LoveToKnow Dogs:AllComments

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Hi Abby,

This is a difficult situation for sure. If you're concerned about the neighbors, you might want to take the initiative to explain what's going on so they don't get the wrong impression about the noise. Perhaps you can confine your female indoors so the males can no longer smell her scent. That would help them settle down and stop barking and howling. In future, you may also want to consider having your female spayed so you won't have to go through this again.

Thanks for sharing your situation, and I hope this advice helps.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

I have an 8 month old female Basset Hound half breed, she is currently in heat and it's driving my other 2 male dogs crazy! I locked up my girl at the back and put chicken wire on the gate so that my half-breed male chowchow can't reach her. The 2 males fight for her and i had to resort to tying them both up away from each other. I'm concerned that the neighbors would complain about all the howling and barking that they do. Do you have anymore useful advice for me?

-- Contributed by: Abby

Hi Maria,

No, I wouldn't say that was normal. I think it would be worth it to take your dog to the vet right away to determine what's going on. I'm only speculating, but your male may have tied her and she managed to pull away. This could result in an internal injury. You should also check your male to make sure he doesn't have an injury.

Thanks for sharing your situation, and I hope everything will be alright.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

hi i am a bit worried about my black lab she is 4 years old and in heat..i went to check on her and found a large amount of blood everywhere and not to grouse anyone out but my floors looked like a murder seen ,there where even chunks. .i also have a male dog. she is still untouched by the male dog but is it possible that he got her or is it normal?

-- Contributed by: maria

Hi Rachel,

I'm glad you found us. It would be unusual for your female to have another heat cycle just three months later, but it's really the foul odor she's emitting that concerns me the most. I think it's important that you take your dog to the vet right away for an exam. The vet will want to check her uterus and check her white cell count for signs of infection. Please let us know what you find out.

Best wishes for your dog's health.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Our 2 year old, female lab is acting strangely and we are not for sure if this is a symptom of being in heat or not... she is constantly 'humping' (sorry, I don't even like that word) like our former male dogs would do. Her private areas are a little enlarged as well as her breast and she did have her cycle about 3 months ago. She is also emitting a foul odor. Help is very much needed.

-- Contributed by: Rachel

Hi Al,

Most males react this way when a new female is introduced into their home. However, at seven months old, this young female could be about to come into heat for the first time. It would be wise to call whoever you got her from to ask if she was recently in heat. If she was, she may still emit the scent for a little longer.

We have a good article that should help you identify when she does begin coming into heat. Check out Dog Heat Symptoms.

Thanks for your question, and best wishes for a long and happy life with your new pet. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hey, I just bought a 7 month old bassett female, My male bassett will not leave her alone, he is constantly licking her bottom, face ears and when she walks away from him, he will bite at her hinde legs (not hard) to get her to stop. He will stand on his back legs and act like he wants to mate with her but he doesnt actually "do the motions". Do you think that she maybe coming into season or is he just happy to have another dog to be with.

-- Contributed by: AL

Hi Sarah,

The heat cycle lasts about three weeks altogether. We have a great article on the topic that describes it in fuller detail. Check out Dog Heat Symptoms.

Thanks for your question. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

my dog just went into heat befor her vet apt to fix her. how long does this last?

-- Contributed by: sarah

Hi Shyanne,

A female will have her second cycle approximately six months to one year after the first cycle. This will establish whether she'll routinely come into heat twice a year or once a year.

We have a great article with more info on this topic. Check out Dog Heat Symptoms. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

when do you think dogs go into their second heat cycle after they have had their first hear cycle

-- Contributed by: shyanne ladner

Hi Kbad,

I recommend you purchase a plastic travel crate to house your female while you can't be there to watch her. This should keep her safe from the young male's advances. At five months old, it is possible that he is fertile now. He is also old enough to have neutered, so you may want to seriously consider that option. You could take him to the vet this week, and that way you wouldn't need to keep your female confined.

Whatever you decide to do, best wishes that everything turns out alright.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hi we have a five year old poodle who just went into heat yesterday. The problem is we also have a 5 month old bull mastif/wolf/pittbull cross puppie who is already trying to hump her. What if she gets pregnant?? Would she die trying to birth them as they are so much larger of dogs. We are at work after today not sure what we can do to keep them apart.

-- Contributed by: Help!!

Hello,

Yes, this could definitely be a sign your dog is coming into heat. We have a great article on this topic that I think will really help you. Check out Dog Heat Cycle and Breeding, and don't hesitate to ask more questions. We also have a Breeders Corner on our Dogs Forum where you can get even more advice. Come visit us. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

my female is swelled up on her vaginal is that a sign of heat this is her second heat i do not know if my male knows what to do he sniffs at it and licks but i do not know if he will mate with her damion thanx

-- Contributed by: breeding my male with my female

Hi Lynn,

The average heat cycle is about 21 days long, but it varies a little. We have a great article on this topic. Check out Dog Heat Cycle and Breeding.

Thanks for your question. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

I was wondering how long most dogs are in heat? My doberman has been in heat for a week & I have made her stay outside but I miss having her in the house at night with me.

-- Contributed by: Lynn

Hi Tracy, and welcome to the site.

It's usually advisable not to breed your dog in the same cycle after receiving the abortion shot. That's because it isn't always effective, so there's a possibility you could wind up with pups from both studs. This is going to be one of those wait and see situations, but I hope it works out for you. Keep us posted.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

My female lab escaped and got tied up with our next door's neighbors dog so I took her to the vet while she was still in heat and the vet gave her a shot that should have ended the pregnancy and told me to keep her in her kennel for seven days. I did this and then I put my male lab in there with her and she is starting to look pregnant. My male lab is still very interested and I'm not sure if they have actually done their deed. My question is could this pregnancy still be a mixture of different breeds or just my male lab?

-- Contributed by: Tracy Krech

Hi Lora,

If you don't want a litter, it's usually best to keep a male and female separated as soon as you realize the female is in season. Some females will allow a breeding as early as seven days into the heat cycle. Given the situation, it may be better for your sister to board her male separately.

Thanks for your question, and have a great vacation. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hello, our family is getting ready to go on vacation and my sister is going to bring her male pom over to my house to be watched. Well I just noticed that my female pom is licking herself alot and looks a little swollen. How long before she will except a male? Should we not take a chance on keeping them together?

-- Contributed by: Lora

Hi Ken,

It sounds like this cycle is a little different than what you usually experience with this dog. We have a great article called Dog Heat Cycle and Breeding that contains a lot of info on this topic.

My advice at this point is to bring the dogs together to gauge your female's readiness and see if they can complete a breeding. Try this once or twice a day, keeping the dogs separated in between to create a little anticipation. Hopefully this will result in a successful mating.

Good luck, and keep us posted. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Our 4 year old female chocolate lab started bleeding last 16 days ago. She is still showing a small amount of blood. This dog never started her heat cycle until she was 18 months old. She normally comes into heat every 8-10 months rather then the normal six. She has been bred one time and had nine puppies nine months ago. We would like to breed her again this cycle. The last time she was bred, we bred her on about the tenth day of her cycle and she showed interest in the male dog and allowed him to breed and she conceived. She is now on the 16th day of her cycle and is not showing any interest in the male dog (same dog as last time) but the male dog is obviously showing interest in her. My question is, how long can a bleeding cycle last and when should our female dog show interest and allow the male dog to breed?

-- Contributed by: Ken

Hi David,

It's difficult to say whether this is the beginning of a heat cycle or if your puppy has a urinary tract infection. I think it's more likely a urinary tract infection since most females don't have their first heat cycle before six months of age. All things considered, it would be a good idea to give your vet a call and discuss what you've observed. The vet may want you to bring her in for an exam. An antibiotic is usually required to handle this type of infection.

Thanks for your question, and I hope all will be well. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

My dog has gone really quiet since after her second heat and i don't know whether it natural for whether she is having a phantom pregnancy.

-- Contributed by: Kelly McCubbin

I think my puppy is in heat but I am not sure. She is 4 months 3 weeks old and this morning she peed in the house which she hasn't done in months. When I took her on her morning walk I noticed that she was trying to pee and couldn't and then peed what looked like blood droplets, but then she pooped normal. For the remainder of the day she has peed uncontrollably, it is starting to smell funny, and is kind of bloody but not always. Because of the holiday I cant get her an appointment at the vet until mid next week, should I be concerned that it is something other than being in heat and bring her to the emergency vet?

-- Contributed by: David

Hi Asha,and welcome.

Although dogs will have heat cycles throughout the entire course of their lives, the spacing between those cycles often grows longer as a female ages. She may also have lighter seasons than before so they can be harder to detect. So, I'd still assume she's having cycles, but it will be difficult to realize when they are happening. Although your dog could still deliver a litter at six years old and perhaps even older, the uterus does lose some elasticity with age, and this can add complications during and after the delivery. It's better to avoid it, but some dogs come through these pregnancies just fine.

Thanks for your question. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

I have a 6yr old female pitbull. She is in great condition and gets alot of exercise but she no longer shows signs of being in heat. Is it possible that she still goes into heat just without anymore signs and if so if she gets pregnant how risky will it be for her ?

-- Contributed by: Asha

Hi Sassy,

It might help if you took a look through the Terrier articles in our Dog Breeds category. There are a good number of photos there, and perhaps you can piece together your dog's heritage a bit. We also have an article on Dog DNA Tests, and you may find that another option.

As for your dog's age, vets usually try to assess that by the condition of the teeth. A gray, faded muzzle is sometimes a sign of old age unless the dog naturally has gray fur.

Hope this info helps. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hi Kelly, Thanks for your help, as for Bella she adopted us about 8months ago.She was a forclosure dog that just wondered in our garage and never left.I've always had male dogs.About 3to4 days before her mateing she was bleeding, then of course she was in heat.I don't know what kind of breed she is,to me she looks like a Minature Norwhich Terrier, with ruff hair,black,white,tan and some grey,small face pointy ears wants all the attention,before getting pregnant she weight about 15 to 20 pounds.What kind of dog you think she may be,the vet doesn't even know what she is.HELP!and how can you determine the age on this dog.

Thanks for all your help Sassy :)

-- Contributed by: Sassy

Hi Sassy, and welcome to the site.

The number of pups will depend on how many eggs your female released during ovulation, and whether the breedings took place before or after ovulation had begun. If you know how many pups were in the litter Bella came from, that might give you a better idea of how many to expect.

As for the due date of the litter, I can't give you an exact date, but your dog should likely deliver between May 27-29.

Since you're new to breeding, I think you'll find the follow articles very helpful. Check out:

Once you read these, don't hesitate to come back with more questions. We also have a dog forum where you can post and ask questions. Feel free to come participate. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hello, My dog Bella started mating 3/26/-3/28 what is the exact date do you think her pups might arrive and how many she's a small dog and he's the a little smaller than a ...er spaniel. Do we need to help her when she delivers? I'm new to this

Thanks

-- Contributed by: sassy

Hi Karla,

The increased blood flow in the uterus during a heat cycle can lead to excessive bleeding during surgery. For this reason, most vets prefer to spay a female either before the heat cycle of after it has finished. You can discuss the situation with your vet, but it may be safer to wait until the cycle has ended.

Thanks for your question. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Is it bad to get my 8 month old chiweenie neutared after she has already started to be in heat

-- Contributed by: Karla

Hi Marko,

The average canine pregnancy lasts about 63 days, give or take a couple days. You'll find a lot of useful information in our article on Canine Gestation.

Thanks for your question. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

How long did the pregnancy takes for a dog?

-- Contributed by: marko

Hi Merry,

This sounds like a case of flase pregnancy. Your dog seems to have adopted her ball as her surrogate puppy, and she is showing her devotion to it by taking it with her and defending it against the male cat she currently perceives as a threat. The good news is that this behavior will pass, and it really doesn't require veterinary attention. You can help your dog by taking her out for regular exercise and fresh air. A change in her perspective will be good for her. Let her carry her ball along if she wishes, but you'll eventually find she wants to take it along less and less. This type of situation usually only lasts for a few weeks, so it will be over soon. Afterward, your dog will probably have no problem with your cat. Just try to keep him out of her way until she begins to act normally again.

Thanks for your question, and I hope this info helps put your mind at ease. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hi, My dog is about 4 years old now, and shes a huge sweet heart. But recently (within the past few days) she has started doing something she has never done when she was in heat, she is babying a ball. She carries it around with her everywhere, holds it when shes sleeping, brings it out with her when she uses the bathroom. If she can't find it, she will look everywhere frantically for it. She will just sit there with the ball in her mouth, staring at you and whining, but she does not want to go for a walk or play. She had just come out of heat about 2-3 months ago. Her babying the ball isnt the issue though, it is that we have 2 cats that she has lived with for some time now, and all of a sudden she is on this attacking spree of the male. If she sees him or hears him, if he comes into a room she is in, she will chase after him growling and trying to get him. This is strange behavior, she has never had any issue with cats in the past. It was just so sudden, and makes us worry for the cats mental stability and safety. She has also been eating notably less, using the bathroom less, and drinking less. What could be going on? Our female cat is in heat, and our roommate is pregnant and due any day now. Is it possible that just the extent of female hormones in the house has triggered this? Or should we have her looked at by a vet? Any help at all would be appreciated.

-- Contributed by: Merry

Hi Meng,

As long as it's just a little spotting, things will probably be alright. One of the placentas may have separated from the uterine slightly. Just try to keep your dog a little more quiet things don't get worse. No running or jumping, but leisurely walks are fine.

Best wishes that all turns out well. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

My shar-pei was bred on April 19, 10 days into her cycle. She was exhibiting standing heat and tied with the male for 18 minutes. This past week I noticed a little spotting. Is this normal? I am concerned because this was a planned breeding. The sire we used is 5 1/2 hours from us.

-- Contributed by: Meng Dao

Hi Brenda,

It depends on how long it takes your dog to get back into shape after rearing the litter, but most females come back into heat about four to six months after delivery if they previously were on a twice a year schedule.

Thanks for your question. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

how sonn after birth of pups will my Heeler come back into heat?

-- Contributed by: brenda

Hi Latoia,

Do you know how many days your dog has been in season. It sounds like she could be the second week, and this is typically where the discharge lightens quite a bit. It's possible that this is what you observe right now, but your dog's discharge will likely gain more color as she moves into the third and final week of the cycle. Another thought is that she is already nearing the end of her cycle and her discharge is coming to an end. As long as that clear discharge doesn't have an especially foul odor, things are probably alright. However, if you notice anything else that might indicate your dog isn't well, don't hesitate to take her to the vet.

Thanks for your question. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hello, my dog is in heat too. She is a female mini poodle right over her 1 yr old mark. We arent breeding her right now, but my question is this. She seems to have stopped bleeding, but she is still quite swollen there, and i have noticed some of the coloring on her vulva and actually other body parts are going from pink to greyish and she is having a clear discharge. Is this normal or do we need to rush to the vet?? Thank u.

-- Contributed by: Latoia

Hi Ximena,

Some females are quite cranky when they come into heat. Right now, the best thing you can do is isolate her from the other dogs. This will keep them from pestering her and prompting her to attack. This phase usually disappears after the first week of the heat cycle and is followed by flirting behavior that encourages breeding. If you don't want puppies, you'll want to keep your female confined for the entire three weeks of her cycle.

Thanks for your question. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

My dog is having her heat. I dont kow why but she is really violent with the boy dogs, what can i do?

-- Contributed by: ximena

Hi Omi,

The appropriate age to begin breeding depends on what size your dog will be at maturity. Generally speaking, a healthy Toy dog should be bred until it is over one year old. A healthy medium sized dog should not be bred until 18 to 24 months old. Finally, a large breed dog shouldn't be bred until it is 24 to 30 months old. There are a lot of other variables to look at when evaluating whether or a not a dog should even be bred, but these are basic guidelines based on age alone.

As for your other question, it's no problem if the male is older. Thanks for your questions. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hi,

I'm not sure what a suitable age is to start breeding my puppy ? also, would there be any problem if when i breeded her it was with a male at least 2 years older than her ?

-- Contributed by: omi baloni

Hi Alicia,

There's more than one reason a female fails to come into season, and it may take medical testing to figure out the cause. Sometimes being underweight or overly stressed will also throw off the regularity of the cycle.

Now, you could have the tests done, but if your female had a physical problem that is keeping her from coming into heat, it may be an expensive uphill battle. Add to that the fact that she may pass along such a problem to her progeny, and it would seem better to start over with another female. My advice would be to try to purchase a proven brood ... rather than start all over raising another puppy. That way you could begin sooner and hopefully keep a female from that litter to help build your line.

Thanks for your question, and best wishes.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hi, I have a 2 year old ...er spaniel which I was planning to breed from. She came into season when she was around 6 months old but hasn't come in since. Could there be something wrong with her? I took her to my vet and he said there are tests we can do and treatment to help her ovulate but I would need to see a specialist and it would be very expensive. What should i do? I check her once a week to make sure.

-- Contributed by: alicia

Hi Elizabeth, and welcome.

I can't be sure, but it sounds like some of the uterine tissue was left intact during the spaying. This could produce the symptoms you're seeing. What concerns me most is that the discharge smells foul. That would usually indicate an infection. I think the best thing you can do is take your dog to the vet for an exam. Be sure to explain that these symptoms only seem to appear twice a year.

Thanks for your question, and please let us know what you find out. The knowledge could help others in the same situation.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

my dog has been spayed but still 2X a yr she has a nasty smelling brown discharge what could this be???????

-- Contributed by: elizabeth atkins

Hi Laurie,

Your dog's behavior can probably be attributed to a bit of leftover hormones and trace scents. Humping is also a way dogs display dominance.

It is possible your dog may be pregnant, and your other dog may be confusing this scent with the heat cycle scent. In any case, all you need do is distract her from the unwanted behavior by redirecting her into acceptible behaviors. A quick walk or a game of fetch is usually enough to do the trick.

Thanks for your question. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

I was wondering why my female is trying to breed my other female. Her heat cycle(the one that is being "bred") has been over for about 2 weeks now. Could this be a sign of pregnancy?

-- Contributed by: laurie

Hi Ashley,

A firmer tummy really isn't a symptom of the heat cycle, but it can be a sign of pregnancy in the weeks after the cycle ends. Breast enlargement can also be another sign that a litter is on the way, but a little enlargement typically takes place due to the hormones from the heat cycle.

So, depending on how long it has been since your dog's heat cycled ended, it sounds like she may be pregnant. Check out our articles on Dog Pregnancy Symptoms and Canine Gestation for a lot more useful information, and don't hesitate to ask more questions if you have them.

Thanks for posting. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

when a female dog is on her period will her stomach feel hard or is that another sign of being pregnant her nipples have also increased in size by alot and she doesnt eat near as much as she used to so do you think she is pregnant

-- Contributed by: ashley(:

Hi Jannine,

The average dog heat cycle lasts about three weeks. Visit our article about Dog Heat Symptoms for complete details. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

how long does it take a dog to be on its period?

-- Contributed by: jannine

Hi JD,

I can't be certain of which stage your female is at in her cycle, but it does sound like she feels ready to be bred. You can try generating a little more interest from your male by isolating him from your female for several hours. You can then try reintroducing them to see if absence made his heart grow fonder, so to speak. If that doesn't work, you may want to ask your vet to perform a vaginal smear to see if your female is ovulating. If need be, the vet can even perform an artificial insemination if you bring your male to the appointment with you, but ask before you do so.

