What are the 4 stages of a dog in heat

If your sweet little girl isn't spayed, don't be caught off-guard when she gets her period for the first time. This is the beginning of her estrus cycle, commonly called "heat." During heat, a female dog is open to mating and can become pregnant.

While bleeding is one of the most obvious signs a dog is entering heat, her estrus cycle actually lasts much longer than this initial stage.

How to comfort a dog in heat

So, how long are dogs in heat, exactly? And how do you know when your dog is ready to mate? Daily Paws spoke with a veterinarian to get all the answers.

When Do Dogs Go Into Heat?

Your dog can go into heat starting at a surprisingly young age.

How often are dogs in heat

Lonna J. Nielsen, DVM, of Winterset Veterinary Center in Winterset, Iowa, says, "The timing of the first heat varies by the size of the dog. It can be as soon as six months of age for small dogs or 1.5 years for giant breeds. Having an intact [non-neutered] male in the house will bring heat in faster for a female.

It can be as young as four months [old] for small dogs!"

The Female Dog Heat Cycle

Just how long is a dog

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