A ‘heat’ or ‘season’ is when a female dog is fertile and can become pregnant. During this time you may notice physical and behavioural changes in your dog.
At what age will my dog have their first season?
This can vary depending on your dog’s breed and size but we would expect a first season at around 6 months of age.
How long does a season last?
A season can last between 2-4 weeks and your dog may experience bleeding for around 10 days, though again this can vary.
How often will my dog come into heat?
Dogs usually experience a season every 6-7 months.
What are the signs that my dog is in heat?
- Large, red, swollen vulva (the outer part of their genitals)
- Bleeding – this can appear as a red, yellow or brown discharge and can vary in duration and amount. The amount of bleeding and colour will change as the cycle progresses
- Licking at their back end
- Moving their tail to one side when touched or around male dogs
- Urinating more than usual
- Roaming to find male dogs
- Over friendliness with other dogs
- Mounting and humping (toys, people, sofas!)
- Anxious, clingy or nervous behaviour
- ‘Nesting’ or gathering toys where they sleep
During this time your dog may be a little confused and hormonal. It’s a good idea to keep them happy and distracted with a new toy or treat dispenser. To avoid a mess you can try re-usable ‘doggy diapers’ if they are willing to wear them!
How can I prevent my dog getting pregnant whilst in heat?
The most important thing is to keep your dog away from entire male dogs, accidental mating doesn’t take long! Keep your dog on a lead if you will be going to a public place, you can even consider a yellow ‘keep your distance’ lead to alert other dog walkers to stay back. Make sure your garden and house are secure, your dog will be more likely to want to roam at this time. If you have an entire male dog at home, keep them separated.
If you dog is accidentally mated, contact your vet about the next steps.
If you do not plan to breed from your dog, we recommend having them neutered to avoid unwanted pregnancies and reduce the chance or certain cancers and diseases.
Should I neuter before or after their first season?
There has been much debate amongst the veterinary community regarding whether it is best to allow a dog to have a season before neutering or not. The British Veterinary Association states that “There is currently insufficient scientific evidence to form a position on the early neutering of dogs and bitches. We recommend owners speak to their vets about the best time to neuter their dogs.”. Each dog and their household is different, if you are unsure, speak to one of our vets about what is best for your pet.
Should I let my dog have puppies before being spayed?
We all love puppies, but there is no reason to allow your dog to breed unless you would like a litter of pups. Your dog has no desire to be a parent and are more at risk of health complications if they do get pregnant. Breeding from your pet is a big responsibility for any owner and not a decision to be made lightly.
If you do decide that you would like to become a breeder, we recommend reading ‘The Book of the Bitch‘, a great guide to understanding your female dog. Make sure you do your research and are prepared for the responsibility you are accepting, and are able to bear the financial costs of any recommended testing prior to breeding, as well as for any pregnancy or post-partum complications your pet may suffer from. We would also advise making yourself aware of dog breeding regulations and whether you will need a licence.
Phantom pregnancy
A phantom pregnancy or false pregnancy can occur in an entire female around 6-8 weeks after a season. During a phantom pregnancy a dogs shows signs of pregnancy or nursing, despite not expecting puppies.
Signs of a false pregnancy
- Mammary gland enlargement and milk production
- ‘Nesting’ behaviour
- Nervousness or aggression
- Swollen belly
- Lethargy
- Reduced appetite
- ‘Nursing’ a toy or becoming protective over it
Phantom pregnancies are common in female dogs that have not been neutered. If your dog has experienced one phantom pregnancy, it is likely they will experience another.
Phantom pregnancies should subside in 2-3 weeks. If the symptoms persist or begin to distress your dog it is advisable to have them checked over by a vet. Your vet can ensure that your dog is not actually pregnant and check for any other medical conditions with similar symptoms, like pyometra. There are treatments available to alleviate the symptoms of a phantom pregnancy. Your vet can also advise about neutering to prevent further episodes.
Pyometra
After your dog has gone through the ‘estrus’ or ‘heat’ phase of their reproductive cycle, they can become prone to an infection of the womb called pyometra. This occurs due to hormonal changes during your dog’s season which make the uterus an ideal environment for bacterial growth. The uterus will become inflamed and distended as it fills with pus. It is most common around 2-8 weeks after a season. Whilst any entire female dog can be affected, it most often occurs in older females.
Signs of pyometra can include:
- Increased drinking and/or urination
- Vomiting
- Blood or pus discharging from vulva (not always present)
- Bloated abdomen
- Inappetence
- Fever
- Weight loss
Getting your dog to the vet at the first sign of pyometra is vital as the infection can be life threatening. Your vet will perform an examination and possibly diagnostic tests to confirm the pyometra infection. The most effective treatment is emergency surgical removal of the infected uterus as well as antibiotics, fluids and pain relief for the patient.
You can prevent the risk of pyometra by having your dog neutered.
Call us on 01435 864422 if you would like to discuss neutering your pet.
