experience something similar during their heat cycle. This can cause a lot more than just a little discomfort.
A: A dog is said to be in heat when they are in the proestrus and estrus stages of their reproductive cycle. During proestrus and estrus a dog will have bloody discharge from the vulva, and during estrus, a dog can get pregnant.
Some signs of a female dog going into heat may include lower energy levels, more aggressive behavior, differences in leg-raising while urinating, urinating more often than usual, and even running away from home. This is unlike male dogs, who do not experience heat cycles.