Some dogs like to rest and nest, and giving them a safe space away from other pets, small children and distractions will allow her to stay calm and happy. If your dog has been crate trained, this is an excellent safe space for them. Put in lots of comfortable and cosy bedding, and let them make a little nest for themselves. If they aren’t used to or have never used a crate, they will likely find their nesting spot. Dog season pants As your dog comes into season, and certain hormones begin to increase, you may notice her behaving differently. This might include: You can still have fun with your dog at home by playing games, training, and enjoying quality time together. How do I know when my dog has finished her season?

It can also reduce the risk of certain cancers and eliminate pyometra , a potentially fatalwomb infection. Dogs typically have two heat cycles a year or go into season every six to seven months. However, this can vary between breeds and dog sizes. For example, some smaller breeds can have three cycles a year, whereas giant breeds may only have one every 12 to 24 months. If you need more advice about your dog's first season, neutering or any other aspect of their welfare, have a chat with your vet.It usually lasts around two to four weeks, and the dog may show behavioural and physical changes due to hormone fluctuations. If your dog isn't putting on weight and won’t come into season then speak with your vet immediately. It usually lasts around two to three weeks. Your dog might not show signs that she is in season this whole time. However, she can become pregnant any time during a season and for a few days afterwards. How often do dogs come into season? Unless you’re planning on letting your dog have puppies, the best thing you can do to keep them calm and safe is to limit their access to male dogs, especially those that haven't been neutered.

Understanding your breed will help you understand their needs and what to expect when it comes to their heat cycle. How long do dogs bleed in heat? The dog heat cycle is known as the estrus cycle, where your dog is most receptive to mating. This cycle can last anywhere between two and four weeks, and most dogs will have a heat cycle on average every six to seven months. Your dog will show certain signs of coming into season. It should be noted that not all dogs will show all symptoms, but some of the most common signs are: Swollen genitals This bleeding will continue for around 7 - 10 days, half the entire season. While most dogs will bleed, larger breeds will bleed more, and some dogs may hardly bleed. You may not notice any bleeding, depending on how clean your dog is.

Different breeds and sizes of dogs will have their first season at different times. Most smaller breeds will generally have their first season at around five to six months, although this will be different for each dog. Larger breeds may not go into heat until a year or older and can be as late as 2.5 years. A dog's heat cycle usually lasts for about two to four weeks. Your dog can get pregnant during this time, but she'll be especially likely to get pregnant around nine to ten days into the cycle. That's when it's really important to keep her away from male dogs that haven't been neutered, unless you want her to attract lots of attention at the park.

No, a dog has to be in heat to get pregnant, but it’s important to be aware that not every heat is obvious. If you suspect your dog could be in heat, or it’s roughly the time that she should be, take precautions to stop her getting pregnant or consider neutering her to prevent an unexpected or unwanted litter. How swollen is too swollen for a dog in heat? Going out of her way to look for potential mates. When in season, and especially as she becomes more fertile, she may be less inclined to return to you when called Diestrus: During this stage, your dog will no longer be fertile, but she will still be producing progesterone to help if she’s pregnant. During this time, her vulva will become less swollen and she will show less interest in mating and in males. If she’s not pregnant, high levels of progesterone can cause phantom pregnancies. Dogs may have some slight behavioural changes during their season, but typically these will return to normal once the heat cycle is finished. Can a female dog not come into heat? If you have to clean your dog’s vulva for her, then the best thing to use is a clean cloth and fresh water, or specially formulated wipes for dogs and animals. These should be antibacterial and unscented. To wash your dog:Late-night walks can be great too. Since you'll have your dog on a leash, you can go out late for a "sniffari," which lets her stay close to you and burn off some energy by sniffing around. Hide her scent Proestrus: A dog’s oestrogen levels start to rise in preparation for her to release her ova (eggs). Her vulva may swell and she may produce a bloody discharge. Although male dogs may begin to take an interest in her, she may not be keen to mate, and may not be happy about dogs sniffing around her. This stage usually lasts for around nine days, but varies from dog to dog. Your dog's vulva, or the visible part of their genitals, is just below the dog's bum. It'll become large, red and swollen during their season, which can alarm new dog owners but is an entirely normal part of their heat cycle. This is where the heat cycle begins to come to an end. Her genitals will start to return to their normal size, her behaviour will begin to return to normal, and she will show less interest in male dogs.

When dogs have their first season will depend on their breed, but the average is around six months old. Some smaller breeds can start earlier than larger breeds, and some larger breeds won't start until later (around 18 months old). Dogs in heat can use their urine to alert male dogs in the area they're ready to mate. Increased urination could be a sign your dog is coming into season. Flirtatious behaviourThey could also be malnourished because they can’t absorb the nutrients in the dog food. There can be numerous reasons for your dog not to be able to absorb nutrients, with some of the most common being: If your dog is malnourished, speaking with your vet will help you to understand their dietary needs and find a solution with a specialised diet. A dog's season, also known as being in heat or in oestrus, is the time during your dog's reproductive cycle when she's fertile and able to get pregnant. When in season, your dog may experience physical and behavioural changes because of the hormone changes and stress she’s feeling. You may find your dog is more needy than usual. Spend time with them, calm and comfort them and give them the attention they need. Your dog won't have experienced anything like this before if it's her first season, and she'll look to you to provide comfort and support.