Thanks for your question, and I hope one of these suggestions proves helpful.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

My ... is 2 years old and has not been bred successfully yet. She has had three heat cycles. Currently, in addition to the tell tale swelling of the vulva, my male has followed her around to the point that his nose was nearly attached to her, and wouldn't let anyone get near her. After 3 days of this, he stopped suddenly, and now SHE is "humping" everything, while my male seems uninterested. From what I've researched, this seems a bit backwards, doesn't it? She will not accept him now, so I'm wondering if she's not ready yet, or if we've already missed our window. Your thoughts?

-- Contributed by: JD

Hi Tenille,

It sounds like your female has reached the fertile portion of her cycle where she is ready for breeding. She will allow breedings from now until she goes out of heat. For more info, check out Dog Heat Cycle and Breeding. It contains a pretty good explanation of the process. We also have some good articles on Canine Gestation and Delivering Puppies that you might find helpful down the road, so be sure to bookmark them.

Thanks for your question, and keep us posted on how things turn out. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hi Camilla, and welcome to the site.

If it has been four weeks and the bleeding has completely ended, it's probably safe to say your dog is out of heat. The typical heat cycle only lasts for about three weeks. The change you notice in your dogs nipples now may be just a natural development from the recent hormone fluctuation. This is expecially so if your dog wasn't exposed to a fertile male during her heat cycle. It is possible that she may experience a false pregnancy (sometimes breast development is the first sign), but if this is the case it will be over in a couple of weeks and there's nothing to worry about.

Thanks for your question. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

My female is in her cycle right now and has been for about a week. The bleeding isn't bad, pretty minimal and she is quite swollen. We are already prepared for her to have puppies and are allowing our male to be around her. I;m not too concerned about making sure she is inpregnated, if she does, great, if not, we'll try again next time. Last night, she allowed our male to mate her. I am wondering if this is common throughout the entire cycle or only when she is fertile. Thanks!

-- Contributed by: Tenille

my dog has been heat for 4 weeks the bleeding has stopped but her nipples are very large is that normal?

-- Contributed by: Camilla

Hi Sarah,

It's very possible that your female is preparing for her first cycle, so keep watching for swelling and discharge. However, do watch her closely to see if anything else seems unusual. How did she act on Saturday after you picked her up from the groomer? Was she her normal self, or had the personality change already happened? If she was already acting down, her behavior might be related to the grooming session. For now, just keep observing her, but do give your vet a call if something just doesn't seem right. It's always better to err on the side of caution.

Thanks for your question. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

I think my dog is going in to heat but I am not quite sure. We took her to the groomers on Saturday and on Sunday her behavior did a 180. She is such a playfull, full of life dog and since Sunday, she just lays around all day. I cant tell if anything is swollen because she just had her 1st haircut and I am not sure what it looked like before the cut. No bleeding yet. She just turned 1 two weeks ago and this would be her first cycle if that is what it is.

-- Contributed by: Sarah

Hi Kim,

It does sound slightly unusual, but it happens sometimes. I think our article on What Influences Heat Cycles will help explain some of the things that can cause delay in a cycle and hopefully help you figure out what's going on in your particular situation. If your female goes an entire year without another cycle, it will be time to have her examined by your vet.

Thanks for your question, and I hope things work out for you.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

My mini doxie had her first heat at 7 months old, and then 7 months later she had her second heat. Now that we want to breed, the next 7 months came and went, and now it's been 9 months with no heat. Is this normal?

-- Contributed by: Kim

Hi Laura,

An ultrasound may be quite useful in this case, and, if you can afford it, it's better to have it done now rather than risk and unwanted pregnancy at some point in the future. It would also be a good idea to ask if any leftover ovarian tissue would pose a health threat to your dog.

Thanks for your question, and best wishes for your new pet's health.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

We recently adopted a year and a half old lab mix from a reputable adoption agency. The adoption agency spays/neuters all of their animals before they can be adopted. However, recently we have noticed that she is showing some subtle signs of being in heat. We found a few trace drops of blood, and her vulva and nipple area are swollen. We have a record that she has been spayed, but I have heard that some dogs can get 'skipped accidently' or they leave some of the ovary tissue behind after a procedure. I took her in to the Vet today and he felt that she has some ovary tissue left behind which is causing the heat cycle. He also told me that she is not at risk for getting pregnant. I'm still not 100% convinced though. Should I have an ultrasound preformed to see that the spay was complete? We LOVE our dog, but don't want any more puppies...

-- Contributed by: laura

Hi Aaron,

If your dog is anywhere near her normal time for her heat cycle, letting her spend time around another female in heat might help bring her in. The phermones from the other ... might jump start your female's hormones. Other than that, your vet may be able to provide some help, but it's usually not recommended to breed on an induced heat cycle but rather wait for the following cycle.

Thanks for your question. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Is there anyway to make my dog come into heat

-- Contributed by: aaron

Hi Sandi, and welome to the site.

We have two really good articles that should help clear things up for you.

Check out:

Don't hesitate to come back if you have more questions after reading them. We'll be glad to help any way we can. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

this is more of a question than a comment: I have been told all my adult life that a female dog coming into heat is as follows: 7 days coming in- 7 days in - and 7 days going out.

what i'm now finding is that before i was told they have the bleeding in the 2nd set of 7-days and would only breed during that time... but was recently told different. What I'm actually asking is if you can explain the whole process so I will know for sure being as my 6 month old Shih-Tzu is in heat and my 6 month old Maltese Boy is humping on her.... she has just ended the bleeding and now he started on this. sure hope you can help me out here

Thanks Sandi

-- Contributed by: Sandi

Hi Jeffrey, and welcome to the site.

Hmm, by "crazy" do you mean your male just wants to play all the time, or is he trying to breed your young female? If we're just talking about being hyperactive and playing, allowing the dogs play time together should help reduce the newness of the situation as long as you're careful not to let him pounce on her and hurt her. As she grows, she'll be better able to hold her own with him and he'll learn to back off.

If we're talking about breeding activity, there could be two things going on. First, humping is used as a means for dogs to establish dominance and determine pack order. Second, at seven months old, your puppy may be coming into her first heat cycle. There is a change in scent that male dogs seem to detect before swelling and discharge become evident. Your male may be reacting to this, even though he has been neutered. It might be a good idea to check your female for signs of heat just in case she is beginning her first cycle. If you don't plan on breeding her, it might be a good time to discuss spaying with your vet.

As for your male's current anxiety, whatever the cause, it will help to get him out and exercise more. Try to work him physically as well as mentally to relieve his pent up stress. Take him out every day for at least 20 minutes so he can burn off some energy. Hopefully this will make him calmer in the home.

Thanks for sharing your situation, and I hope this information helps.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

I have a 7 month old female puppy and a 7 year old neutered male. For the past month, the male is going crazy (as would be expected). We keep them seperated but the male can't seem to calm down. Is there something we can do for him to relax?

-- Contributed by: Jeffrey

Hi Alicia,

It varies depending on how much energy the litter took out of the female, but most will come into heat again within about four months. Sometimes a little less, sometimes a little longer.

Thanks for your question. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

how soon will a female dog go in to heat after she has a liter?

-- Contributed by: Alicia

Hi Katie,

I think it would be wise to wait a little longer on the shots until you can find out whether your dog is pregnant. It would be good to call the vet, explain the situation and get his/her professional opinion on how to proceed. Your vet can test your dog's blood for pregnancy hormones about three weeks after the heat cycle ends. After that, you'll know whether you can safely have your dog vaccinated.

Thanks for your question, and best wishes.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

my female dog is in heat and due for her shots i know its bad to give shots to pregant dogs she has had 24 accese to a male but i have not seen them do anything should i wait on the shots in case she is pregant

-- Contributed by: Katie

Glad your vet had some answers for you Deann. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

She is definitely not pregnant. she has not been anywhere around a male. she is a house dog and all we have are two females. when let outside to the use the bathroom she is on a leash and supervised the entire time. she did swell and bleed the first cycle but only for about a week and a half. i talked to my vet this morning and he said it may be a split cycle. i am keeping track of the dates so i guess i will know more depending on how long it takes her to come into heat again. thanks for your help!

-- Contributed by: deann

Hi Tyler,

Your female is old enough to breed, but I wouldn't recommend using such a young puppy as a stud. It would be better to look for an adult stud dog and let the puppy keep his energy for growing so he reaches his full potential.

Thanks for your question. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hi Deann,

Although it's kind of rare, there are some females that come into heat on a quarterly basis. Perhaps this is what your female is doing, but it will take another susequent heat cycle to see how things play out. It's interesting that the swelling and blood discharge are occuring about the same time that your dog would have delivered a litter if she had been bred. (You're sure she's not pregnant, right?) There's also a possibility that the first heat cycle wasn't a full one. Sometimes the hormone levels fluctuate a bit in that initial cycle and a dog will come back into heat very quickly. For now, it's probably alright to just track this current cycle to observe whether it appears normal. If you still have concerns, do give your vet a call to relate the details.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Can I my female boxer at 3yrs old be bread to a 7 month old boxer?

-- Contributed by: tyler mike

My female was in heat for the first time at the end of October/early November. I assumed she wouldn't be back in heat until April or May. But I think she is already coming into heat again! She's been puffy for a few days, acting a bit aggressive toward our other female and we noticed the first bit of bloody discharge this morning. Is it normal for her to have cycles that are only two to three months apart? If she is not in heat, what else would cause the symptoms I described above? Thanks!

-- Contributed by: deann

Hi Amanda,

Nothing you describe sounds out of the ordinary, so please don't worry any more. In fact, your dog will likely perk up quite a bit as she enters the second week of the cycle, so the most uncomfortable portion of her cycle is almost past. The challenge is keeping her from being bred.

Thanks for your question, and I hope this info makes you feel better. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

My puppy is in heat. Shes bleeding and her breast are swollen. But she is acting completely different. She does not want to sit on her behind, she lays to the side. She does not even to lay in her fluffy bed,she perfers a towel. Her eating pattern has changed and is not as active. Shes been like this since the first drop of blood which was about a week ago but shes been acting more distant then usual. Is this normal because I am becoming extremely concerned!

-- Contributed by: Amanda

Hi Barby, and welcome!

I suspect you're right, your dog is on overload since acquiring a new companion. You can check your female to see if she is in heat with the information in Dog Heat Symptoms. However, dogs will also hump other dogs (and sometimes people) to establish dominance. If this is the reason why your dog is humping, things should quiet down in a few days. Still, check your female carefully because this really sounds more like heat cycle related issue.

Thanks for your question. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

I just got an 8th month old female Beagle today. My 3 year old male Beagle has been humping on her for 2 solid hours. I have a diaper on him and am trying to keep one on her. I don't think she's in heat. I think my male is on hormone overload or totally insane! What can I do?

Thanks for the help!

-- Contributed by: Barby

Hi Joanne,

It could a sign of an impending heat cycle, but it's more likely that your puppy is trying to see if she can establish dominance over you. I recommend you set her down on the floor as soon as the behavior begins, and then try to redirect her to a more acceptible behavior. Immediately reward her when she puts her attention elsewhere, and in this way you can gently discourage the behavior you don't want.

Thanks for your question. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

I'm not quite sure how to put this into words but I will do my best to keep it clean. LOL I have a 5 month old female pomeranian/poodle/chihuhua mix who has been mounting my arm a lot lately. She gets very aggressive and bites and claws my arm while she does her little act. Is this a sign she may be going into heat?

-- Contributed by: Joanne

Hi Jessica,

There's a good possibility your dog will become pregnant from these matings, but it will be nearly three weeks before the pregnancy can be detected. You may begin seeing some breast development after about two weeks. Your dog's appetite might also change.

Here are a few articles that I think you'll find helpful:

Bookmark these articles so you can refer back to them, and don't hesitate to ask if you have more questions. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hi, I was just wanting to know I wanted to breed my rat terrier with another rat-terrier. But Ive heard so many things.. I wanted to know he nipples arent getting larger which its only been a couple of days. When will I know. They did it 3 times. And the first time lasted 10 mins second time lasted 15 and third lasted 12 mins. So i mean is there a deff she might be preg? Please let me know something soon! Thank you so much!

-- Contributed by: Jessica

Hi Barb,

I'm not a vet, but it sounds like your female might be having trouble with her hormone levels and this could possibly throw her into another heat cycle so quickly. The best thing you can do is schedule an appointment with your vet to discuss what's going on and perhaps have a little testing done to check exactly where the levels are at this time. Based on this info, the vet can tell you how to proceed. Somtimes a female will experience this sort of imbalance once and never have it again, so please don't worry too much. It's just a good idea to try to find out what's going on.

Thanks for your question, and best wishes for your dog's health.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

My adult female chihuahua was over with her heat cycle a month ago.We caged her during this period because we didn't want her to become pregnant. All of a sudden the last couple days the males have been sniffing her,and what do you know, she's in heat again. Is this possible? Why?

-- Contributed by: Barb

Hi Jackie,

Yes, this sort of thing happens a lot. I've even had dogs chew right through the britches. I believe they consider it all part of keeping themselves clean. Without the britches, you dog would clean herself quite a bit. She's just following that instinct as well as she can in her own situation.

Thanks for your question.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hi Tricia,

Honestly, yes. It is possible for the male dog to still breed your female if the bars on the crate are wide enough to permit it. All your female has to do is back her rear up to the bars to allow the male access. Yes, this is a very awkward scenario, but it is remotely possible, so be on watch.

Thanks for your question.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

my 5yr old female dog is in heat and i have a 1yr old male. can she get pregnant if she is in the cage and he is able to roam the house freely?

-- Contributed by: tricia and female dog shadow

My female schnauzer is in her first heat. We have a male we want to breed her with. We have been keeping panties on her with a panty liner and change it often Sometimes she gets the panty liner out and has eaten a couple. Is this normal?

-- Contributed by: Jackie

Hi Marge,

Most hunters would not take a female in heat into the field. She may not have her own mind totally on the job, and she would definitely be a distraction to any other dogs in the field. There's also a possibility she could accidentally get bred, so I'd recommend giving her a vacation until her cycle has completely ended.

Thanks for your question.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

will a female dog huntgh if she is in heat

-- Contributed by: marge lambert

Hi Virginia, and welcome to the site.

Spaying removes the uterus and ovaries, so the female no longer has the necessary organs to incite a heat cycle. Thanks for your question. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Can female dogs who are fixed be in heat

-- Contributed by: Virginia

Hi Trinity,

Larger dogs have larger uteruses, so they often produce more discharge during that first week of the cycle. It's also possible that those spots appear a little larger because the fluid was drawn out as it was absorbed by the fibers.

Overall, if your female seems fine, there's likely nothing to worry about. Do keep an eye on her, and if you notice large puddles on nonabsobent surfaces or your dog begins to seem sluggish, give your vet a call to discuss the situation.

Thanks for your question. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

hi, i have a German Shepard, she is about 7 months. She is in her first heat, and she is bleeding quite a bit, is that normal??

we let her inside, and she jumped on the bed and was there for no more than 15 seconds and there was 3 spots of blood the size of something like umm, a computer mouse, and 2 little spots..

and i was kinda concerned??

-- Contributed by: Trinity

Hi Stephanie,

It seems a little early for your dog to have begun her next heat cycle, but it's possible. Was there a definite end to the drainage after she had the puppies before this current bleeding began, or is this a continuation of that drainage?

All things considered, it may be a good idea to consult your vet for an examination to make sure there is no uterine infection involved and that your female's hormones are at the levels they should be.

Thanks for your question, and I hope all turns out well.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

hey my dog is a lhso alpso and she had a litter of pups 7 weeks ago and is bleeding is that normal

-- Contributed by: stephanie

Hi J,

A female will usually have her next heat cycle approximately four to six months after the birth of the litter if she normally has a cycle every six months. The size of the litter and the amount of stress feeding the puppies puts on her personal resources can sometime delay the onset of the next cycle until she is back in full condition.

Thanks for your question. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

after a female dog has pups, how long after she weens the pups before she will come into heat again.

-- Contributed by: j walker

Hi Connie,

It is possible that your male puppy can smell hormonal changes that could be leading to your female puppy into her first heat cycle. It is important that you keep a close eye on their behavior and discourage your male from behavinging aggressively. When behavior problems arise, try distracting the dogs into another activity to channel their energies. You may decide to take the male out for a walk on leash to help him burn off some of the tension. At some point, it will become neccessary to keep the puppies separate to avoid an unwanted breeding. Both are capable of reproduction, but it would be unhealthy to let them breed before they have finished growing, which could take approximately two years to complete.

Thanks for your question, and good luck with the situation.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

I have a 5 month old female newfoundland and a 6 month old male newf. In the past week, the male has seemed to become aggressive toward the female and is sniffing her. Is it possible that she could be in heat? Should I separate the two?

-- Contributed by: Connie

Hi Randy,

Yes, it is possible for a female to have a single puppy litter. There are several factors that determine litter size. First, some breeds, especially small dogs, release fewer eggs than larger breeds. Second, it depends a lot on when the breeding took place. If it took place slightly before or just as the female began releasing eggs, more eggs have a chance to be fertilized. If the breeding took place after the ovaries had already begun releasing the eggs, some of them might no longer have been available for fertilization. Third, sperm counts and sperm health also play a significant role in how many eggs become fertilized. And when all is said and done, those fertilized eggs have to implant properly in the uterus to hang on and develop.

All factors considered, it's difficult to say whether a single puppy litter is normal, but if you suspect your dog has a fertility problem, you can ask your vet to investigate the issue.

Thanks for your question. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Can a female dog have just one puppy is that normal?

-- Contributed by: Randy

Hi Cathy,

Yes, some females seem a little down that first week of the heat cycle, but they usually perk right up after that. I wouldn't recommend you give her any medication, but she would probably love some tummy massages. You can also warm a blanket in the dryer for her to lay on, kind of like a big heating pad. Just make sure it's not warm enough to burn her skin when you give it to her.

Thanks for your question, and I'm sure your dog will be back to normal soon.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

I have a 8 month old white german shepherd.She is showing all physical signs of her first heat cycle. However, I'm a little concerned about her not wanting to eat. I can get her to eat HB meat & rice but all she wants to do is lay around. Is it possible that she is cramping?

-- Contributed by: Cathy

Hi Ronnie,

We have a great article for you, Dog Heat Cycle and Breeding.

Generally, if you breed at the right time, two breedings with one day of rest in between should cover your female's fertile portion of the cycle and catch most of the eggs being released. This article will help you know when that fertile time has arrived. Good luck!

-- Contributed by: Kelly

I have a rotwieler female and she is in her cycle. She is a little over 2 years old. I want to breed her. Is there a certain amount of times I need to have her breed through her cycle for her to get pregnant?

-- Contributed by: Ronnie

Hi Giselle,

Good question. Some vets are willing to go ahead with spaying at this time. Others prefer to wait until the female is out of heat because the increased blood flow at that time can make surgery more difficult. I recommend you discuss the situation with your vet to see what he/she thinks will be the safest alternative for your dog.

Thanks for your question, and good luck. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Can I have my female dog spayed even though she's in heat and might have already been impregnated by a stray dog?

-- Contributed by: Giselle

Hi Tonya,

She wouldn't get pregnant immediately if the eggs are descending yet, but keep in mind that the sperm can live up to five days after a breeding. So, it is possible for an egg to be fertilized five days after the breeding takes place. As you can see, it's better to keep your female isolated the entire heat cycle if you want to avoid a litter.

Thanks for your question. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

My dog just started to bleed. It is kind of like a bright red, but really runny. I know that you said that a dog is fertile when the blood tunes brownish, so as of right now, she could not get pregnant, right?

-- Contributed by: Tonya

Hi Sebring, and welcome to the site.

The average heat cycle lasts about three weeks, but this can vary from one female to the next, even for first timers. For more info, check out Dog Heat Symptoms.

