As a loving dog parent, witnessing your female dog go through her heat cycle can be a little overwhelming if you don’t know what to expect. Whether it’s your first time caring for a dog in heat or you just want to be sure you're doing everything right, understanding the changes she’s going through is crucial.

In this guide, we’ll explore the common behaviors of a female dog in heat and provide practical advice to help you support her during this time. 

Understanding the Heat Cycle: Phases Explained

A female dog’s heat cycle is known as the estrous cycle and has three main stages:

1. Proestrus (The Pre-Heat Stage)

This is the first stage, and it usually lasts around 7-10 days. During proestrus, your dog’s body is preparing for mating, but she won’t be ready to mate just yet. Here's what you might notice:

• Swollen Vulva: One of the earliest signs of heat is a swollen vulva. It can look quite enlarged and may feel warm to the touch.
• Bloody Discharge: You might see blood-tinged discharge as her body prepares for potential mating.
• Increased Urination: You may find your dog urinating more frequently, as she’s releasing pheromones to signal her readiness to male dogs.

During this stage, she might act a little agitated or restless, but she’s not yet receptive to males.

2. Estrus (The Mating Stage)

Estrus is what’s commonly referred to as “heat,” and this stage can last anywhere from 3 to 21 days (though the average is around 9 days). At this point, your dog is fertile and ready to mate. Here’s what to expect:

• Attraction to Males: Your dog may seem particularly interested in male dogs and may even initiate courtship behavior, like tail wagging or allowing them to sniff her vulva.
• Flirting Behaviors: Some dogs might become extra playful or vocal, showing signs that they are seeking a mate.
• Physical Changes: The bloody discharge often becomes lighter or changes to a straw-like color, and your dog may present her hindquarters to male dogs as an invitation for mating.
• Tail Tucking or Sideways Positioning: A dog in estrus may move her tail to the side to signal her readiness to mate.

3. Anestrus (Resting Stage)

Anestrus is the quiet period when the heat cycle ends, and it usually lasts 4-5 months. During this stage, your dog’s reproductive system rests, and there are no visible signs of heat.

Common Behaviors of a Female Dog in Heat

During heat, dogs experience physical and emotional changes similar to what humans go through during hormonal shifts. Let’s dive deeper into the behaviors you might observe and why they happen.

1. Increased Restlessness and Agitation

You may notice your dog pacing around the house, whining, or seeking extra attention. This restlessness is caused by hormonal changes that make her feel more anxious and uncomfortable. Just like people might feel uneasy during certain phases of their cycle, your dog is experiencing something similar.

What you can do: Create a quiet, cozy spot for her to relax. A calming spray or diffuser with pheromones may also help ease her anxiety.

2. Frequent Urination

It’s not unusual for female dogs in heat to urinate more frequently. This is a way for her to leave scent markers and let male dogs know she’s ready to mate. These pheromones in her urine are incredibly powerful and can attract male dogs from a long distance.

What you can do: Be prepared for extra bathroom breaks, and if you’re going on walks, keep her on a leash and away from male dogs to avoid any unwanted attention.

3. Attraction to Male Dogs

A female dog in heat will naturally be more attracted to male dogs and may become flirtatious, seeking out male companionship. She might try to escape or show behaviors like wagging her tail to one side when around males—a sign she’s ready for mating.

What you can do: To prevent accidental pregnancies, keep her indoors and supervised, especially when other dogs are around. Avoid dog parks or areas where male dogs frequent during her heat cycle.

4. Swollen Vulva

One of the most noticeable physical changes during heat is the swelling of the vulva. This is caused by increased blood flow to the reproductive organs as her body prepares for potential pregnancy.

What you can do: There’s no need to intervene unless there’s discomfort, but if you notice excessive licking or irritation, consult your vet to rule out infection.

5. Changes in Appetite

Your dog’s appetite might fluctuate during heat. Some dogs eat less due to hormonal changes, while others may experience an increased appetite. This is a normal response to her body's extra energy needs during this time.

What you can do: Offer nutritious, easy-to-digest meals and make sure she’s drinking enough water. If her eating habits become erratic, or she refuses food for more than a couple of days, consult your vet.

6. Vocalization

Female dogs may vocalize more when in heat. Barking, whining, or howling are common ways she might express discomfort or call out to male dogs.

What you can do: Try to keep her occupied with interactive toys and give her plenty of attention to ease her distress.

7. Mounting Behavior

You might find your female dog engaging in mounting behavior, which is not exclusive to males. This can be a way for her to assert dominance or signal that she’s ready to mate.

What you can do: While this behavior is normal, it can be a little embarrassing in public or social settings. Distract her with toys or redirect her energy with physical activities.

How to Comfort Your Dog During Heat

Seeing your dog in discomfort can be tough, but there are ways to help her feel more at ease.

1. Create a Calm Environment

Give her a quiet space where she can rest without too many disturbances. Heat cycles can make dogs feel more irritable, so having a comfortable place to retreat will help her relax.

2. Keep Her Indoors

To prevent unwanted attention from male dogs or the possibility of pregnancy, it's crucial to keep her inside. If she needs exercise, consider leash walks in low-traffic areas away from other dogs.

3. Use Dog Diapers

Dog diapers can be a lifesaver to prevent messes around the house from her vaginal discharge. Choose diapers that fit snugly but comfortably, and change them frequently to avoid irritation.

4. Stay Hydrated

With frequent urination and possible changes in appetite, keeping her hydrated is essential. Make sure she always has access to clean, fresh water.

5. Talk to Your Vet

Your vet may recommend medications or supplements to help manage the symptoms of heat. If you’re unsure about any behaviors or if something seems off, always consult a professional.

FAQs 

Q: How often do female dogs go into heat?
A: Most female dogs go into heat twice a year, though it can vary by breed. Smaller breeds tend to cycle more frequently, while larger breeds may only cycle once a year.

Q: How long does heat last?
A: The heat cycle typically lasts 2 to 3 weeks, though some dogs may be in heat for up to 4 weeks.

Q: Can I spay my dog while she’s in heat?
A: It’s not recommended to spay a dog while she’s in heat, as it can be a more complicated procedure. It’s best to wait until her cycle has ended before scheduling the surgery.

Q: Do female dogs have periods?
A: Female dogs do not have monthly periods like humans, but they do have a heat cycle, which includes a phase of bloody discharge.

Q: How can I prevent unwanted pregnancies?
A: The most reliable way to prevent pregnancy is to have your dog spayed. In the meantime, avoid areas where male dogs may be present, and consider using dog diapers or a body wrap for added security.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the behaviors of a female dog in heat can make this time easier for both of you. With a bit of extra care and attention, you can help your dog feel more comfortable. Remember, her heat cycle is a normal part of her life, and being prepared will make things much smoother.

For all your dog’s health needs, you can count on Supertails. Whether it’s for managing her heat cycle or any other aspect of her care, Supertails is here to support you in every step of your journey as a pet parent.