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Joyful Golden Retrievers
With our health guarantee, we ask owners of females to go through at least one heat cycle and wait until after that to spay her.
Below are details surrounding a female dog's heat cycle! Please note this is an average. Every female's heat cycle can be different.
TIMING EXPECTATIONS :
Dogs will usually cycle every 6-8 months, but shorter or longer durations in between heat cycles are not abnormal.
Expect a first heat cycle to happen anytime after 6 months. On average I feel like most of ours have their first cycle around 12-15 months of age.
Pre-heat: First signs that a female's heat cycle is going to start is; swelling of the vulva, metallic smell, interest from other dogs (females & males), licking genitals more frequently.
Day 1: First sign of bleeding is considered day 1.
Day 2-10: Bleeding will get darker red and around day 7-2 it will taper off and get almost salmon pink color as their cycle progresses.
Day 8-21: Dogs will usually stop bleeding altogether or it will lighten. Contrary to what many believe, when the bleeding stops or taper off, THIS IS WHEN THEY ARE MOST FERTILE and can get pregnant!! Females can also start bleeding darker red again on their way out of heat.
Day 21+: Cycle should be coming to an end. The swelling of her vulva will lessen and the bleeding will slowly stop.
*Keep her away from intact males for up to 21 days at least or longer if she is still bleeding or males are interested.
If your dog continues to have discharge beyond 21 days, or it turns brown/stinky I would suggest contacting your vet for a checkup- just to be on the safe side.
Resources and Tips
- Crate training- allowing her a place to be safe away from other dogs
- Diapers - recommended to use only under supervision. I recommend the fabric ones and you can put a maxi pad inside and change it as needed.
- Make sure to take off when she is outside
- Make sure you wash/change diapers at least daily
- Fenced yard/supervised outside- not only to keep your female in and away from other dogs, but to keep other dogs out! Being in heat will potentially welcome wandering male dogs who may jump fences so I recommend supervision even inside of a fenced area.
- Avoid the dog park
- Avoid public outings; that isn't fair to her or other dogs (potential working service dogs) if she is in heat.
- It is normal for female dogs to hump each other before or during cycles, and sometimes neutered males will still be interested as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do their temperaments change during or after a heat cycle?
- Many people notice their dog may get clingy or be more whiney during their heat cycles. For the most part if you continue your normal schedule (aside from public outings) they will get through it without much change in their temperament or behavior.
- Can I have an intact male dog around her when she is in heat?
- Breeding can happen very fast. It is important and only fair to both dogs to keep her away from intact males to avoid breeding. Utilizing a crate will help allow her a safe space when you cannot watch her.
- Should I let my dog have a litter?
- NO. Your puppy was sold to you on a limited registration which means you do not have breeding rights.
- All dogs should be properly health tested prior to having a litter.
- What do I do if my dog is accidentally bred?
- Reach out to us and your vet. If she has been bred there is a good chance she is going to be pregnant.
- How long can a heat cycle last?
- Heat cycles can be anywhere from 15-28 days long. Generally, the timing above is average for most dogs in our breed.
- What to expect after a heat cycle?
- For the most part dogs will go back to their normal selves after a heat cycle. If for any reason you have concerns (false pregnancy, discharge continues, or any smell/swelling) it is best to contact your vet to ensure everything is normal.
- Does my dog experience any pain during her heat cycle?
- No, a dog's heat cycle is not painful, but they may experience discomfort.