Thanks for your question. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

What is the usual amount of time for a dog to be in heat during the first cycle (6 months old), and the usual amount of time in general?

-- Contributed by: Sebring66

Hi Sky,

No, as far as I know there are no home remedies to interrupt a dog's heat cycle. Your vet may be able to recommend a drug that would control the hormone activity, but these kinds of drugs usually need to be adminstered some time before the cycle actually begins in order to have the desired effect. Still, it may be worth a call to your vet to talk about the situation. New drugs are being developed all of the time, and there may have been a breakthrough that I'm currently unaware of.

Thanks for your question. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Do you have any home remedies to make a gyp go out of season is she is starting to swell??? Thanks, Sky

-- Contributed by: Sky Scott

Hi Dog's Heat Cycle, and welcome to the site.

You;ll find the information you need in the following articles.

Thanks for your question. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hi Yvonne,

Your dog could come back into heat within the next four to six months. It all depends on how quickly she completely recovers from having the litter. Physical condition and stress can alter the schedule of the heat cycle, so it's kind of a wait and see situation. For further explanation, check out What Influences Heat Cycles.

Thanks for visiting the site. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

During the twenty one day breeding cycle, when is the actual days when she can get pregency

-- Contributed by: Dogs Heating Cylce

My dog had puppies 2 months ago. Will her heat cycle be six months from when she was in heat or from when she gave birth?

-- Contributed by: Yvonne

Hi Cindy,

I'd chalk it up to hormones right now. You can always discourage the licking by setting your dog down on the floor to signal you've had enough. Things will likely return to normal in just a few weeks.

Thanks for your question. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

i was wondering, i own a malti-poo and she is in heat, lately she is licking me a lot, is that normal. P.S. i do wash my arms and whether i add lotion or not she still licks me?

-- Contributed by: Cindy D.L.

Hi Cindy,

We have two articles I think you'll find helpful.

These contain the info you're looking for, but don't hesitate to ask more questions if you need to. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

My dog is in heat now. At what time during this cycle will she be ready to mate?

-- Contributed by: Cindy

Hi Steven,

Generally, two breeding spaced with a day of rest in between is enough to produce a litter between two fertile dogs. The only problems with breeding more than this are the your male's sperm count will be very low with repeated breedings and he may become exhausted and loose weight. If the breedings are spread out over an entire week, there could be significant difference in the gestational age of the pups at the time of birth, resulting in some weaker preemies.

Hopefully you won't see any of these complications and have a healthy litter. We have a number of articles you may find helpful, including:

Good luck, and let us know how things turn out.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

i am curently in the process of breeding my minature poodles and i wasnt sure on how many times i allowed them to do there business and if it was it could be dangerous to my female if i allowed them to too much?

-- Contributed by: Enter your name here

Hi Doris,

Our article Dog Heat Symptoms lists many of the signs that present themselves when a female comes into heat. I think the swelling of the vulva is an important sign to watch for, but be sure to check out the entire list. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

hi, but how can i know if she has come in-other than with the bloody discharge??

-- Contributed by: doris

thank you kelly for your much needed information.

-- Contributed by: doris

Hi Doris, and welcome to the site.

Some females display so little sign when they are in season that it is difficult to detect when they come in. It's possible that your dog produces very little discharge and is good at keeping herself clean. I think it would be best not to assume she's sterile. This is an issue that your vet can check out for you.

Thanks for your question. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hi Dawn,

Some females feel a little grumpy during the first week of the heat cycle, but that's no excuse for growling and snapping. Tell her no very firmly when she behaves this way. She has to know that you are still her leader. If she isn't trustworthy around your child, you'll need to confine her to single area she can be gated into. Her grumpiness will pass, but you do need to be consistent about not tolerating the behavior.

As for spaying, most vets prefer to wait until after the heat cycle ends. After that, it's fine to schedule the appointment right away. Once she's spayed, you'll never have to deal with the situation again.

Thanks for your question and for visiting the site. Best wishes.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hi Kris,

If your dog has reached the fertile portion of her heat cycle where she has begun to release eggs, two breeding separated by one day of rest should be sufficient to produce a litter as long as the male is also fertile.

I'd like to refer you to the following articles. I think you'll find them helpful.

Thanks for your question, and do come back an visit if you have more. Good luck! :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

my female habanese dog is 2 and a half years old.she is very fluffy but i have never seen her have a bloody discharge.i have seen her simulating intercourse with another female dog i have but have never seen her bleed. does this mean she is sterile?? is it possible she is??

-- Contributed by: doris

My female schnauzer is in heat, she is very irritable and even has "snapped" and "growled" at me! We have an 18mos old baby and she has NEVER been aggressive toward the baby, but I'm worried that she WILL become irritable w/the baby and become aggressive, is this NORMAL behavior for "females in heat" ? Also, we want to have her "fixed" when do we know its the "right" time to do so?

-- Contributed by: Dawn

my dog have been bleeding for 7 days, i havent seen any blood for 2. i took her to a friends house to let her mate . how do i know how long to wait to do this or should i let het stay more days

-- Contributed by: kris

Hi Amy, and welcome to the site.

While it's necessary to separate two fertile dogs to prevent an unwanted breeding, it can be exceptionally frustrating for the male that is still able to smell the female's scent. The stress a male dog experiences at this time might lead to some weight loss, leaving him feeling a little run down. Yes, stress can affect his health. If that stress seems major, it might be best to let him vacation with another friend or family member until the cycle is over.

Thanks for your question. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hi there!

Quick question. I know that you stated to keep the male and female separated while she is in season. However, I have heard it is unhealthy for the male dog to even be in the same house while she is in heat? The reason i ask this is because he cries for her all day and i have them in two different rooms.

-- Contributed by: Amy

Hi JLove,

Yes it is essential for the female to be in heat in order to become pregnant. The eggs are only released for fertilization at this time. Also, your male may be riding your female, but he probably isn't able to properly enter her because her vulva isn't ripe for penetration.

It is possible that your female may be coming into heat very soon, and that's why your male is showing such interest. She may even be in heat now if he is actually entering her. Some females give almost no indicate when they cycle.

I think you'll find the following articles helpful

Thanks for your questions.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

I have a couple of questions. 1. Does a female dog HAVE to be in heat in order to get pregnant? 2. My dog had intercourse for the first time today(many times). He never TIED w/female. Why? Is this normal? 3. Many times when he had intercouse my dog pulled out and alot of disharge was on the floor. Other times there was less discharge. Why is this? I am sooo new to this. I need help!

-- Contributed by: JLove

Hi Charles,

Most dog heat cycles last about 21 days. Check out the following articles for more info:

Thanks for your question, and welcome to the site. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hi Kim,

The heat cycle for any breed is approximately 21 days long. Most females come into heat either every six months or once a year. You'll find more helpful info in our article on Dog Heat Symptoms.

Thanks for your question, and I hope you're enjoying the site. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Our yorkie will be 1 year old next month and has come into heat approx 2 weeks ago. How long does a Yorkie go through a heat cycle?

-- Contributed by: Charles Dickson

How often and long do miniature wiener dogs go into heat?

-- Contributed by: Kim

Hi Amy,

That's actually a great question. It's kind of difficult for the average owner to tell if a female has had a litter, but there are some signs. These signs are more prominent for a recent litter, and they fade a bit as the female comes back into condition.

Saggy breasts can indicate the dog has nursed a litter.
A pouchy stomach might be another indication.
A thinned out coat could be another sign in conjunction with the first two.
A little underweight- this would be due to nursing.

Most of these signs are present in a dog that has recently whelped a litter, but they do fade away as the female gets back into condition. That said, many females will develop a little breast tissue after going through a heat cycle, so breast development alone isn't a sure sign a female has been pregnant before.

If you really feel a strong need to know if your new pet has been used for breeding, your vet may be able to tell by examining the uterus through ultrasound. Palpation might also be useful, but it needs to be done closer to the time of the pregnancy before the uterus returns to its normal size.

I hope you find this information helpful, but I do encourage you to speak directly to a vet since I am not one myself. Thanks for your question. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

This may be a really stupid question, but how do you tell if a dog has has puppies before you got her? When I got my dog I was told she had just turned a year old and hasn't come in heat yet. But other people have told me that she must have come in heat at some point because female dogs don't develope breast until they are or have been pregnant.Having never had a female dog before I don't know what to beleave,Can you please help me/

-- Contributed by: Amy

Hi Eric, I found your same question on the Ask the Dog Expert page and answered it there. It will remain on that page for a couple of days, and you'll be able to find it later under the Breeding Questions link in the Previous Questions section.

Thanks!

-- Contributed by: Kelly

I tried to mate my dog but the male dog didnt knw what to do...she was moving her tail for him and everything. So my question is now she is starting not bleed anymore is it too late to breed her now?

-- Contributed by: Eric

Hi Debra,

By "first heat" do you mean this dog's very first heat cycle? If so, at what age did it occur, and how long ago was it? Some dog's come into heat about every six months, while others only come in once a year.

Based on your answers to these questions, your vet would decide whether an examination is necessary. There is a hormone shot that will help bring a female into heat, but it's not recommended to breed on this cycle. The shot is really more to help the dog regain a regularly occurring cycle.

My best advice is to consult your vet about the situation to make sure your aunt's dog is healthy. Thanks for your question. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

My aunt has a female dog that lives in the house and isn't around other dogs, she hasn't gone into heat since her first heat cycle. How can we get her to go into heat?

-- Contributed by: Debra

Hi Lala,

It would be far safer not to let siblings mate. The problem is that this can really concentrate the genetics for any hereditary problems, and this means those problems are far more likely to surface in the resulting puppies. If you're interest in breeding, it would be better to seek out a healthy stud that is not quite so closely related.

Thanks for your question, and for visiting the site. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

I have 2 sibling rottweiler puppies. are they allowed to mate?

-- Contributed by: lala

Hi Jessi,

Most females don't come into heat until they are at least six months old. At five months old, your puppy may just be putting on weight before her next growth spurt or she could have a case of worms that would give her a pot-bellied appearance. I think it would be wise to take a stool sample to your vet for analysis. Also, since you can't neuter your male, you might want to consider having your female spayed within the next few months so you can avoid a litter. It will be possible for your powder puff to mate your Cairn when she comes in heat.

Thanks for your question, and best wishes. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

I have a cairn terrier puppy. She is almost 5 months old. She is putting on weight. We also have a powderpuff male. He isn't neutered due to a heart murmur. The vet said it was too dangerous. Is it possible she is pregnant? If it is what will happen because she is so young? I worry about her. She is my baby.

-- Contributed by: Jessi

Hi Crystal,

While many females come into heat twice a year, others only come in once, and these females usually don't have their first cycle until they are about one year old. This may be the case with your Beagle, so I wouldn't worry about it too much just yet. It might be helpful to find out what the heat pattern cycle was with your dog's mom. If she was a once-a-year female, your dog may be also.

Thanks for your question. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

i have a beagle full breed she has just turned a year and she has not went in heat i kknow dogs go into heat like twice a year but i am starting to worry is somthign wrong is she not fertile or what?

-- Contributed by: Crystal Gilliam

Hi Iana,

It's possible that your female is about to come into season again. Some females have a little difficulty getting into a regular pattern. I recommend you check out our article on Dog Heat Symptoms. It will help you identify the signs when your female does finally come back into heat.

Thanks for your question. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hi Oscar,

Most females come into heat between four and twelve months after a litter. It depends on whether they normally have one or two cycles a year as well as how much raising the litter taxed the female's resources.

Thanks for your question. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

hi my jack russell had a season in dec-jan it was her 1st one but shes not had another one since, is this normal i workrd out that it should have been june, my dog was washing her like mad in june but nothing hes doing the same again now and she gonea bit quiet which she never is can you help please thanks

-- Contributed by: lana

my female pitbull is about 2 years old and she has already had pups once. how long will it take her to get in heat again?

-- Contributed by: oscar

I recently found a young female shep mix stray (about a year or so old). I took her to the Vet to have her scanned for a chip, but she didn't have one. So I got her all her shots and asked the Vet if she had been spayed. The Vet thought he felt some scar tissue there, but wasn't sure, and said I will probably find out in about 3 months (great). I have now had her almost three months, and recently have found spots of blood on my bedding, and her mood is changing, she would rather be outside in the heat, instead of the house with the air conditioner. I took her to a different Vet, and he couldn't tell if she had been fixed before or not, and even shaved her, and noticed some scars, but didn't think they were in the right place, and he didn't think she was in heat as she wasn't swollen. Then stated, you will probably know in about three weeks, as this could be the beginning of her going into heat. I have noticed that her nipples show more, and she tires easily. Is there anyway, besides surgically opening them up to tell if they have been fixed or not? I definitely want her to be a spayed female, and why can't the Vets tell if she has been fixed or not? Also, I walk her everyday, and the male dog next door hasn't been neutered and he and she just play together (he doesn't seem to want to mount her)...

-- Contributed by: Renee

Hi Beth,

Maybe not quite yet, but very soon. Check out our articles on Dog Heat Symptoms and Dog Heat Cycle and Breeding for more helpful info.

Thanks for your question.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

I have a black lab mix. She is in season for her second time. I want to have her bread with an Aceta white male. Ginger has been in heat for about one week and is still pinkish red. Is she ready for coupulation?

-- Contributed by: Beth

Hi Dorothy,

Vomiting is not one of typical heat symptoms, so it's likely not related. If it continues for more than 24 hours you'll want to consult your vet.

Best wishes your dog feels better soon.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

I have a 9 month old shepard that has been in heat for a week. She is now throwing up. Is this normal or should I be concerned

-- Contributed by: Dorothy

Oh, I think she's got the cherry eyes. This redness normally occurs once she waken up from a sleep or nap. Otherwise she is a farely healthy dog. I take pride in raising her, she is truly an awesome dog. Very obedient and well mannered. She is okay with people introduced to her, but very aggresive toward strangers. She basically fits into our family as we treat her as a sister aswell as a child. lol!!!

Her name is Cammy, and she my dog.

Thanks Kelly!!! Will definately make use of this site(your service) more frequently.

Best of wishes!!! Ryan

-- Contributed by: Ryan

Hello again Ryan,

You're talking about the inside of the eyelid that connects the outer lid to the white of the eye, correct? Was there any swelling or discharge that went along with the irritation? It's possible it was a conjunctivitis infection, but that usually requires drops to clear.

Some breeds are predisposed to a condition called cherry eye, and this is a swelling of a gland that turns quite red and protrudes a bit.

Hopefully it was just a temporary problem, but if the inflammation returns you should ask your vet to take a look at it.

Have a good day. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hi Volie,

How often has your dog been coming into heat? On average, most females cycle about every six months, although some only cycle once a year. There are more rare cases where a female cycles every four months, but not every cycle is usually fertile in that case.

I think you may find the info in the following articles helpful. You can compare it to what is going on with your own dog, and then decide whether the situation is worth discussing with your vet.

Thanks for your question, and I hope this information helps. Don't hesitate to come back if you find you have more questions. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

i have a question about my female she is a large dog about 80-85 lbs, could it be possible that her seasons come more frequently than other dogs? Also will there always be blood or discharge every season?

-- Contributed by: yolie

Kelly:) another question:) lol!!! When my dog was younger she had very red eyes, not the eye itself but the inside of the eye area( not sure if you know what im talking about). The redness is still there but it is not as severe no more. What is this? and is that a sign of a bad breeding? And how does this affect dog?

-- Contributed by: Ryan

Hi Ryan,

Actually, this kind of behavior is usually meant to establish dominance over the person targeted. Your dog loves you, but she'd also like to claim you as a subordinate in her pack. Just firmly but gently put her off you with a "No", and distract her attention immediately to something else. In time, she should get the message and give it up. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Kelly I just want to thank you for your advice!!! It's really great everytime you reply with such relevant and interesting infomation and it really helped me allot. I believe my b itch is not pregnant, but I am prepared for anything. Breed of dog is Boerboel by the way.

Kelly I know this might be a stupid Question, but I am really urged to ask anyway. What does it mean when your b itch tries to mount you(and really persistent). We are a family of 4 and she does this only to me? What does she think of me? And what does this mean? She would try and mount me, and even if no contact made she will thrust her hips as if mount is succesfull. lol!!! I am just curious about this. Oh, and will this change after she has had her first successful mating experience?

-- Contributed by: Ryan

Hi Faye,

You'll find all the info you need in our article Dog Heat Cycle and Breeding.

Thanks for visiting the site. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

How long does the heat cycle last? How long should i keep my dog up? And can male dogs smell the heat cycle of a female in the air? I have always heard that it is 7days coming in 7days in 7days going etc?

-- Contributed by: fayehale4@yahoo.com

Hi Christal,

It's not unheard of for some of the bigger breeds to mature late and not come into heat until age two. That said, a lot of things play a role in whether a female has regular cycles. Excessive exercise, nutrition and daily stress can all affect the cycle, so they need to be taken into consideration. My advice is to have your vet examine your dog if she doesn't have a cycle within the next six months. By that time, her cycles should have commenced. The vet will take a case history and check for any obvious abnormalities in order to figure out what might be going on.

Thanks for your question, and I hope it all works out well.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hi James,

From beginning to end, the heat cycle lasts about three weeks. The bleeding lightens up during week two during ovulation, but resumes before the cycle gradually ends.

Thanks for your question. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hi Ryan,

Our article Dog Heat Cycle and Breeding explains this topic more thoroughly. The average heat cycle lasts about three weeks. Week one typically has heavier bleeding. During week two, the bleeding lightens up to a pinkish tan discharge, and it is here when a female begins to release eggs. By the third week, you should notice a change back to heavier bleeding that tapers off as the cycle ends.

Check out that article, and let me know if you have more questions. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

i have a female bloodhound ,she is going to be 2 yrs old in february,she still has not gone into season for her first time yet.Do i need to be concerned or can you please give me advice on why she has not?Please e-mail me @ booboo98bear@yahoo.com

-- Contributed by: christal

we have chow she is six months old i would like to know how long does the bleeding last thank you

-- Contributed by: james

Thank you Kelly for your response.

Your response has however now led me to another question. When does the female send down eggs? Is that once the bleeding has stopped? Or is it possible for her to send down eggs whilst bleeding still occurs?

Today I checked on my ... again and she seems to be bleeding more intensively. How long does the bleeding process last?

I really appreciate your advice, was not sure I'd get a response this quick.

Thank you!!!

-- Contributed by: Ryan

Hi Kelly,

If she is still spotting red, it may take another day or two until she's truly ready. All you can do at this point is keep introducing the dogs once or twice a day until your female begins flirting and standing for the male. Technically, you want to see her discharge lighten up to a pinkish tan color to indicate ovulation is beginning to take place.

Good luck!

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hi Ryan,

The bottom line is that it is possible for your female to become pregnant from a breeding that occurs at what appears to be only three days into her cycle.

This can happen for a couple of reasons. First, she could be slightly farther along than three days because she may have been bleeding very lightly for the first couple of days and gone unnoticed. Second, sperm can live up to five days after delivery. If your female begins sending down eggs several days after the breeding, they are still likely to become fertilized.

All of that said, nothing is certain. The best thing you can do is keep an eye on your female for Dog Pregnancy Symptoms that might begin to show up several weeks after the heat cycle ends. Your vet can also check for pregnancy at that time.

Thanks for your question, and I hope it all works out alright.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hi. I am trying to breed my 2+ Lab. She is in her 10th day of heat but the male wants to mount her she will sit. Her discharge is still more so red am I trying too early?

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Nevermind commenting at this stage, my b itch is 8months old and just got her first heat. She has been bleeding for 3days now. Whilst I was not home, my neighbours let their male into my enclosed yard. when I got home I discovered the dogs in my yard and put them out. My Question is can my b itch fall pregnant at this stage of her heat. Please give me feed back on this as I am very concerned. Urgent matter. Seeking experts advice. Thank you. (09/08/2008)

-- Contributed by: Ryan

Hi Val and welcome to the site,

I think you'll find all the info you need in the following articles:

Thanks for your question, and good luck.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

I have a St. Bernard that is almost 4 yrs old. My husband and i would like to breed her, she cam into heat tody Aug 3rd. My question is, (because i've heard differentthings) do i breed her while she is still bleeding or after she has stopped?

Thank you

-- Contributed by: val

Hi Jason,

It's very possible that your dog will have pups by both sires. If you plan on registering these pups, you'll need to sort out who belongs to who using Dog DNA tests. Unfortunately this is going to be expensive, but it's really the only reliable way to sort out the litter.

Thanks for your question.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

i got a question actually my question is i bred my female dog first started her cycle on june 27 she didnt get bred until july 11th then again on the 14th my other male accidently mated with her on the 18th they were stuck together but for like 2-3 minutes my question is am i safe to say that male number 1 will be the sire or willhave my male which is male number 2 messed it up for me ?

-- Contributed by: jason

Hi Kristy,

I think you'll find the information in our article on Dog Heat Cycle and Breeding has the info you need. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

howlong does her cycle usu7aly last?and what other mood signs are there?

-- Contributed by: kristy

Hi Lori,

If both dogs have normal fertility, it is very likely your female will become pregnant from one of the first two breedings. You can allow a third breeding to try to ensure a litter, but more than this shouldn't be necessary to get the job done.

Best wishes for a happy and healthy litter!

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hi, I have a female who is in heat and my male dog has locked with her twice, three days apart. Does this mean she is probably pregnant? and should I let them breed one more time to be sure?

-- Contributed by: Lori

Hi Eveyln,

Sometimes the breast tissue will swell a little due to the hormone flux during the heat cycle, and this is natural. However, the swelling might also be attributed to a false pregnancy if your dog truly wasn't bred. If this is the case, the swelling will go away on it's own in a few weeks.

Thanks for your question. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

i dont think my dog is pregnant, but her breast are swelling a little bit and she just went thru her first heat are there other symptoms that cause breast swelling in dogs?

-- Contributed by: eveyln

Hi Crystal,

Check out our article on Dog Heat Cycle and Breeding. I think you'll find it helpful. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

My family has a female Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy and she is about six or seven months, I'm pretty sure she is about to go into heat. But I don't know how long going into heat lasts for or where I should keep her while she is in heat or if I should buy doggy pampers.

-- Contributed by: crystal

Hi Bella,

If the blood is coming from her vulva, the same place she urinates from, she is most likely experiencing her first heat cycle. In addition to the article above, our article Dog Heat Cycle and Breeding will help you better understand what your dog is going through at this time. The most important thing you need to know is to keep her away from all un-neutered dogs at this time or your puppy could easily become pregnant. This is definitely something you want to avoid at her tender age.

Thanks for your question, and I hope you find the info helpful. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

hi there my puppy is bleeding blood and its a female and she is eight months old i would like to no why is she bleeding please reply please reply back as fast as you can

Thank You

-- Contributed by: bella

Hi Kathy,

Congratulations on your new pets. I think you'll find our articles on Dog Heat Cycle and Breeding and Dog Neutering and Spaying quite helpful. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

I just got my first female dog and I have no clue on what goes on with a female in heat. HELP. I also have a male puppy which is younger then the female. The female is 10 months and the male is 5 months. What is a person to do when the female goes in heat? I am planning on having the male neutered in a couple of months. So I am hoping I won't have any problems with the breeding. Anyway, any information you have for me would be appreciated. I just would like to know when you can tell when the female is in heat. Thanks!!!

-- Contributed by: Kathy

Hi Judy,

I'm glad the info helped. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

I have always had male dogs so thought I'd look up some facts. Thank you for being there. I told my husband that our little daschound was going to PMS and he thought I was crazy. Sure enough this happened just like I said. She is a drama queen, and everyone must do what she wants right now while this is going on. NO she isn't spoiled rotten. Yes, we have spoiled her, we just lost our daschound we shared our lives with for fifteen years. SO YES she is spoiled.

-- Contributed by: Judy

Hi Kelli,

Since your male was a stray that you adopted, there's a strong possibility he has mated before. Even though you have had him neutered, he probably still recognizes that scent and remembers what to do. Still, I'd give your vet a call to discuss your male's behavior, and ask if there's any way to reduce his anxiety. Luckily, the heat cycle only lasts about three weeks, so things should return to normal soon.

Thanks for your question.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

I have two dogs. One female pure-bred beagle, about a year and a half old, and a male stray. We are not sure what breed or how old he is. Our female is in heat but our male has been neutered. Is it normal for him to still show immense interest in her even though he is "fixed"? We let them both sleep inside and the female sleeps under our bed. The male cannot get to her and will whine all night long. If we put him outside and keep her indoors he paws at the door and barks like crazy to get in. I'm just wondering if this is normal behavior for a neutered male. Thanks!

-- Contributed by: Kelli Firestone

Hi Yvette,

I think you'll find our article on Dog Heat Cycle and Breeding very helpful. As for your question about the amount of discharge, some females bleed heavier than others. If yours turns out to be a heavy bleeder, you might want to invest in a set of doggie britches that can be found at most dog supply stores. This garmetn will catch the dripping, and all you'll need to do is change the absorbent padding several times a day.

Thanks for your questions.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hi Poncho,

It takes some females longer to dry up after the pups are weaned. Are you sure no one is still sneaking drinks because this would prolong milk production. That aside, most females will have their next cycle between four and six months after the birth of a litter. How quickly your dog bounces back into condition will determine if the heat cycle comes sooner rather than later. As for how soon you can spay her, that is something worth discussing with your vet. The vet will want to make sure your dog has totally regained her strength before putting her through the surgery. I imagine it will be about another month before you get the go ahead, but let your vet make the decision.

Thanks for your questions. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

I was just wondering how long a cycle lasts??? I'm a first time dog owner and to be honest this is very surprising. Is there going to be a lot of discharge, do I need to buy her puppy pad diapers or should I just let her be?

-- Contributed by: Yvette

My girl had puppies 9 weeks ago. She is not nursing the puppies anymore, but her nipples are still hanging and seem full. How soon can I have her spayed? and, how soon is her next heat cycle?, I don't know if I should count 6 months from her last heat cycle or 6 months from the date the puppies were born. Thanks, Poncho

-- Contributed by: Poncho

Hi Leah,

Due to the increase blood flow through the uterus during the heat cycle, most vet prefer to spay after the cycle has finished so there's less chance of a bleeding complication during the surgery. You won't have any problem with false pregnancies once the procedure has been carried out.

Thanks for your question. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

I was wondering can i get my dog spayed at this time and when is the best time to do so. What part of the cycle. I heard that if you spay them before they go through a false pregnancy that they may always go through this is that true too. Right now she's 6 months old and omitting a pinkish discharge, swollen vulva and nipples. This has been happening the better part of the week.

-- Contributed by: Leah

Hi Jayde,

Most males will attempt to continue breeding as long as the female emits that scent that indicates the heat cycle, even if a previous breeding has taken.

Thanks for your question. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hi RU,

You won't be able to definitely count the days until your female's next heat cycle because there are variable that will affect it. Most females commence with the next cycle between four to six months after whelping. This depends a lot on how much the pups take out of her while nursing. If your dog loses a significant amount of weight, it could delay the heat a bit until she is back in full health.

Thanks for your question. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hi Kelly.

I would like to know, if the male dog has gotten it right( in her vulva) then will he stop trying to mate with her when she is till on heat?

-- Contributed by: Jayde

Hello, I have a Lab that just gave birth to a healthy litter. I'd just like to know when will be her next heat and from when do we start count?

Thanks for your time and advice.

-- Contributed by: RU

Hi Charles,

This definitely sounds like your dog's hormone levels are fluctuating, but I can't be sure what the cause is. It would be a good idea to have your vet examine her and do a little bloodwork to figure out what's going on. Hopefully this is something easily remedied.

Thanks for your question.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

My german shepherd came in heat at 7 months. Everything seemed norma. Then about two weeks after she went out of heat she seems to be swelling again. I never noticed any blood this time but she seems to be in heat again. She also was not eating like she was. But still just as playful as she ever was. Running all the time.

-- Contributed by: Charles Gleaves

Hi Josh,

Let me address your questions one at a time.

First, the typical heat cycle lasts about three weeks. Sometimes a female will take a little longer to fully come into season, swelling maybe even a week before she begins to discharge. Other times, the hormone levels fail to return to normal causing a run-on heat cycle. If your dog continues to discharge over the next week, you should take her to the vet for a checkup to discuss the situation.

Next, do you suspect your dog was bred? If so, your vet can perform a pregnancy blood test about three weeks after the heat cycle has finished.

Finally, both males and females will hump. When it's not involved with the breeding process, it's usually a display of dominance over the person, animal or item being focused on.

Thanks for your questions, and I hope your female returns to normal very quickly.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

I have a beagle puppy that just turned 1 year old 3 weeks ago and she has been in heat for about 1 month now. Everything I have read said that heat would end sooner than this and she is still discharging red liquids. Also she is starting to develop larger nipples than usual. Does this mean she is pregnant? One last question since she is a girl dog then why is she humping my leg like a male would do?

-- Contributed by: Josh

Hi Quentin,

As your dog's hormone levels return to normal, the discharge will gradually cease and the swelling in her vulva will go away. She may or may not show a little breast development, but it's nothing to worry about if she wasn't bred. Some females will also blow coat after a heat cycle, you might expect a bit more shedding at this time.

That should be about it unless your dog develops a false pregnancy, something that mimics that symptoms of a real pregnancy for a month or so after the heat cycle ends. Generally there is nothing you need to do about a false pregnancy. The symptoms will gradually fade away on their own.

Thanks for your question.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

So my dogs' in heat but what happens after she's out of heat? I didn't breed her this time becauseit was her first.

-- Contributed by: Quentin smith

Hi Yasmine,

The vulva is located a couple of inches below the anal opening. If this is the area you see is swollen, it's most likely your puppy is having her first season. However, if the "pink ball" actually did emerge from that anal opening, this could indicate a prolapsed rectum, and would require veterinary attention to set it right. If you suspect this might be the case, call your vet right away.

If this is just a heat cycle, there's really nothing you need to do to help your dog through it. Some dogs will seem extra tired, and maybe a touch grumpy during the first week, but they usually become normal again after that. The biggest challenge will be keeping male dogs away from her so she doesn't become pregnant. This is crucial considering her age.

Thanks for your question, and I hope all will be well. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hi Nilsa,

You'll find the answer to your original question posted at Signs Of Dog Pregnancy. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Can my dog get pregnant on her 18th day after her period started?

-- Contributed by: nilsa

Hi kelly i have a six month old puppy and i think she may be on heat, i have been reading the information on this page and now know why my dogs bum is swollen its her vulva i was conserned when this pink ball the size of a golf ball came out of her bum i didnt know what was going on and she has been getting spotting. i was just wondering during this time is there nething i shoul do for her to help her through this???? how long will this ball stay there?? i have never owned a dog befor and was very worried.

-- Contributed by: yasmine

Hi V,

A normal heat cycle only lasts about three weeks, so I don't think your female would still be in season. I wonder if your male dog is still smelling residual scent from your female's heat cycle. Has she been bathed since the cycle ended? If not, I'd give her a good bath, plus I'd wash her blankets and other bedding that may still have a spot or two of discharge left. Hopefully this will remove any lingering attractant for your male and things will get back to normal. If you do happen to notice any more discharge from your female, don't hesitate to have her checked by your vet. It could be a sign of a hormone problem.

Thanks for your question.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hi Kelly, I noticed my eight month old female toy poodle bleed about six weeks ago. When I noticed this I sent my male dog away while she stopped bleeding. I brought him back today (six weeks later) and he seems very desperate to be near her and wants to mount her. Is there a possibility that she is still in heat? We have taken her out and no dogs have approached her. Thanks V

-- Contributed by: Vanessa

Hi Pam,

No, not really. However, you're not far off track. Being around a female that's currently in heat will often cause another female to begin her cycle if it is anywhere near her normal time. Females that live together will often cycle very close together. My three Jack Russels all began their heat cycle within the same month, although not at exactly the same time.

Thanks for an interesting question. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

will being around an unfixed male dog help bring a female into heat

-- Contributed by: Pam

Hi Rachel,

It sounds as though your Maltipoo might have some hormonal issues. It's not normal for a dog to have two seasons so close together. Yes, you might have mistaken the earlier heat cycle, but since you saw the signs, it's possible that your dog had an infertile season. This current heat cycle may or may not be fertile. It's probably worth asking your vet to investigate if you really want to produce a litter.

Thanks for your question.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

My 5 year old female maltipoo went into heat about 1 1/2 months ago(about the middle to last of March). She seems to be in heat again. We just got a 3 month old male chihuahua 2 weeks ago and they have not gotten along very well. They have barked at each other and kept their distance from each other until today. He tried to mate with her and she seemed like she would let him. I have since seperated them, but earlier today he started following her around, sniffing her and she allowed it with her tail up. Could I have been mistaken about the earlier heat? Or can she have another so soon? She has never been bred before. She had all the signs of heat 1 1/2 months ago. I have no intention of letting the chihuahua and maltipoo mate, but I did take her to a friends house to mate with their maltese 1 1/2 months ago and it failed. What could be going on??

-- Contributed by: Rachel

Hi Emma,

It's hard to judge just how much your female may be discharging, but some dogs do drip heavier than others. If the amount of bleeding seems alarming, I think it would be a good idea to let your vet examine her, just to be sure nothing is going wrong. Hopefully the vet will tell you that everything is normal and you will be relieved there is nothing to worry about.

Thanks for your question. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hi Carla,

It's natural for your dog to come into season again six months after the birth of her litter. However, I do not recommend you breed her again this season. I think it's better to skip a heat cycle and let a female come back into full condition before breeding again. That said, some breeders will breed two seasons in a row, and then rest the female for a full year. Use your best judgement on your dog's current condition to decide if this is the right time to breed again.

Thanks for your question, and best wishes no matter what you decide.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

hi my staff has been on heat for 3 days, shes 7 mths old and theres alot of it is that normal?

-- Contributed by: emma

My female is in season she is on her 3rd week,my concern is she had a litter in nov 07 yr. Is it save for her to go again so soon. Her first litter every thing went well no problems.

-- Contributed by: Carla

Hi Stacy,

Some dogs wait as late as 18-24 months to have that first season, so don't despair. There a chance she'll come in soon. That said, yes, many things can cause a delay in a ...'s heat cycle, including weight and stress issues. It sounds as though you're feeding plenty, but the agility training could be throwing her off at this point. This also happens to some women athletes when training vigorously.

My advice for the moment is to wait a few more months to see if your dog cycles on her own. You might want to cut back on the training just a bit. If she hasn't cycled by 18 months old, you can ask your vet to examine her.

Thanks for your question. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

I have a German Shorthair who is 13 months and has not gone into heat yet. I am concerned because I'd like to breed when she's old enough. She is about 23 inches tall and about 40lbs. I am wondering if body fat and weight have anything to do with a dogs cycling like is does in people. She doesn't have much too her, she's fit and very trim. She's trainng for agility and eats 6 to 8 cups of food a day. If you could help that would be great. Stacy

-- Contributed by: stacy

Hi Angel,

I think you'll find our article Dog Heat Cycle and Breeding very helpful. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

My chihuahua mix is acting a little weird. she is peeing more then normal and sleeping alot more. Do these following signs mean that she is in heat? Or do i have to wait a little longer? she has not start bleeding yet. Angel

-- Contributed by: Angel

Hi Martin,

No, it's not normal for your dog to be spotting for this long, and it could indicate a hormonal problem of some sort. The best thing you can do is schedule an exam with your vet. If necessary, the vet can give your dog a hormone shot to help end the heat cycle. However, the problem could be more serious and require further treatment.

Thanks for your question, and I hope things will be alright.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hi Phil,

One of my Shih Tzus used to swell to the size of a golf ball. That said, if you feel her swelling seems unreasonable, there's no harm in asking your vet to take a look at rule out an accompanying infection. Chances are your dog's condition is normal, but better to be safe than sorry.

Thanks for your question.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

my dog is in season and has been for 5-6 weeks and still spotting blood ---is this normal ???????

-- Contributed by: martin

High I have a pitbull valley bulldog cross.She is in heat and her vulva is swelled so much that it is showing out of her privates is this normal or should I have her looked at.She is about a year and we have had her for about 2 months.Thanks

-- Contributed by: phil

Hi Tina,

You'll find the answer to this question as well as a lot more info in our article Dog Heat Cycle and Breeding. Welcome to the site!

-- Contributed by: Kelly

hi i just wanted to know, how long the heat goes on for, i am a first time owner and my puppy is 5 months old, and i do not wish to go thought the hassel of the heat so when do you think i should get her neutered?

-- Contributed by: Tina

Hi Melissa,

Check out our article on Dog Heat Cycle and Breeding. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hi Charles,

There is a medication called Diethylstilbestrol (DES) that can promote an abortion, although this is not the drug's primary use. It can produce side effects, so many vets prefer not to use it. It's actually safer to let a female complete her heat cycle after an accidental breeding, and then have her spayed. This prevents the unwanted litter, as well as eliminates future worries.

Thanks for your question. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

How long does the heat cycle last for a shih tzu? I just noticed spotting yesterday and swelling on our shih tzu. This is her first heat cycle. Thanks!!!

-- Contributed by: melissa

If you dont want you female to be breed, and there is a slight chance that she might have come inot contact with a male. Is there a after morning pill for dogs? I know along time ago there was a shot, but that shot just extended there heat cycle.

-- Contributed by: Charles Gleaves

Hi Jason,

Yes, the heat cycle can affect your dog's behavior and cause any or all of the things you describe. And yes, it is possible for a very determined dog to scale a six-foot-high fence, or dig under it, so keep a close eye on your female while she's outside or you might wind up with an unplanned litter of puppies.

Thanks for your question. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

My question is when a female dog is in heat, is she restless, does she bark allot, can the male dogs jump 6 feet fences to mate with her. I would appreciate a response

-- Contributed by: Jason

Hi Kyle,

It's difficult to say what's going on here. If it is a UTI, your dog needs to be on a stronger antibiotic to overcome the bacteria. As for the spaying, ask your vet if it was a full spay, or just a tubal ligation. If it was just a tubal and clamps were used to close the tubes, there's a good chance the clamps have slipped. This does happen from time to time.

If you're not satisfied with the answers or treatment you recieve from the ASPCA vet, it would be a very good idea to get a second opinion from another vet.

Thanks for sharing your situation, and I do hope you can find some resolution and help your dog get healthy again.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hi Susan,

Some dogs come into heat with so little sign that it's possible to miss those first days. My hunch is that your dog's flow has lightened up and she is now in the fertile portion of her cycle. She'll eventually resume heavier bleeding and this will taper off over the course of a week.

Even though your female is not receptive to your male as of yet, you should keep them apart until her heat cycle is completely finished unless you want a litter of puppies.

Thanks for your question. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hi Kelly

I got my dog from the (Pennsylvania)SPCA about a year and a half ago. She is a 2 year old Cockapoo. Around 2 months (maybe sooner than that) after i got her she started bleeding after she urinated outside. Like she would position herself to pee then get back up go around the yard and position herself again to pee. I realized one day that after the second or third time of her positioning herself she would bleed. So i took her to the SPCA Vet and he did blood test (which came back normal) and urinary test. He said that all she had was a U.T.I which he gave me Ammoxicilan(Sp)for and sent me on my way. I gave her the meds and she stopped bleeding but as soon as the pills were gone she started bleeding again. I've been back twice after that and he said the same thing. I think that he's not telling me something. I think that maybe he did a messed up job on her Spaying operation. They say there that she was spayed but now she's passing clots like a humans period. I was just wondering if you knew what this might be. Is there the possibility that they didnt spayed her all the way or they messed up the operation, or even didnt spayed her at all and just opened her up (to present a scar for proof of the operation) and just closed her up again.

Oh and also i went on the interent and saw that if you rub the female dogs back side and if the tail either goes fully up or to the side to reveal her vagina then that means that she's in heat. I did that test like 2 hours ago and her tail QUICKLY went ALL the way over to the side! Could she be in heat even though they "say" that they spayed her. THANK YOU!!!

-- Contributed by: Kyle

yes I have a min pin and we noticed a week ago she was spotting some but it only lasted 2 days and was just spotting, but now we notice that our male is going crazy and can not be seperated at all from her without great disstress and he is mounting her all day and night, but she always rejects him..could this be early signs of her going into heat even without strong bleeding? thanks

-- Contributed by: susan

Hi Kelly Marie,

You need to watch for signs your female has reached the fertile stage of her heat cycle. Her discharge will turn from dark red to light pinkish tan. She will also stand with her tail held out of the way for a male.

For more info, visit our article Dog Heat Cycle and Breeding.

Thanks for your questions and good luck. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

When a female dog does come into season,do you know exactly when the best time to breed her would be? I have 2 chihuahuas,and i want to breed her once with the male before i get her fixed. So is there like a certian time when she comes in season to breed her, and how will I know if she is pregnant?

-- Contributed by: Kelly Marie

Hi Mike,

The heat cycle lasts approximately three weeks. Dogs typically bleed during the first week, and then lighten up considerably during the second week so that it almost seems like they've finished. However, bleeding resumes the third week and gradually trails off. Dogs can remain a little swollen after that, but most of the swelling should be gone about a week after the cycle has finished. Some females' vulvas never quite return to original size, but it's usually nothing to worry about.

Thanks for your question. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Our Shih Tzu is a little over 6 months old and came into heat a couple weeks ago. The bleeding seemed to subside and stop a few days ago, and we were wondering if it was normal for her to remain swollen for a time after the bleeding stops. She was and still is moderately swollen. Just wonder what the "normal" should be. Thanks.

-- Contributed by: Mike

Hi Deb,

I think you'll find our article on Birth Control Pills for Dogs has some useful information, but your best option is to discuss your plans with your vet and find out what are the most advanced techniques used today. Most of the drugs used for canine birth control produce side-effects when used for lengthy periods. I'm not sure there is a current drug that can be used for so long.

Thanks for your question.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

are there any shots or anything to keep a dog out of heat, like using regumate on horses for instance? i would like to breed our dog, but not for another two years. any ideas other than keeping them apart? thanks

-- Contributed by: deb

Hi Vickie,

All canine pregnancies carry certain risks, but the risks are higher for a puppy that's carrying a litter. The best advice I can offer is to have your vet examine your puppy right away. The vet will then council you on the best course of action.

Best wishes that all turns out well.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hi Kathy,

With a heat cycle, you'd normally see traces of blood discharge. Your dog may well have a yeast infection or some other type of urinary tract problem. I think it would be safest to have your vet take a look at her. The vet will culture the discharge, and can give her antifugal medication if it does turn out to be yeast.

Thanks for your question, and I hope your dog is well soon.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

I have a six month old chorkie will there be problems if she has been in heat and may be pregnant

-- Contributed by: vickie

My girl is 7 months old and she is having some sticky whiteish discharge, could this be heat or a yeast infection? Yesterday I gave her a bath, but tomight she is working hard to keep herself clean. What is the right thing to do?

-- Contributed by: Kathy

Hi Gaby,

Most vets would want to spay your dog after the heat cycle has finished. The good news is that she only has about a week to go, so she'll be back to normal soon. In the meantime, you can increase her energy and help her gain a little more weight by offering her some boiled ground beef and brown rice once a day in addition to her regular kibble. If you decide you like cooking for your dog, I recommend you check out a book called The Natural Pet Food Cookbook. It's fill with easy, nutritionally balanced recipes that are vet approved. It's written by Wendy Nan Rees, and I believe you can find it on Amazon.com.

Thanks for your question, and good luck with your new little friend!

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hello Kelly,

I have a little Yorkie,she's 10 months old. she's in season now about two weeks in, I believe? I just got her as a gift last month. I was wondering, if it was a good idea to spay during her season? She's very swollen, tired and underweight. She's about one pound and half and is about 6-7 inches in height and about 11-12 inches long. She's a tiny little thing. I would never consider breeding her. I'm just worried for her health. Is there anything I can do to help her feel better during this time?

Thank you, Gaby

-- Contributed by: Gaby

Hi Kelly,

There's no guarantee that your female will ovulate on the same exact days of each heat cycle. My advice is to wipe her vulva with a white tissue and examine the color of the discharge. Light pink to tan usually indicates that ovulation is taking place. A darker red color usually signals the time isn't right for fertilization. If you want to eliminate any guesswork, you can ask your vet to take smears to check for ovulation.

Thanks for your question, and I hope this info helps you carry out a successful breeding. Good luck!

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hi, I have bred my female pug 4 times with the same male. The first breeding took and she had a litter. The second breeding did not take. The third breeding took and she had another litter, and the fourth breeding did not take. I bred her at the exact same time during her cycle each time (7 to 9 days after she started bleeding) She is almost ready to be bred again and I am wondering if you have any advice on what could be the reason that two of the breeding did not take. thanks for your help. Kelly

-- Contributed by: kelly

Hi Shane,

There is no definitive answer to this question because the amount of blood discharged during a heat cycle varies from one female to the next. On average, you'll notice anywhere from an occasional smear to droplets. It would be more unusual to find puddles of blood on the floor. If you find anything like this, estimate the diameter of the puddle and call your vet for advice about whether your female needs and appointment.

You can also expect to see more bleeding during the first week of the cycle, a reduction in discharge during the second week, and a resumation of bleeding during the third week that gradually trickles away to nothing.

Thanks for your question, and I hope this info sufficiently answers your question. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

how much blood should my lab disgharge during h the heat cycle

-- Contributed by: shane

Hi Joanne,

Your dog won't be able to impregnante your bitch, so there is no reason to keep them separated on that account. However, you male probably still thinks he can breed her, so if the physical stress from his attentions would be too much for your...with her heart condition, you would want to monitor their contact, and confine one of the dogs to quiet them down.

Thanks for your question, and I hope all goes smoothly.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hi Jessica,

Yes, the humping might be an early signal that the hormone levels are beginning to fluctuate. I tihk you'll find our article on Dog Heat Cycle and Breeding very helpful. There is more information about physical/behavioral changes to help you know what to watch out for as the cycle approaches.

Thanks for your question. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hi Jacqueline,

No, it's not normal for for heat cycles to happen back to back. Did it seem like the first cycle was just about finished when your...began to swell again and resume full discharging? My thinking is that this could be related to abnormal hormone levels, and this is something to check out with your vet, especially if you plan on breeding her in the future.

As an aside, I want to commend you for waiting to breed your female until you've had her certified healthy through OFA. I wish all breeders were so responsible.

Thanks for your question, and I hope this cycling problem is only a temporary set back.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

We have two golden retrievers. A male and a female. Our female golden has a rare heart condition and we cannot get her spayed. Our male dog is neutered. The female just recently went into heat. Is it necessary to separate the dogs at this time??? I didn't think where he is neutered but I had someone tell me that we should separate them for at least 3 weeks.

Thanks

-- Contributed by: Joanne

im having a hard time trying to figure out if my girl is going into heat or not, she usually spots she hasnt yet. last night she started humping my daughter so would that also be a sign?

-- Contributed by: Jessica

My golden Just turned two in November, and cycled March 10th. I have been charting her for the last few years. She cycled @ 10 months in September of '06, and has been a March/Sept. girl. By calculation she should have been all but done by the 31st (or 21 days). I plan to have her OFA clearance done before her Sept. cycle and breed her then. J~

However, despite the fact that we should have been in the free and clear two days ago, she is swollen and spotting again. It is a bright red discharge at this time. Do heat cycles "piggyback" like this? Our last female never had this happen.

-- Contributed by: Jacqueline

Hi Jill,

I wouldn't expect to see the next heat cycle so soon. This might be related to an infection from the recent birth. Anytime a female begins to bleed heavily again a few weeks after whelping is cause for a follow up visit to the vet, so go ahead and make that appointment. Hopefully the situation isn't too serious.

Thanks for your question, and best wishes.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

My golden retreiver just had her last litter of pups 8 1/2 weeks ago. she has just begun to have a bloody discharge, could she be in heat already? She is still nursing a couple of the pups 1-2 min. 2x/day.

-- Contributed by: jill Hard

Hi Jennifer,

How worried you should be depends on exactly when your...began her season. It can be very difficult to tell when a...keeps herself extremely clean. Was the male acting interested, beyond normal dog play? Did you or your sister witness any breeding behavior?

Since you're planning to have your...spayed anyway, I would keep her confined from males for the rest of the season and schedule her spaying appointment as soon as possible after her cycle has ended. This way you won't have to worry about an unwanted litter.

Thanks for your question.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hi Laura,

It varies depending on how much stress the litter put on mom's resources, and how long it takes her to recover. Usually, the next heat cycle will be in four to six months after the birth, if your...regularly cycles every six months.

Thanks for your question. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

I have a 10 month old boxer female that has just come into heat a few days ago. My vet would like to let her go through one cyle before she is altered. My vet also said that she most likely go into heat until after she was a year old. With all of that being said, she had a play date with my sister intact male on Thursday and then I noticed the bleeding on Saturday morning. Also she is VERY good at keeping herself clean and I only noticed the blood because I went to launder her bed linen in her crate. I never saw the two of them mate but they were left unattended in the house for about 30 minutes. How worried should I be?

-- Contributed by: Jennifer

How long after does a female come into heat that has a litter thank you

-- Contributed by: LAURA

Hi there. I have a mom, dad, and their daughter (Boxers). I am dog-sitting the mom and dad right now. The mom is fixed, but her daughter is about 4 days into her "Heat" period. How do I keep her father from trying to breed with her? I don't want incestuous puppies, but I don't want to fix my dog yet because I do eventually want to breed her. Is there dog "rules" or things they won't do, like breed within the family? Help!

-- Contributed by: Stefani

Hi Vicki,

You can expect both mom and puppy to come into heat anytime now. If your vet is able to schedule you in right away, it would be a good idea to have both pets spayed right now. Otherwise, you will probably have to wait until their heat cycles end. You may have heard this before, but one ... in heat tends to trigger everybody else in the house, so you can probably expect both girls to cycle rather close together.

Thanks for your question. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hi Kathy,

The typical heat cycle only lasts about three weeks, so this could signal a problem with your ...'s hormone levels. The hormones trigger the onset of the heat, as well as the end of it. I think it would be worth having your vet examine her to determine exactly what's going on.

Thanks for your question, and I hope the problem is easily solved.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

I have a female boxer who has had her first litter of pups almost 6 months ago. I have one of the female pups plus mom when can I expect the puppy to go into heat and also mom to go back into heat? I will be spaying the puppy and need to prevent mom from becoming pregnant again.

-- Contributed by: vicki

I have a female german shepherd who came in heat for the 1st time at around 10 months. She has been in heat for approximately 5 weeks. Isn't this too long of a heat cycle and could something be wrong with her?

-- Contributed by: Kathy

How long after my puppy is finished with her first heat can she be spayed?

Hi Sue,

Let your vet make the final call on this one, but you can probably have your bitch spayed within a couple weeks of completing her heat cycle.

Thanks for your question. :)

-- Contributed by: Sue

my ... is in season, she is standing for the male but he seems clueless as to what to do! he keeps licking and doing nothing else.please help

Hi Dawn,

Unfortunately, it seems like your male doesn't have the instinct to breed at this time. Even though your bitch is standing, she may not be quite ready yet and perhaps he can smell this in her hormones. I'm assuming this is the first time breeding your male. I don't know how old he is, but perhaps he simply isn't mature enough for breeding yet.

You have a couple of options. You can continue to try a breeding over the next couple of days, you can opt to use another stud on your bitch, or you can take both of your dogs to the vet to have an artificial insemination performed. Hopefully your male will be ready to perform on his own during a future heat cycle.

Thanks for your question, and good luck!

-- Contributed by: dawn

I just got a female basset hound and she is about 3 months old and recently she has been acting real depressed and down and my boyfriend believes she is in heat... but i say she is to young to be in heat and then the other night we caught my male dasudhaud (spell check) ummm... humping her. and she were just wondering if we should be consered about her being pregant. she was very playful before this happened and now she has thrown up a few times, she has a bad case of the runs and she is very depressed and won't eat. any advice will be greatly appericated.

Hi Lena,

If you're sure about your new puppy's age, she's too young to be in heat. Right now, Your Dachshund's humping is more about establishing dominance over the puppy. This will become more of an issue in about another three months when your bitch will likely have her first heat cycle.

Right now, it sounds to me like your puppy is actually sick. Has she received any vaccinations yet? Lethargy, vomitting and diarrhea could all be signs of parvo virus. My best advice is to take your puppy to the vet right away. She could easily become dehydrated, so it's important not to delay.

Best wishes for your puppy's health, and thank you for your questions.

-- Contributed by: Lena

my female dog hasnt been in season for awhile. It's been 3 yrs now. Is it possible for female dog to go that long for not being in season?

Hi Lio,

Dogs don't go through menopause like women, so they should continue to cycle throughout their lives. A cessation of heat cycles could signal a hormonal problem or perhaps a growth on the ovaries. This might be something you want to bring to your vet's attention, just to make sure your bitch is still healthy.

Thanks for your question. :)

-- Contributed by: lio

I have two street dogs I picked up as puppies in Turkey. They are sisters, not at all similar (one is a collie, the other is a greyhound ... Heinz 57). The collie bleeds quite heavily and I wonder if there is any medication I can give her to minimize her flow?

Hi Den,

That's an interesting question. I've never heard of any meds that could reduce the amount of discharge, but you might want to follow up with your vet about this. In the meantime, you might try having your bitch wear a pair of doggie britches to minimize the mess. Doggie britches are sold in many pet supply stores, but if you can't find them, you can cut a tail hole in a large pair of children's training pants and slip them on your bitch's rear. I've doen this myself and it really works. You'll want to keep several pairs on hand so you have a fresh pair to slip on her while you're washing the soiled set.

Thanks for your question. :)

-- Contributed by: Den

my dog is having a period how much does it take it to end?

Hi Aylin,

The typical heat cycle lasts about three weeks. You'll see discharge the first week, but this will lighten up quite a bit the second week when your bitch comes into the fertile portion of her cycle. By the third week, the discharge will become heavier again and then begin to taper off.

Thanks for your question. :)

-- Contributed by: Aylin

-- Contributed by: Den

Hey my ... is is in heat and she has mated just a day ago, how an I sure she is pregnat, I don't have a pregnancy test for dogs and I want to be sure before her heat ends.

Hi Carrie,

Unfortunately, you won't be able to be sure whether the breeding has taken before her heat cycle ends, but your vet can do a blood test about two weeks afterward that will let you know whether or not your dog is pregnant.

Even though you bred her yesterday, it may take a coupld days for the sperm to reach the eggs. Then it takes time for the pregnancy hormones to build up in the bloodstream before they can be detected.

One or two breedings should be sufficient to produce a litter as long as both dogs are fertile and the breedings were carried out at the right time.

Thanks for your question, and I'll keep my fingers crossed for you.

-- Contributed by: carrie

Can you tell me how long a female heat cycle lasts? Also how long after a heat cycle is it safe to do spaying?

My 9 month old std poodle was to be spayed a week ago but became ill so I had to delay. Unfortunately my vet is so booked that it has delayed surgery for about 5 wks and I am now noticing some changes that could indicate she is coming into her first heat cycle.

Hi Joyce,

The typical heat cycle lasts about three weeks from start to finish. Most vets prefer not to spay a bitch during this time, but the procedure can be carried out as soon as the cycle has ended.

Thanks for your question. :)

-- Contributed by: Joyce

I have a female and a male boxer, I have tried several times to breed them, so far it hasn't worked. Everytime the female comes into heat I let them get together. Is there a certain day, or should I limit how many times I let them get together? I really want puppies and I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong.

Hi Becca,

You'll find the information you need in our article on Dog Heat Cycle and Breeding. :)

-- Contributed by: becca

Im hoping I have timed this right, my toy poodle had the swollen vulva,and the first time I noticed bleeding(which she kept her self really clean so dont know if I may have missed some days) but I started counting from day I noticed. And on 7th day I put male poodle with her She is 2yrs. old and acted a little shy or something to that mater so I held her and they did tie, with no problem howling or cutting up. She is no longer bleeding and I havent noticed and discharge. Do you think Ive waited too long or not long enough?

Hi Gina,

If it was truly your dog's seventh day in season, you probably are covered. The sperm can live for several days once delivered, and if your bitch wasn't already sending down eggs, she would have been within the next few days. I would wait until it has been a full two weeks after her heat cycle has ended, and then ask your vet to perform a blood test to determine whether or not she's pregnant.

Thanks for your question, and good luck.

-- Contributed by: gina

I am pretty sure my great dane is in heat. She has all the signs, but my biggest concern is the amount of blood coming out. It usually only when she urinates and sometimes when she is sleeping she leaves a little mess. I am concerned that the volume of blood is way too abnormal. She act's fine -- eats and plays like normal and doesn't show any behavioral signs that she is sick or has a problem. Any advice in this area? Am I just overreacting?

Hi Chad,

The good news is that I don't think you have anything to be concerned about. Some bitches do have very light discharge throughout their heat cycles, and it's perfectly normal. Sometimes the signs are so slight you can hardly tell they're in season at all. All things considered, this type of season is easier to deal with than one where a bitch discharges excessively.

Thanks for your question, and I'm sure everything is fine. :)

-- Contributed by: Chad

I have a 1 yr. old Toy Chawawa & about 2 wks ago our male dog started to follow her around...He won't stop!!!! She started bleeding today. Q1- These diapers are too big for her...What can I do to try to eliminate her bleeding all over everything? Q2- I've heard there are different stages & if the male started following her around 2 wks ago & she just started bleeding today...How much longer will she be in heat? Q3- How much longer will she bleed? THIS IS MY FIRST TIME HAVING TO DO THIS & I'M A LITTLE FREAKED OUT!!!! :) THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ANYONE THAT MIGHT HAVE SOME ADVICE & FOR HELPING ME OUT IN MY TIME OF NEED!!!! :)

Hi Wendi,

I think our article on Dog Heat Cycle and Breeding contains the info you're looking for about your dog's heat cycle. As for a better way to keep your bitch from discharging around your home, I recommend a product called doggie britches. They actually have adjustable elastic straps, and I have used them on Chihuahuas without a problem. You can usually find them at any pet supply shop.

Thanks for your question. :)

-- Contributed by: Wendi

I had a female dog at my house for the day that was in heat, now my male dog goes crazy everytime he is around the garage or outside in the backyard. How can I get the scent of the female away so my dog does not want to go outside every 5 minutes? Thank you for your help.

Hi Amy,

It's going to take a few days, but the scent should break down eventually. The difficulty in trying to use a specific product to clear the smell is that it would be very hard to find the exact spots the bitch used in the yard.

In the meantime, try to distract your dog from his obsession with some extra playtime. Hopefully this will remind him there's more to life than a pretty girl. :)

Thanks for your question.

-- Contributed by: Amy

I have a queation re heat cycles in dogs as Iwant to assure My female is not bred again this year. How soon after a litter will the female dog go back into heat. Does the time start after she has completed nursing? When should I expect the next heat cycle?

Hi Sheila,

This is a great question, but a little difficult to answer. If your dog comes into heat every six months, you may see the next heat cycle approximately four months after the pups have been whelped. However, certain factors can delay that cycle. How quickly your bitch comes back into condition after weaning is one factor. If the litter depletes a lot of her personal energy and resources, she may cycle a bit later than usual. Our article What Influences Heat Cycles goes into the topic in more depth, and I think you'll find it helpful.

Thanks for your question. :)

-- Contributed by: sheila

i was afraid when my doggie releases blood in her vagina because it was swelling. I thought it was abnormal but as i read those answer i calm my self that it is normal. What bothers my mind is that the dog, when in heat, loses appetite? Hope you can help me guys, thank you.

Hi Aiza,

Some bitches go off their food a little bit during their heat cycle, but it's usually not a big problem, and after the first week their appetite usually returns. Some bitches aren't completely themselves until the three week cycle is totally finished. Try not to worry too much, but do call your vet if your dog completely stops eating. You can try tempting her with some boiled chicken or ground beef with brown rice.

Thanks for your question. :)

-- Contributed by: Aiza

If i neuter my female puppy, will that cause any changes when it comes to her being in heat? Will she stilll bleed when in heat?

Hi Tania,

Spaying your bitch will eliminate her heat cycle and put an end to the blood discharge associated with it. If you don't plan to breed her, I definitely think this is the way to go. :)

-- Contributed by: Tania

I have a 4 month old female pitbull and a 1 year old male pitbull. For some reason he is always trying to mate with my female pitbull, is there a reason for this? and may i ask how many pups do u think she would have if she gets pregnant on her first heat cycle.

Hi Marven,

At this point, your male is trying to establish dominance over the female with his behavior. However, the situation is going to get serious very soon because many bitches come into heat for the first time around six months old. This is far too young to have a litter, and it can lead to lasting health ramifications. I highly recommend that you watch closely for signs that your bitch is coming into heat and keep you male confined during the entire cycle to avoid a breeding. I wouldn't really recommend breeding your bitch until she is closer to 18 months old so you can be sure she has fully matured. I think you'll find our article on Dog Heat Cycle and Breeding very helpful.

Thanks for your questions. :)

-- Contributed by: marven

My show girl Cazzie (standard wire dachshund) is going on 14 months old and has yet to have a heat cycle. I find this unusual, but is it?

Ruger had her first heat cycle when she was 11 months. She has always had one at the end of December just like clockwork. Kimber had her first one at 10 months old and has hers at the end of March usually.

Cazzie's sister JUST had her first heat cycle three weeks ago. Cazzie just went through a growth spurt about 4 months ago. She grew and gained 4 pounds to make her now 27 pounds. I wonder if that might have anything to do with it?

Not that Im in any hurry for her to have her first heat. I just think its a bit odd.

Hi Sussie,

Cazzie does sound like she is slightly behind her family's history for heat cycles, but I wouldn't worry about it just yet. Some dogs are just late bloomers. If she hasn't had her first season by the time she's 18 months old, you might want to consult your vet.

That said, it is possible that the stress of her show career has delayed her heat cycle. Many show bitches have heat cycles like clockwork throughout their careers, but stress can play a factor. Perhaps Cazzie will begin to cycle regularly after she's finished her championship and can relax at home.

Thanks for your question.

-- Contributed by: Sussie

I have a female 6 1/2 month old pitbull.Her first day bleeding was today, she has been swollen for a few days but ever since today she has just been really mellow and distant and as a result im worried that she may have cramps or something similar and if she is in anytype of discomfort is there any medicine that i can give her?

Hi Isabella,

The change you describe are quite typical of a bitch during the first week of her heat cycle. It's better to avoid giving her any medication unless you're sure it's absolutely necessary. If you do decide to medicate her, you'll want to ask your vet which product to use, as well as what the appropriate dose is for your dog's weight.

Thanks for your question. :)

-- Contributed by: isabella

I have a female puppy that I'm pretty sure just went into heat over the past week.. she's swollen and doesn't seem to be irritated. I've even touched around the area to see if she was in distress, but instead, blood came out. This is why I figure she's in heat (she's about 7mos). We're going to be having her fixed (when we can afford it) but my questionis.. is there something we can do to keep her from bleeding on things? or will this even happen? Kinda like a diaper? I don't mean to sound ignorant, but this is my first puppy.. Thanks :)

Hi Heather,

This is actually a good question. I have always preferred to use a set of vinyls doggie britches with elastic snap straps. There is a little picket inside that will hold a small pad or a folded tissue. These work very well and are adjustible for a better fit. You just need to remember to remove the britches before you let your dog outside to potty.

Thanks for your question. :)

-- Contributed by: Heather

I have a 6 month old Female Pomeranian and a 7 year old spayed male Pomeranian. I am watching closely for her to go into heat but I don't think it has happened yet. Even though my male is spayed I want to separate them so my male doesn't give her any grief but I am not sure when to implement that. Should I start now, or wait until I am sure she has started? I noticed a few days ago that she has started swelling so I assume we are nearly at that stage.

-- Contributed by: Hannah

I wan't to know whats the earliest time a dog could mate,cause my pit just got her period and the male got to her (lol),whats the possibility that she would get pregnant and would that cause any probelms for her?

Hi Jay,

Pregnancy carries a bit of risk no matter how old your bitch is. Typically, bitches don't come into the fertile part of their heat cycle until around day eight or nine, but that's not a hard rule. Even if bred on day eight, the sperm can live for several days and fertilize an egg released two days later. This means there's a good possibility your bitch could become pregnant from this breeding.

Thanks for your question, and I hope everything works out alright.

-- Contributed by: jay

I have a Female PitBull and she's right at seven and a half months old. She is trying to or is going in heat, I'm assuming. She has been swollen for the past month. Last week she finally went down quite abit, but this week she has swollen up again, she's well puffy let me add. Not seen no signs of bleeding yet. Is it normal for her to be swollen for that long of a period? Thanks...

Hi Teresa,

Although some bitches can take longer to launch into full heat on that first cycle, your bitch's problem does seem a bit unusual. To be on the safe side, I'd give your vet a call to discuss what's going on. Your vet may tell you to simply wait it out, but he/she may also want to examine your dog first hand to be sure of what's going on.

Thanks for your question, and I hope the situation resolves itself soon.

-- Contributed by: Teresa

my questionis on artificial insemination. My american bulldogs were unable to breed soI had a breeder AI the female on days 9,11 and 13 from when she started bleeding.On day 11 the flow turned from red to brown. Do you think we missed the 'window of opportunity' or is this normal. Also, what are signs of pregnancy?

Hi Margie,

The breedings you describe should cover your dog's fertile time, so you have a good chance of coming out of this with a litter. Check out our article on Signs Of Dog Pregnancy to help you ascess your bitch in the coming weeks. You can also ask your vet to confirm the pregnancy with a blood test a couple weeks after the heat cycle ends.

Good luck!

-- Contributed by: Margie

I have a 7yr old neo. mastiff named Ania who has now been in heat/bleeding for almost 2months straight. At times blood clots and then alil lighter but doesnt seem normal. I have taking her to the vet and had a ultrasound, xrays and blood work taken and they found nothing and said she was just in heat. I dont believe that. She doesnt eat like she normally does either. Iam so worried and thought maybe you could help. Please help!

Hi Melinda,

You're right, it's definitely not normal for a bitch to be in heat for nearly two months. If this is truly the case, I highly recommend you have her spayed. This will completely eliminate the problem, and your dog should quickly regain her health. I'm surprised your vet didn't discuss this treatment possibility.

Thanks for your question, and I do hope everything gets back to normal for you soon.

-- Contributed by: Melinda

My small dog is in heat. She seems like she doesn't like what is happening. Do dogs get cramps or moody?

Hi Julie,

Yes, I believe that some bitches do feel some discomfort at the beginning of their heat cycle. It usually only lasts for a few days, and then it seems to go away as the fertile period approaches. Moodiness is also natural during this time.

Just give your dog a little extra attention and comfort right now. I'm sure she'll appreciate it. Best wishes.

-- Contributed by: Julie

Hi: Is there any kind of odour when a dog goes into heat? I have a springer spaniel femal, around 8 months, and i'm wondering if she's on heat. there's no blood, but she's been licking and sniffing her rear end. and she skipped a meal today, though otherwise seems healthy and active. Thanks.

Hi Swan,

Yes, there is a bit of a musky scent. Some bitches give off more smell than others. Licking is also one of the early signs. Presumably the bitch feels the swelling just beginning in the vulva.

Your bitch just might be getting ready to come in season, so watch for the swelling because that usually comes before the discharge begins.

Thanks for your question.

-- Contributed by: swan

My small female is in heat, she is an older dog, about 7 yrs old and just had a litter of 2 pups in Oct. I got her shortly after she had these pups as her owner died.I am planning on having her spayed the end of this month. Can she still be spayed if she is coming out of her heat cycle or do I have to wait until she is completely over it.

Hi Kris,

Some vets prefer to wait until the heat cycle is over because the increased blood flow in the uterus could present bleeding issues. Others vets don't have a problem with spaying a bitch in heat and will forge ahead. I would discuss it with the vet you plan to use and go with his/her recommendation.

Thanks for your question. :)

-- Contributed by: Kris

hi i have a female terrior. she is about a year old she is swelled up in the area where is urinates and her boobies are out to. the male dog is whinning all of the time to get her i have to keep them apart. is this because she is in heat or has he gotton her pregant?

                            thank you.

Hi Shirely,

It really sounds as though your dog is in season right now. If you haven't kept them completely separated, there's a good chance your male may have bred your bitch, but since he's still so anxious, she probably hasn't finished her cycle yet. I think you'll find the information in our article on Dog Heat Cycle and Breeding very helpful.

Best wishes.

-- Contributed by: shirley mcmurray

Can a female dog thats in heat cause another female dog to go in heat also?

Hi Michelle,

Yes, this is quite typical. The theory is that a bitch in heat's phermones trigger a response in her companions. If they are anywhere near their next heat cycle, it will usually pull them in. As a matter of fact, my trio of Jack Russell bitches all came into season within a week of each other this month.

Thanks for your question. :)

-- Contributed by: michelle

Is there a "pill" for dogs? I'm not sure yet whether I want to breed my dog...and certainly not during her first fertile period.

Hi Judy,

Technically there is medication. Check out our article Birth Control Pills for Dogs. Just be aware that this medication doesn't work the same way for dogs as it does for women.

Thanks for your question.

-- Contributed by: Judy

My puppy is 10 months old and she is on heat. i was wondering how long she will be on heat for? She is separated from our male dog at the moment, she is bleeding and what age should we get her pregnant.

Taelar.

Hi Taelar,

The typical heat cycle lasts about three and a half weeks. I recommend you wait to breed your bitch until she is at least 18 months old if she's a small dog, and two years old if she's a large breed.

Thanks for your question.

-- Contributed by: Taelar

HI, I HAVE A 12 MONTH OLD ...ZU.. SHE JUST GOT HER CYCLE!! IM FREAKNG OUT!!! 1ST THEE SMELL IF TERRIBLE!! 2ND SHES FREAKNG OUT BECAUSE SHE TRYS TO USE THEE BATHROOM BUT, SHE REALIZES SHE CANT CAUSE SHE HAS A PAMPER!! 3RD I TAKE HER A BATH EVERYDAY !! SINCE THIS HAPPEND !! BECAUSE I CANT STAND THEE SMELL!!!! WOULD IT BE MEAN TO NEUTEUR HER???? I DONT KNOW IF THATS THEE RIGHT SPELLNG!! SORRY!! OR SHOULD I SEE HOE LONG HER CYCLE LAST & HOW OFTEN IT COMES IN???

Hi Jasmine,

A heat cycle typically lasts about three and a half weeks, and most bitches come into season every six months. Under the circumstances, I would highly recommend having your bitch spayed. It is not a cruel procedure in my opinion, and all of my girls have recovered from surgery within about 48 hours.

Thanks for your question.

-- Contributed by: JASMINE

My puppy is a 6-7 months old and she is showing some signs, i also have a 3 year old male dog but he isn't fixed. i noticed he was taking way too much interest in my puppy so i seperated them from eachother. I really don't want puppies, and i don't know if my puppy herself is actually pregnant or in heat. But i plan to take her this week to get fixed. Should i wait until she's out of her first heat cycle to get her fixed, or should i just get her fixed right away?

Hi Josie,

Call your vet and let him/her make that call. Some vets are willing to perform the procedure when the bitch is in heat, others prefer to wait until the cycle is over. Be sure to let the vet know that you are trying to prevent a breeding with your unneutered male. If all else fails, take your male in first and have him neutered. You can follow up with your female later.

Thanks for your question.

-- Contributed by: Josie

My female pitnull is 1 1/2 years old. I bought her from an old guy so i believe that this is probably her second heat. I have never seen a eat cycle like this in a dog b4. She graually swoll up and it seemed like she was trying to release a golf ball, now it has turned into a swollen uponing but is too big for the male to get stuck, i want to know is tis normal and if so is ther anything special i need 2 do for her.

Hi Jamarcus,

Some bitches do swell excessively, so your bitch is probably just fine. If you're actively trying to breed her, I'm sure it won't be a promblem. A male swells quite a bit himself and should be able to tie her. However, a tie is not necessary for fertilization.

Thanks for your question, and good luck.

-- Contributed by: jamarcus

my female boxer was 7 days into her heat cycle and still bleeding when my male 'tied' with her..we thought the damage was done and didn't bother to keep them apart..the next day they 'tied' again!!

my question is she is still bleeding red not tan can she get pregnant before this colour change?

Hi Catherine, actually yes she can. The sperm can live for several days after delivery, and are still capable of fertilizing the eggs as they are released.

Thanks for your question, and best wishes for a happy outcome.

-- Contributed by: catherine

We have an Englih Bulldog,she's 10 months and is having her 1st heat. We also have 2 males! At this time the boys will not leave her alone and the older male fights with the younger one. Her bleeding has stopped and I was wondering if during this 2nd cycle of the heat is when she can get pregnant? How much longer will the 2 males keep bothering her? It has been very difficult to keep them seperated and needless to say it's VERY hectic with 3 Bullies and 1 in heat. I can't wait for it to be over. Also my husband wants to breed them. I told him breeding Bullies is not easy at all...any advice on that. Thanks so much!!

Hi Heather, The second week is typically the most fertile part of the cycle, but a breeding occuring at any point during the cycle could result in a litter of puppies. I think you'll find our article on Dog Heat Cycle and Breeding very helpful.

As for breeding Bulldogs, it is one of the most difficult breeds to propagate. The heads of the puppies are quite large, and a good number of bitches wind up having C-sections, which can be quite expensive. If your husband has his heart set on this, I recommend that you both talk with the breeders you bought your dogs from to see what kind of advice they have to offer. At any rate, skip your bitch on this heat cycle because she is definitely too young to be bred.

Thanks for your questions. :)

-- Contributed by: Heather

I have a 7 month old puppy who came into heat 3 weeks ago this coming monday. I don't want to breed her, but I also did not want her spayed when she was very young. She is scheduled to be spayed in a few more weeks. I am wondering if she will be completly out of her heat cycle and unable to get pregnant after this coming monday, or if there are signs that I need to look for to tell that she is surely no longer fertle. The sign that made us know that she was in heat was discharge, and now she is also swolen. I don't want her to be pregnant and I don't want her to cause a nusance at the dog park either, but I would like to return to allowing her off-leash at the park so that she can run around and use up some of her energy. Thanks!

Hi Sarah, your dog's heat cycle should be coming to an end, but I think it's too risky to allow her to run off lead just yet. It's difficult to tell exactly when the heat cycle is finished, because it just seems to trail away. I would wait until the swelling is definitely gone down.

Thanks for your question. :)

-- Contributed by: Sarah

I have a female pitbull. She came in to heat her first time in Oct 11 2007 It was very short and she didn't bleed that much. Now on Jan. 26 2008 she came in to again this time she is bleeding alot. Is it the right time to breed her? She is around 7 or 8 mos. the vet was not sure of her age. I think she is to young. But i have a male pit also that is very interested in being a daddy! I have her in a kennle cage right now. so no puppies untill i say. also i was wondering if i only let them hook up once does that mean only a few puppies? I have heard if you let them mate more, the more puppies you will have. How long does it take a female to carry puppies?

Hi Phyllis, by your estimate your dog is far too young to breed. There's also a question of why she's already back in season four months later. This is worth having your vet investigate.

How many puppies a bitch has depends on how many eggs she is releasing while the sperm are still viable. The typical dog pregnancy lasts about 63-67 days.

You can learn more about all of this in our articles on Dog Heat Cycle and Breeding and Dog Pregnancy.

Thanks for your questions, and best wishes.

-- Contributed by: phyllis

Does the female cycle last only a week, like humans? Or is it two weeks?

Hi Chrystle, the heat cycle actually lasts about three and a half weeks. There's a week in the middle where the bleeding lessens and the dog is fertile. Check out our article Dog Heat Cycle and Breeding for more info.

Thanks for your question.

-- Contributed by: Chrystle

i have a siberian husky who i found on the street about 50 days pregnant , she had the pups and now im wondering if her sycle is 6 months after she come in to heat or 6 months after she had the pups

Hi Alex, your bitch could come into another heat cycle within four to six months, if she happens to cycle every six months. Some bitches only com into season once a year.

The reason for the varying estimates is that a lot of factors can influence when a bitch comes into heat. The stress of a litter can delay the next heat cycle a bit, but some bitches go right back onto schedule. I think you'll find our article on What Influences Heat Cycles very helpful.

Thanks for your question, and good luck with the new puppies. :)

-- Contributed by: Alex

My question is if one of the male dogs got loose while the female dog was in her second week of heat and they do mate what can you do to stop the pregnancy from happening for the female dog is only 7 months of age and isn't ready and wasn't planning on to breed.

Hi Jacque, your vet can terminate a pregnancy. Perhaps the easiest thing would be to have the bitch spayed right away. Since you're not planning on breeding her, this would also eliminate any future worries.

-- Contributed by: Jacque

I have two female labs. The daughter (18 months) is experiencing her second heat. Her mother is now showing signs of coming in heat, but does not have the swelling or appreciable bleeding. Our neutered male is only paying attention to the mother dog. Questions: Can the heat of one female stimulate the heat of another Even though our male is neutered, he is the "alpha" male. Will he only try to breed the "alpha" female (the mother dog)? If the mother is in heat, is this a fertile heat?

Hi Melanie, yes, the phermones of one bitch in heat can trigger a companion bitch to come into season as well. And yes, the season is most likely a fertile one.

You male dog will try to breed any bitch in heat, but is most interested when the bitch emits the particular scent that signals she is fertile. Fortunately, since your dog is neutered, you won't have to worry about an unwanted litter. :)

-- Contributed by: Melanie

is it possible for a female to be pregnant by 2 different males when the 2nd accidental breeding took place about a week or so after the firts one?

Yes Cheryl, it is possible for that to happen if your bitch was still fertile. You can sort things out using DNA tests if it becomes an important issue.

Good luck.

-- Contributed by: Cheryl

Dear Madam,

My Dog is under heat. and he is always making dat uh-uh noise.There are some female street dogs near the place i live here in india . He has jumped the wall many a times and i think he has also mated with any of them . Please suggest me what should i do ? And since street dogs are not vaccinated , is there any chance of getting infected by them ? Though my dog is vaccinated . Please Help . Its really worrying me .

Thanks

Parneet Singh

Hi Parneet, your male dog isn't actually in heat, he's responding to bitches in heat that come within his range. I suggest you have your dog neutered and this should take care of your problem.

It is possible for your dog to pick up an illness or infection by coming in contact with unvaccinated strays, so this is another good reason to remove his incentive to visit them.

Good luck with your situation.

-- Contributed by: Parneet

How long does it take for a dog to stop being in heat?

Hi Barbara,

A heat cycle typically last for three weeks, give or take a few days. The bleeding lightens up in the middle during the fertile period, but resumes for about another week after that until it tapers off and the cycle ends.

Thanks for your question.

-- Contributed by: Barbara

so if my dog got in her first season when she turned one does that mean that she will be in season once a year?

Its a possibility Jacob, but watch her around six months. She may have just been a late bloomer. Her next season should tell you what her pattern will be. :)

-- Contributed by: jacob

I know that there are three stages to a female's cycle and only one stage is when she is actually able to bacome pregnant. What i'm wondering is, how long does that second stage last? I would like to put my male and female dogs back together but I don't want her to still be in that "pregnancy" stage. Thank You

Hi Rebecca,

It's difficult to be sure when the fertile phase has ended because your male will still respond to her scent and try to breed her. For safety's sake, keep them separated until she is no longer dripping and her vulva swelling goes away. I'd also recommend having one or both dogs altered so you don't have to worry about this situation in the future.

Thanks for your question.

-- Contributed by: Rebecca

my male dog has been fix. my female dog has not. my female has had two heats already. my male dog, although fixed, still acts like he wants to mate by mounting my female. can this be harmful to my female dog in anyway and is there a certain time to have my female dog fixed, shes just a year old? thank you,

-- Contributed by: Bernadette

Advice Needed.... I have 2 female dogs (Shih Tzu & Jack Russell).. My Shih Tzu just turned 1yr old on Dec. 30th & I think she may be coming into heat but I'm not sure.. I'm usually very good with this type thing but this time I just can't get it.. Around Sept. o7 my Jack came into heat of which @ that time my Shih Tzu hadn't had her first heat yet & a few days later came into heat as well @ 9mo my biggest question is does a female always come into heat every 6mo?? Ex.. If she came in around Sept. will it be 6 more months before she comes in again, or will it be around when she turns 1yr old?? I'm asking because we recently got a male dog & he is always smelling & licking around her area's & she acts very moody like she may be coming into heat... PLEASE HELP!!! How can I tell if this is her Heat cycle or just a male dog thing??

Hi Colette,

Heat cycles seldom come in like clockwork, but they typically happen either every six months or every twelve months. You'll have to wait until your bitch's second cycle to be sure of her basic schedule.

The only advice I can give is to watch her carefully. I also recommend having your male neutered as soon as possible.

Thanks for your question.

-- Contributed by: Colette

on 19 of july 2007 my lab delivered 5 pups again she has ame 2 heat on 31-12-2007 what 2 domate ot.

Hi Abhi,

I wouldn't mate her again this time around. Skip the season and wait until spring.

Thanks for your question.

-- Contributed by: Abhi

I have a female lab 10 months old and also a male lab 10 months old, can she be in heat already,because I thought she would be one before she had her first heat and now I am worried she already has and they are together all the time. Also isn't she to young to have puppies, and they are brother and sister also. Help......

Hi Diane,

Separate your dogs immediately and keep them separated until your bitch's heat cycle is completely over. Bitches can have their first heat cycle anytime from six months old.

I think you'll find our article on Dog Heat Cycle and Breeding very helpful.

Thanks for your question.

-- Contributed by: Diane

i know this is not a good time but really thank you and you tell every person that story about dogs because some people problemly don't know about those dogs being in heat.

-- Contributed by: alysse

this is a great thing to help people about ther dogs. because when my dog start i didn't know what to do

-- Contributed by: alysse

Hi, I was just wondering once your dog gets pregnet, How long is it before she has the pups? Plus how do you know if she's in labor.

Hi Tammie,

A dog is pregnant for approximately 63 days after the breeding. I think you'll find the following articles very helpful, but don't hesitate to come back when you have more questions.

Thanks for your question, and good luck!

-- Contributed by: Tammie

My female ...apoo has just come into her second heat cycle. I want to breed her with another male ...apoo. I'm not sure when is the right time during her heat cycle is the time for her to visit the male dog. Please help and thank you.

Hi Gail,

I think our article about Dog Heat Cycle and Breeding will give you the information you need.

Thanks for your question, and good luck!

-- Contributed by: gail

my st bernard has a bloody discharge only when she pees is this a sign she is in heat

Hi Ann,

This could be a sign that your dog is in heat, but it could also be a sign that she has a urinary tract infection.

Is she showing any other signs of being in heat, such as swelling of the vulva or flirtatious behavior? If you're not sure, it would be a good idea to have your vet examine her, because a UTI will only grow worse without treatment.

Thanks for your question, and I hope that all turns out well.

-- Contributed by: ann

I recently adopted a 5 year old Golden. She is not spayed, and is coming into her first heat while living with me. She has had a very sensitive stomach these last few day with diahrea, and vomiting twice. Other than that she doesn't appear to have any other issues and behaves and plays as normal. Could the sentive stomach be syptoms of her cycle?

Hi Kerrie,

Congratualtions on the adoption!

It's possible your dog's symptoms are related to her heat cycle, but I tend to doubt it. Your new dog may also be reacting to the changes she's going through since the adoption. Stress can also lead to the symptoms you're describing.

Keep an eye on her, and if the vomiting increases take her to the vet, but chances are that this will pass very soon.

Thanks for your question, and I hope your dog feels better very soon.

-- Contributed by: Kerrie

my dog has been in heat for seven days how much longer will it be before she is ready to breed?

Hi Justin,

There is no certain day that your bitch will be ready. Check her with a white tissue to see when her discharge turns from red to pinkish tan. You'll also be able to tell when she feels ready when she begins to flirt with other dogs and shows them her rear with her tail up.

Thanks for your question and good luck.

-- Contributed by: justin

hi this may be a silly question but my 6 month old shepard is going into her first heat. i have a fixed male lab. would he still try even if he is fixed?

Hi Jennifer,

No, it's not a silly question. Your male may still show interest in your bitch, but he won't be able to impregnate her. How old was he when he was neutered? If he was a young pup, he probably won't have a clue about what's going on. If he was older, or if he ever bred a bitch before, he may remember what that scent is all about.

Thanks for your question.

-- Contributed by: jennifer

I have a 15month old yorkie,how is in heat. Prior to being in heat she was pretty much housetrained, since she has been in heat she has been urinating everywhere is this normal? Please advise

Hi Kim,

Unfortunately, some bitch's do begin having accidents during their season. I suggest you take her out more often than you normally do to help keep your bitch on track. Once her season is finished, you may need to give her a refresher course in potty training, but you should be able to restore her house manners.

Thanks for your question.

-- Contributed by: Kim M

My dog is seven months she is bleeding thru her rectal is this a sign of pregs. or is something else wrong with her. she is lab and her brother is to. she is always barkign what do I do?

Hi Cori,

No, this is not a sign of pregnancy, but it could be a sign that your dog is suffering from a bowel impaction. I think you should have her examined by your vet.

Best wishes.

-- Contributed by: cori

Hi I have a 9 year old purebred teacup Chihuahua who is in heat and I was wondering if you knew when she will stop going through this.

Thanks

Hi Alaina,

Dogs don't go through menopause like women do, so technically your dog's heat cycle will never cease arriving every six months or so. You could choose to have her spayed, but this is a delicate operation for a nine-year-old dog with such tiny lungs. You would certainly want to discuss the possible affects of the anesthesia with your vet before you made a decision.

Best wishes.

-- Contributed by: Alaina

Hello, I have a female German sheppard who delivered 7 beautiful puppies about 6 months ago, since then she has had a whitish discharge (like puss) a vet gave her antibiotics (assuming she had a track infection) and the discharge went away for a while then came back, this happened twice, could it be that she has something left inside her? placenta? a pup? the vets in my country arent any good so Im trying to help myself.

Thanks

Hi Omar,

Is there any chance that you didn't finish giving her the round of antibiotics, or that you missed a dose or two and then resumed giving the medication? This could have rendered the antibiotic ineffective. If this is the case, your dog would need another course of a different antibiotic carefully administered to kill off the infection.

I don't believe she could still have a retained placenta or pup, becuase if she did, the discharge would be very dark and have an awful smell. An infection of this nature would probably have ended her life by now.

Honestly, I think you should take her back to the vet and have the discharge cultured and examined to find out exactly what it is. Then your vet will be able to determine how to proceed.

Thanks for your question, and good luck.

-- Contributed by: Omar H.

Hi! I have a 7 month old male shar pei and he seems too interested in humping. My mom's getting a 2 month old female shih-tzu, but we're worried my shar pei will try something with the lil' dog when she goes into heat eventually. Do you have tips on how to separate and still keep them happy when the time comes? And how long do I need to keep them separated so no accidents happen? Thanks!

Hi Ren,

Actually, the easiest solution is to have your male dog neutered. This way, you can reduce the humping behavior and prevent future unwanted breedings. Your dog is actually old enough to be neutered now, so it would be good to have this taken care of before the new puppy comes home.

Thanks for your question.

-- Contributed by: Ren

Hi, i have two female dog, 8 months and 4 years. I was curious if it is possible for the two of them to go in heat at the same time? A friend told me after they live together their cycles can mimick each other.

Expert Reply

Hi Brendan,

Yes, it is very possible for your dogs to begin cycling at the same time. Women who live in the same household or work together tend to do this too. The body senses the phermones another body is putting out, and it acts as a sort of signal to begin cycling too. It's just Mother Nature's way and it works the same accros many species. This is why animals like sheep all seem to come into heat together and lamb at the same time.

Pretty neat, huh? Thanks for your question.

-- Contributed by: Brendan

We have a female dog that stays outside and will be 11 years old in Feb. She almost died as a puppy and we have never had a problem with male dogs hanging around so we thought her female organs may have been damaged. Now after almost 11 years male dogs have started hanging around and hooked up with her. What are the chances that she will have puppies at this age. Do female dogs not get too old also? Also how long should we keep her pinned up?

Expert Reply

Hi Margaret,

Technically, female dogs never go through menopause the way women do, so if your bitch's reproductive organs are in tact, she could produce a litter.

Her heat cycle will last approximately three weeks from start to finish, so make sure you keep her separated from any males until she's absolutly finished. This is important even though she may already have been bred because she could pick up an infection from one of the males.

Thanks for your question, and I hope everything works out for the best.

-- Contributed by: Margaret

HI I have a 3 1/2 yr old chihuahua that is 5lbs. She is due in 2 1/2 weeks. Today I noticed a dark discharge. I thought it was brown and then discovered that it is green. What does this all mean? Is she possibly having a miscarrage? She is eating, drinking, and acting normal. I do not understand. Please help. Thanks

Expert Reply

Hi Kimberly,

The dark green discharge likely means that one of the pups has evacuated its bowels in utero. This isn't that unusual when a bitch is about to whelp, but since your dog has over two weeks to go, it might be a good idea to contact your vet for further advice.

Thanks for your question, and I hope everything turns out alright.

-- Contributed by: Kimberly

Hi, my 7 month old miniature Schnauzer is definitely in heat. She commenced about 1 1/2 weeks ago. Now she is acting very lethargic and not her normal bouncy self. She has not been in contact with any male dogs. Is this lethargy normal? She is eating just fine. Thanks.

Expert Reply

Hi Ann,

My own Jack Russell behaves just like this when she is in heat. I think it's a combination of the hormones and possibly a little cramping. She should start getting back to her normal self in about another week. As long as she is eating somewhat normally and drinking enough water, I wouldn't worry too much right now. Just give her a little extra TLC to help her feel better.

Thanks for your question.

-- Contributed by: Ann

thanks for the site but I live no where near there so at the moment the cheapest I have found is $180 plus tax and medication. But it also cost alot because she is a small dog weighs about 7-8 pounds she is a peekapoo.

Expert Reply

Hi Nichole,

I'm sorry you were unable to locate a low cost spaying program through the link provided in the article. Your next step is to begin calling locals vets to see if they either participate in a low cost program or know of one closer to the area where you live. You might even find a vet who is willing to work out a deal with your mom.

Also, try calling your closest animal shelter. They usually have a deal worked out with a vet to provide spaying at a reduced cost. They may be able to help you out, even if you didn't get your puppy from them.

Hope these suggestions turn out to be useful.

-- Contributed by: Nichole

Okay this is my first puppy that is a girl. I need to have her fixed but I don't have the money to so me and my mom would like to know how long is it safe to wait to have her fixed?

Expert Reply

Hi Nichole,

I think you and your mom would find our article on Low Cost Spaying and Neutering Programs very helpful. You can get a very good discount on having your dog spayed.

You can wait as long as you need to, but your puppy may come into heat around six months old, so keep a good eye on her if you don't have her spayed by then.

Thanks for your question, and I hope you find my suggestion helpful.

-- Contributed by: Nichole

Hi, I have a 5 year old German Shepard. Would she be too old to breed now. (this would be her first time)

Expert Reply

Hi Donna,

While your bitch may still be able to make it through a pregnancy at this late age, I don't recommend that you try. This is the age where I retire my bitches because the uterus begins to loose elasticity.

Thanks for your question, and I hope everything works out well, no matter what you decide.

-- Contributed by: Donna

I have a female and a male dog, my female is in heat and I have kept them separate, but the male just sits by the door where the female is kept and whines, will not move or eat- will he go back to "normal" when she is no longer in heat?

Expert Reply

Hi Doreen,

Happily yes, your dog will return to normal once your bitch's heat cycle has ended.

In the meantime, I bet you can tempt your dog to eat by offering him some ground beef and brown rice. This should keep him from loosing too much wait while he anxiously sits vigil.

Thanks, for your question, and I hope this puts your mind at ease.

-- Contributed by: Doreen

hi i have a yorkie. She was covered a week ago. Today though she's listless and vomiting. Can this be morning sickness. 2 weeks ago i found a tick on me and checked her but didn't find any immediate bites or other ticks. could it be tickbite fever. her fever is 38.6C.

Expert Reply

Hi Karen,

Yes, it certainly sounds as though your dog could be pregnant. Some bitches get morning morning sickness and go off their food for a bit, while others immediately develop a vorascious appetite.

If you have any concerns about possible tick exposure, now would be the best time to address this issue with your vet. The vet can comb through your dog's coat with an expert eye to search for possible bite marks.

Thanks for your question, and I hope everything works out for the best.

-- Contributed by: karen

Is it ok for a female to get pregnant during her first heat?

Expert Reply

Hi Brookelynn,

It's not necessarily a problem if that first season occurs after your bitch is about a year old. However, if we are talking about a six-month-old bitch, then you're going to have to be very careful with her. She's not finished growing yet, and the puppies will sap away her nutrients.

Under a set of circumstances like this, I'd advise checking in with your vet for further guidance.

I hope you find this info helpful, and good luck whatever your current situation is.

-- Contributed by: brookelynn

hi my dog as been on heat now for about 15 days when is it safe to run again with my dogs i dont want to breed her yet has shes too young

Expert Reply

Hi Sandy,

The length of a season can vary, but you probably have about another week and a half to go. Better to err on the side of caution.

Thanks for your question.

-- Contributed by: sandy

we have a 4 year old jack russell. She has not been altered. It appears she may be in heat. Her vulva is swollen, we see no blood but she is cleaning herself often. Do dogs a other "pms" symptoms? Our dog has been vomiting. Could this be something to do with her period?

Expert Reply

Hi Denise,

Yes, many bitches do display a little PMS. Some seem extra touchy as they come into full season. Some bitches drip more than others, so I wouldn't worry if you're not seeing much right now.

Now let's talk about the vomiting. If your bitch is just vomiting up the ocassional load of clear phlegm, there's probably nothing to worry about. However, if she's vomiting up her food, that's cause for some concern, and you'll want to contact your vet if it continues or escalates.

In the meantime, make sure she's at least drinking and keeping the water down. If not, go ahead and call your vet for an appointment.

Thanks for your question, and I hope all goes well.

-- Contributed by: Denise

I don't know what to do my dog hasn't had a heat in 8 months We would like her to have puppies too!

Your worried 9 year old~~ Ruth

Expert Reply

Hi Ruth,

Your dog is probably only two months off of her schedule. This isn't something you necessarily neeed to worry about. There are a lot of things that can influence heat cycles and delay a female from coming into season.

If she doesn't come into season in the next four months, your parents may want to ask your vet to examine her. He/She can also give your dog a shot to make her come into season, but you shouldn't breed her until the following season.

Thanks for your question, and I'm sure your dog will have a cycle soon.

-- Contributed by: ruth

Hi my female dog had puppies on the 6th of July this year. It seems as though she is "in Heat" again, my male and her have "knotted up" on 2 diffrent occasions in the past 4 days, and there is some blood present, but it wasn't present before the 1st time they knotted up, I should also mention she cried really loud and for a long time and tried very hard to get "unstuck" from the male and has never behaved this way before during a heat cycle. Is there a chance she is in heat this soon after having puppies? Or did my male dog rape an unwilling partner, just because he was in the mood?

Expert Reply

Hi Jefri,

Yes, it's highly possible that your female is in heat again, although this is not a good time for her to get pregnant again. It would have been better to keep the dogs separated.

It sounds as though your male caught your bitch a tad early in her cycle, and this is probably why she cried and struggled. Normally, the male wouldn't have been able to enter her until she had softened up more, but she is looser this time because of her recent delivery.

Thanks for your question, and I hope everything turns out alright.

-- Contributed by: Jefri

Hello Kelly, I have a american pitbull bitch in heat that is about 1.5 years old, and I also have a bullmastiff-Bulldog male that is 1.5 years old. I DO NOT WANT TO BREED THEM. I plan on getting my female fixed as soon as she is done with her heat which I have no clue when she began due to her keeping herself very clean. She is a rescued pit from a very bad situation and I have no clue on how her cycle is. She is presently been bleeding red, then it seem to stop and know it is red again. My male has indicated to me that he is truly out of control starting just this past monday. I have them separated but he is so strong being 210 pounds, and it seems that they are trying to get together which I do not want. How long will this craziness go on and does it ever stop or will it stop after I get her fixed????? My male has actually became very aggressive toward my husband and me, since this happened. Please, can I have some type of information about what is going on. I am SO NEW to this whole situation due to me always having my animals fixed. HELP???

Expert Reply

Hi Beth,

It sounds like your bitch is on the last leg of her heat cycle. However, your male dog is going to remain interested for a while yet.

The quickest way you can solve your current problem is to have your male neutered as quickly as possible. I recommend this route especially since he has become aggressive toward your family.

Thanks for your question, and I hope everything works out.

-- Contributed by: Beth

my female dog that came into heat early like 2 months early, just received her first dog and they werent tied up for about 2 mins; i am so confused and cannot afford to take her to the vet; please help

Expert Reply

Hi Beverly,

A two minute tie is better than none at all. You can repeat the breeding, and it may go better the second time around.

I also think you should check out our article on Dog Heat Cycle and Breeding. There's some really good info that should help you understand the process a little better.

Thanks for your question, and good luck!

-- Contributed by: beverly

I have an 11 year old female golden retriever, who went into heat apprx. 4 weeks ago, she still has a small amount of dark bloody discharge. This is not typical for her to last this long. I should mention when she went into heat at the same time we lost her 9 yr. male companion to cancer and moved into a new house, is there a link?

Expert Reply

Hi Danielle,

Stress can definitely affect a bitch's heat cycle, but I'm not sure that's all that's going on here. A run-on season can be a sign of a larger problem.

You might be able to wait a few more days to see if the season ends on its own, but after that you should schedule an appoint with your vet.

Thanks for your question, and I hope that things return to normal soon.

-- Contributed by: Danielle

Hi Deb,

A bitch's heat cycle lasts approximately three weeks, give or take a couple of days. I think you'll find our article about Dog Heat Cycle and Breeding very helpful, but don't hesitate to ask if you have anymore questions.

Thanks!

-- Contributed by: Kelly

I would like to know how long a female dog is in heat, I have a 18-month-old that has just started to bleed. I would appreciate any help you can give me.

-- Contributed by: Deb

Hi Beverly,

In a case of split estrus, a bitch comes into season and seems ready, but then she seems to go back out. Suddenly she seems to come back in and is ready again. Your bitch may be experiencing a form of split estrus, but it would be a little unusual for such a long break in between.

You can do a couple of different things here. First, you could take your dog to your vet and have her examined. Give your vet the full background on her last cycle. I believe this is your best choice. She could actually have an ovarian cyst.

You could also just sit tight and watch how this season progresses. Chances are it isn't a fertile cycle since your other dogs aren't showing any interest. However, this could change so keep an eye on her.

Thanks for your question, and I hope all goes well.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

my dog came into heat in june and now here it is oct and she is bleeding again. but my dogs are not messing with her. i do not understand; she has already had 3 cycles and now this unexpected on. and my other dog shows no signs of being in heat but the little chiwawa dog is chasing her around. thank you

-- Contributed by: beverly

Hi Kami,

It sounds like your Doxie is either coming into season or she's already in. Those are classic behaviors that signal a change in hormone levels.

Some bitches keep themselves so clean you can hardly tell they are in. Take some white tissue and wipe your bitch's vulva. If you see even a slight tinge of red or pinkish tan discharge, her cycle has arrived. If you don't get anything this time, check her once a day. This will also alert you to when her swelling begins.

Thanks for your question.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

My dog is a Dachshund and she should be going into her 2nd heat cycle about now. Her first was exactly 6 months ago. She is acting more aggressive, playing and fighting, and tries to attack my arm and hump on it. Are these typical signs that she is getting ready to go into heat? She hasnt swelled any yet but she does lick herself more than she usually did.

-- Contributed by: Kami

Hi Jennifer,

In my 20+ years as a breeder I have never seen anything like you're describing. I've seen urine that was tinged pink, but never pure red. I've even seen a very small amount of bloody "threads" in the urine, but never clots. I honestly think this a reason to take your dog to the vet's office. Try to describe what you saw in great detail so your vet can have as much info as possible during the examination.

My best wishes for your dog's health, and please let me know what your vet has to say about the situation.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

My female dog is in heat she has been for almost two weeks now. This is her first heat she is about 1 years old. Tonight she urinated and it was pure red and had clots in it. Now I'm just wondering if I should be concerned or if this is a normal thing that happens during a menstural cycle?

-- Contributed by: jennifer

Hi Rebekka,

Yes, the changes in your dog's personality are most likely related to the hormone flux that initiated her cycle. For the time being, let her rest. She may not feel completely well, but that will pass soon. The entire cycle takes about three weeks, and she should return to her old self after that. Thanks for your question.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hi Jeannie,

I can't assure you that your bitch is fertile. That is something you'll need to look into with your vet. Your vet can examine your bitch for any obvious signs of infertility in her reproductive system. If all looks well there, then he/she can give your dog a shot to bring her into season.

This first season shouldn't be used for breeding. It's really only to try sparking her into regular cycles. Hopefully she will come into season naturally the next time and you can try breeding her then. Just be aware that if there are fertility problems in her line, you'll only perpetuate them if you breed her.

Thanks for your question.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

My Australian Shepherd bitch is now 23 months old hand has yet to have a heat cycle He Dam had fertility problems and was from a litter of one. My question is, what are the next necessary steps to get her to come into season? I want to be assured she can be bred at 3 years old. Please reply.

-- Contributed by: Jeannie Niemi

Hello,

Since my poddle schnauser mix has gone into heat she doesn't want to play like she usually does. Her being moody and lazy is that part of her being in heat?

-- Contributed by: Rebekka

Hi Amanda,

How recently was your female bred? She would still continue through her heat cycle even if she was impregnated, so seeing blood during this time would be normal. A pregnancy does not automatically shut off the heat cycle.

If it has been more than three weeks since the breeding took place, you might want to let your vet examine her to look for signs of an infection, or possible spontaneous abortion.

Thank you for your question, and I hope all turns out well.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

My female was claimed to be breed, but the thing is that she is kind of bleeding a little bit.

-- Contributed by: Amanda

Hi Thomas,

To be completely safe, you need to confine her from male dogs for the entire length of the cycle, approximately three weeks.

Thanks for your question.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

How long in the heat cycle of a bitch or how long should I keep her pened if I do not want her to breed?

-- Contributed by: Thomas White

Hi Wanon,

That's a good question. The swelling in your bitch's vulva should subside, and she'll stop dripping completely. If you gently wipe the vulva with a piece of white tissue it should come away clean.

Thanks for your question.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

How will i know my dog is actually out of season?

-- Contributed by: wanon

Hi Dawn,

Thanks for the compliment!

As for your dog's morning sickness, it could well be a sign that the breeding took. Some bitches never experience illness, but some do so go ahead and treat her as if she is pregnant. You can schedule an appointment with your vet at 28 days gestation to try to confirm the breeding.

Good luck!

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hi Kelly,

Thanks for your answer regarding my Boxer dog of 2. I didn't take her for another mating - it seemed a bit pointless putting the stud and bitch through it for nothing. I have decided to sit back and see if nature did her stuff - if not I will wait until her next season. Just one more question - since being mated the first time my boxer is waking unusually early in the morning and being a little sick (she's only a little keckie with white frothy sick - she never sicks up food) also where as usually she eats at approx 8am and then 12noon - she now refuses food until approx 2pm and then eats fine for the rest of the day and only then wants to play. Could this be a sign of pregnancy or just hormone changed due to her season? My problem is waiting for 4 weeks before the vet can confirm anything. One more thing - this site is the best I have come across for information thanks for taking the time to respond.

-- Contributed by: Dawn

Hi Missy,

Although she seems uncomfortable now, this is going to pass very soon, probably in another day or two. It's far safer not to administer any medication, because most have side-effects that don't make it worth the risk.

You can massage her tummy to make her feel a little better, and a nice new chew bone might give her something to help take her mind off of the discomfort for a while. She might even enjoy having a warm (not hot) water bottle tucked into her bed.

Thanks for your question.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

My 10 month old puppy is in heat and has been for 5 days. She is lethargic and whiny. Poor thing. I was wondering if there is anything I can do for her apparent discomfort, a natural doggy pms treatment if you will. Thanks ever so much.

-- Contributed by: Missy

Hi RC,

When the bleeding decreases and her color lightens, it's usually a good sign that she has come into the fertile period of her heat cycle. If you want to ensure she doesn't get pregnant, I highly recommend keeping them completely separated for the next two weeks until her cycle is finished. If you have no intention of breeding the male, now would be a good time to take him in to be neutered. Then you won't have to worry at all.

Thanks for your question.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

I have a 9 1/2 month old female that is in heat. She started bleeding on Saturday, the 8th and today is Wednesday the 12th. Her bleeding is not as heavy and not as bright of a red. I am keeping a diaper on her and a belly band on the male. It is very difficult to separate the two because they cry, etc. When should I completely separate them from cages or rooms and for how long?

-- Contributed by: RC

Hi Charis,

It does sound as though you might have missed the very beginning of your bitch's season. The color tends to lighten up during the fertile period. Yes, young males can surprise you. We're told they can possibley sire a litter as young as four months old, although it's not a good idea to use a dog at stud at that age.

There's a strong chance that your bitch will become pregnant from the mating. Definitely don't breed her to a second male or you'll have to carry out DNA testing to figure out which dog is the sire of which pup. It's an expensive complication that you don't need right now.

I hope this clears things up for you. For more information, visit our articles on Dog Pregnancy and Signs Of Dog Pregnancy.

Thanks for your question and good luck!

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Can a female lock up with a male before she is ready to be bred? I am kind of new at this and I wanted to breed her to an outside male first but she locked up with my young nine month old male before I thought she was ready. Not to mention before I thought he even knew what was going on. She keeps herself really clean so it is hard to tell exactly when she started, but I have been watching her and noticed the first sign of blood on Memorial Day (September third) so I assumed I had plenty of time to arrange things. Her blood did seem a little lighter in color than the last heat for the begining of her cycle. It seems much more orange than red. Can she be pregnant? Should I try to breed her to an outside male anyway?

-- Contributed by: Charis

Hi Carrie,

It's a bit more difficult, but if they are both determined then yes, they could breed. It's safer to keep them separated if you don't want to have a litter.

Thanks for your question.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hi Carole,

There's a chance you might have missed that last heat cycle, or she could simply be late. Since your male dog was so interested, I'm leaning toward the missed heat theory. Sometimes bitches have what is referred to as a silent, or white heat. There's usually no drainage and little if any swelling. No one is exactly sure what causes a silent heat, but it's thought to be hormone related.

Hopefully she will have a full normal heat on her next cycle. Some bitches don't bounce back as quickly as others after a litter, but this rest should help restore her.

Thank you for your question.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Is it possible for a large male dog 50 pounds(Standard Poodle) and a Mini Schnauzer 20 pounds to breed. She is in heat..but I wasn't sure if large and small dogs could physically breed.

-- Contributed by: Carrie

Hi I have a question and hope someone can give me an answer. I have a female whom is 3 now. When I bought her she was 2 and was supposed to have been bred but no pups. Her next heat this past Jan 27 07 she was bred Feb 5th only one time and only two pups it is now the first week of September and no heat yet. My male drove me crazy with her about 3 weeks ago no swelling or blood now 7 Â½ months later after the last heat no interest. Did I miss it or could she still come in soon?

-- Contributed by: Carole

Hi Susan,

That's a great question, and the answer is yes she can have puppies by more than one sire. That's because a bitch sends down multiple eggs, so they can be fertilized by whichever sperm is present at the time.

The good news is that if it isn't obvious which pups are purebred and which pups aren't, you can have the pups DNA tested to sort the litter out.

Good luck!

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hi, We have bred our female lab to another lab. In between breeding sessions our male basset hound escaped his kennel and dug into hers. I don't believe he was able to actually breed her because he is so much shorter than her and he's an old guy. But if he did, can the female have a litter of puppies by more than one dog? Curious,

Susan

-- Contributed by: Susan

Hi Kasi,

I know that your vet can do a test to show when ovulation takes place, but I believe it's only useful during a heat cycle.

It may be possible to do a blood test to reveal the levels of progesterone and estrogen in your bitch's blood. High progesterone means she's bewtween seasons. If the estrogen levels are beginning to elevate, this could mean her next season is drawing near.

If it were me, I'd save the veterinary fees and do things the old fashioned way. Watch for swelling of the vulva and interest from your male. Most likely she will come in season within the next six months if she has a regular bi-annual cycle. However, keep in mind that her recent change in homes could throw her off a bit.

Good luck!

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hi,

I just recently picked up a female border collie from a referenced person. She is a year and a half now, but the owner didn't know when her heat cycles started/ended. Is there a way for the vet to know when she would be coming into heat? Obviously my male will let me know, but I would like to know ahead of time, so I can plan accordingly.

Thanks!

-- Contributed by: Kasi

Hi Melissa,

The heat cycle typically lasts 21 days, give or take a few. And yes, stress and a number of other factors can definitely play a role in the regularity of her seasons. I think you'll find our article on What Influences Heat Cycles very helpful in explaining all the possibilities.

Since your bitch is not actually spayed as you thought, keep a close eye on her when she goes out to exercise.

Kudos to you for adopting her!

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hi I have a few questions. I took in a female dog a year ago and she fits in to our family great. The thing is the former owner was the 2nd owner, so that makes me the lucky number 3. She just came in to her first heat with us, so how long will it last? and could a dog go as long a two years before her first heat? The former owner had four big, I mean big dogs and then this tiny little mix mut I had to take home. So could stress cause her to put off the first heat?....I thought she was fixed. Thanks

-- Contributed by: melissa

Hi Judy,

Your bitch will probably continue to invite the neighbor's dog for a good ten days or so. I wouldn't allow them to breed, and I'd also keep her in my sight when she goes out to exercise. It would also be a good idea to call your vet, let him know about the previous spaying you were told about and see how soon he wants to schedule her. Good luck!

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hi Dominic,

Typically a bitch is ready around her twelth day, but you can't count solely on the number of days. Check out our article on Dog Heat Cycle and Breeding. This describes the cycle and the signs to watch for when a bitch is ready to breed. Good luck!

-- Contributed by: Kelly

just got a toy rat terrier and the people who gave her to me told me that she had been spayed. she is in heat and is now begging the neighbors dog to do something to her. we keep the appart but want to know what is going on and if it could harm her if she were to mate with him. I understand that they may of missed a overy so can she be respayed. and also how long will we be going threw this stage she is in.

-- Contributed by: Judy

my female has started her cycle. how long into the cycle must she be before she will mate?

-- Contributed by: dominic meo

Hi Neil,

Some male dogs are just opportunists and will mount anything that stands still. He might have already been worked up by another female in heat. Was your bitch actually receptive to him? Typically a bitch will snap at a male if she's not ready for breeding. Since she had a normal season at eight months old, she wouldn't really be expected to cycle again until about fourteen months old.

That said, there are bitches that come into season on a quarterly basis. It's too soon to tell if your dog is one of these, but you should keep track of her seasons on your calendar. Watch her now to see if she begins to swell again. Bitches will begin to give off the breeding scent before we see the outward signs and there's a chance the male dog picked up on it.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hi,

I have a female Border collie who is 11 months old. She had her first season at 8 months (all the usual signs, blood, enlarged vulva, etc). Anyway a day ago during a camping trip i noticed a male became very interested in her and mounted her for a couple of seconds before I got them apart. For the rest of the trip she was not left unnattended !

Is it possible she is in season again so early? She is showing none of the signs.. no blood or enlargement. What do you recommend as a sensible next course of action.. I dont want to breed her yet and she is too young to have pups

-- Contributed by: Neil

Hi Lennie,

I think you should have your vet take another look at the healed hernia site before you breed her, but yes, I think it would be alright.

Although I would never recommend it, I've seen other breeders breed bitches with large, unrepaired umbilical hernias. Amazingly they came through it okay, but the hernias bulged dangerously near the end of the pregnancies. Since your bitch has had the repair, that makes it a different situation.

Good luck!

-- Contributed by: Kelly

my rottie had a embelical hurnia as a pup it was taken care of at the vets and now is all healed , do u think it is still ok to bread her when she is old enough? truly Lennie.

-- Contributed by: Lenora

Hi Lana,

In most cases, the heat cycle is going to run for the usual three weeks, give or take a couple days. It continues even if a mating has been successful. Yes, a bitch will still accept a male if she has already conceived, but toward the end of her season she will begin to be less receptive to the male, eventually refusing to breed any more.

I hope this answers your questions. If you'd like more info, check out our article on Dog Pregnancy.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

I am wondering if a bitch will still accept a male if she is pregnant? Also, once she is pregnant, will her heat stop?

-- Contributed by: Lana

Hi Christy,

My sister happens to raise German Shepherds, and she too had a bitch that came into season on a quarterly basis, and she had several litters.

There's a chance that some of the seasons will not be fertile, but there's a good chance that others will. When she is old enough and in good condition for breeding give her a try. If she doesn't take the first heat, try again on the second, and if necessary, on the third. By then you will have a good idea if she can produce. If she can't, a good breeder will replace her with another bitch and let you keep your first pet too.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

I need advice. I bought a beautiful large breeding GS dog for breeding and she has a heat cycle every 4 months. Soemone told me that she will most likely not ovulate and or never get preg. Is this not true?

-- Contributed by: Christy

Hi Leah,

You'll find a reply to your question at Ask the Dog Expert listed under "Late Cycle Breeding".

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hi There! I have a one and a half year old alaskan malamute who recently got mounted by my neighbors dog (a boarder collie). This obviously shouldn't have happened and I am really upset about not being able to stop it in time, it took two seconds of my not paying attention. She was at the very end of her heat, meaning she had already been bleeding exactly 26 days (it's easy to count when she starts on a full moon!) I made my neighbor forcibly remove her dog. So, obviously, I'm wondering about pregancy. I did not have her spayed when she was younger in the hopes of letting her have a litter of Malamutes. I am not interested in bring more mixed breeds into the world who won't be able to find homes. SO... if she does end up pregnant, and I'm just assuming she is, is it safe to spay her? If so, how long could I wait to do so? I am hoping that I could at least wait until they can do a pregnancy test at about twenty days. Is that safe? Thank you so much! Leah

-- Contributed by: Leah

Hi Haley,

How old is your female? Typically, a female will come into heat the first time around six months of age, then approximately every six months after that. However, some females cycle a little differently. I recommend you read our article on Dog Heat Cycle and Breeding. I think you'll find everything you need to know right there.

Thanks for your question.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hi my name is Haley and we have an english/american bulldog and we have english bulldog. meatballis the male english bulldog and daisy is our female english/american bulldog.

I have a ? about when they come in heat?

-- Contributed by: Haley

Not necessarily. Did you witness a breeding?

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hi,

I think my dog is pregnant but I'm not sure. She has just finished being in heat and her nipples have gotten bigger. She wants to be alone and she's constantly tired. Is she pregnant?

~~Karen

-- Contributed by: Karen

Hi Lee-Anne,

Yes, it could be a sign she is pregnant, especially if you witnessed a breeding. If she recently had a season but wasn't bred, she could be experiencing a false pregnancy. And yes, that could bring her into milk even without pups. You won't know for sure until your vet takes a look.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

My miniture dachound has all of teats are quit enlarged and are leaking. Does this mean she is posibly pregnant?

-- Contributed by: Lee-Anne

Hi Stina,

You'll find a reply to your question at Ask the Dog Expert.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

When is the best time to have your female dog fixed? Currently my dog is 6 months old and slowly giving signs of her first heat (but we can't be certain). Her personality has changed slightly, she's quit sad, likes to be alone etc.. Is this also a pre-sign of going into heat?. I assume it's too late to have her fixed prior to her 1st heat. How long after her 1st heat is best to have her fixed? As an owner, what do you suggest we need to do for her during heat...emotionally (other than keep her away from male dogs) We live in a city flat and there are very few dogs in the area, so I think we're safe from male dogs.

Off topic. I think my dog swallowed a pebble....This is obviously not good. What do you suggest?

Thank you.

-- Contributed by: Stina

Hi Teyrone,

Check out this new article: Dog Heat Cycle and Breeding. I think it has what you need to know.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

My dog is in heat an she is rejecting the male . She has had puppies before. She is bleeding now, so how can I tell when she is ready for the male?

-- Contributed by: teyrone
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