A heat (or season) is when a female dog is fertile and can become pregnant. During a heat, it’s likely that your dog will behave differently, bleed from her vulva, and become very interested in male dogs.
Most dogs have their first heat when then are about 6 months old, but this varies a lot and can be as late as 2.5 years old. From then on, most dogs have a heat every 6-7 months (approximately twice a year). Most dogs have bigger gaps between their seasons as they get older, but unlike humans (who at some point go through the menopause), dogs continue to come into heat throughout their whole lives unless they are spayed. Once a dog has been spayed, her seasons stop and she can no longer become pregnant. Being on heat isn’t painful, but can make a dog feel uncomfortable, unsettled and ‘under the weather’. Although some people think that a dog’s bleeding during their season is a dog’s period, it’s actually a sign that they are at their most fertile.
So your furry friend has started bleeding, and you’re wondering if this is gonna last forever? Trust me, I get it! When my little Bella first went into heat, I was totally unprepared and kinda freaked out about the whole situation Let’s dive into everything you need to know about your dog’s heat cycle and answer that burning question does a dog bleed the whole time in heat?
The Quick Answer
No, dogs do not bleed the whole time they’re in heat. Your dog will only bleed for around half of the total cycle, usually 7 to 10 days. The entire heat cycle typically lasts about 2-3 weeks (14-21 days), but the bleeding phase is just a portion of this time.
Understanding Your Dog’s Heat Cycle
Before we dive deeper let’s break down what’s actually happening during your pup’s heat cycle. Female dogs go through what veterinarians call an “estrous cycle” which has several distinct phases
The Four Phases of a Dog’s Heat Cycle
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Proestrus – This is when the bleeding starts! This phase lasts about 7-10 days on average but can range from a few days to four weeks. During this time, your dog’s vulva will become swollen, and she’ll produce a blood-tinged discharge. Male dogs will be interested, but she won’t be ready to mate yet.
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Estrus – This is the actual “heat” phase when your dog is fertile and can become pregnant. The bleeding usually lightens and becomes more watery or pinkish. This phase typically lasts 3-21 days (average 9 days).
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Diestrus – This is when things start returning to normal. If your dog hasn’t been bred, her hormone levels will adjust, and physical signs will diminish.
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Anestrus – This is the resting phase between heat cycles, usually lasting about 4-5 months.
How Long Does the Bleeding Actually Last?
Here’s the deal most female dogs only bleed during the proestrus phase and sometimes into the beginning of the estrus phase That means
- Bleeding typically lasts for approximately 7-10 days
- This is roughly half of the entire heat cycle
- The bleeding usually starts heavier and gradually becomes lighter
- The discharge changes from bright red to pinkish or straw-colored as she enters estrus
Different dogs experience different bleeding patterns, tho. Some might bleed very little (you might barely notice), while others might have heavier bleeding. Generally, bigger dogs tend to bleed more than smaller dogs, but this varies between individual dogs.
What Factors Affect How Long a Dog Bleeds?
Several things can influence how long your dog might bleed during her heat cycle:
1. Age
Young dogs experiencing their first few heat cycles might have irregular patterns. The cycles usually become more predictable as they mature.
2. Breed and Size
Small breeds tend to have shorter heat cycles compared to larger breeds. Smaller dogs typically reach sexual maturity earlier (around 6 months) and may have more frequent heat cycles.
3. Individual Variations
Just like humans, each dog is unique! Some naturally have shorter or longer bleeding phases.
4. Health Status
A dog’s overall health can influence her reproductive cycle. Dogs with health issues might experience abnormal bleeding patterns.
Signs Your Dog Is in Heat (Beyond Just Bleeding)
Bleeding isn’t the only sign your dog is in heat. Watch out for these other common behaviors:
- Swollen vulva: Becomes red and enlarged
- Increased urination: She might mark more frequently
- Behavior changes: Your normally chill pup might become restless, clingy, anxious, or even irritable
- Increased attention to male dogs: She might seek out male company
- Tail positioning: She may hold her tail to one side, especially when touched
- Mounting behavior: She might mount other dogs, toys, or even your leg (awkward!)
- Nesting behaviors: Gathering toys where she sleeps
- Changes in appetite: Some dogs eat less during their heat
- Excessive licking: She’ll likely clean herself more frequently
A Week-by-Week Breakdown of What to Expect
Let me break down what typically happens during those 2-3 weeks:
Week 1 (Proestrus)
- Bleeding begins (usually red and noticeable)
- Vulva swells
- Male dogs become interested, but she rejects them
- She might be more clingy or irritable
Week 2 (Transition to Estrus)
- Bleeding typically lightens or becomes more watery/pinkish
- She becomes receptive to males
- This is her most fertile period
- She might seek out male dogs
- She might move her tail to the side when touched
Week 3 (Late Estrus/Early Diestrus)
- Bleeding usually stops
- Interest in males decreases
- Vulva returns to normal size
- Behavior returns to normal
Common Questions About Dogs in Heat
1. Is it normal for my dog to bleed a lot while in heat?
Some bleeding is normal, but “a lot” is relative. If you’re concerned about excessive bleeding (like if she’s leaving large puddles or seems weak), call your vet ASAP.
2. Can I walk my dog while she’s bleeding?
Yes, but it’s best to keep her on a leash and avoid dog parks or areas with lots of male dogs. Consider walking during quieter times of day.
3. How can I keep my house clean during this time?
Many pet parents use doggy diapers, designate a specific area with easy-to-clean surfaces for their dog, or place towels on her favorite resting spots. Remember to change diapers regularly (every 3-4 hours) to prevent irritation.
4. Do dogs get “period cramps” like humans?
We can’t know for sure since dogs can’t tell us, but most vets believe they don’t experience pain like human period cramps. Some dogs might seem uncomfortable or fidgety, but severe pain isn’t typical.
5. Should I be concerned if my dog’s bleeding lasts longer than 10 days?
If bleeding persists beyond 2 weeks without changing in color/consistency, or if it stops and then starts again heavily, consult your vet as this could indicate an issue.
How to Care for Your Dog During Her Heat Cycle
Taking care of your furry friend during this time doesn’t have to be complicated:
For Her Comfort:
- Provide extra attention and reassurance
- Give her a quiet, comfortable space
- Keep her entertained with toys and gentle play
- Consider using doggy diapers if she’s uncomfortable with the mess
For Your Home:
- Limit access to furniture and carpets if you’re concerned about stains
- Place washable blankets on her favorite resting spots
- Have cleaning supplies ready for accidents
For Her Safety:
- Keep her away from intact male dogs unless breeding is planned
- Ensure your yard is secure – male dogs can smell a female in heat from surprising distances!
- Always use a leash during walks
- Don’t leave her alone outside
When to Consider Spaying
If you’re not planning to breed your dog, spaying is the most effective way to prevent heat cycles altogether. Benefits of spaying include:
- No more heat cycles or bleeding
- Reduced risk of certain cancers and infections
- Prevention of unwanted pregnancies
- Can help with certain behavioral issues
Most vets recommend waiting until after your dog’s first heat cycle before spaying, but opinions vary, so discuss the best timing with your vet.
Potential Complications to Watch For
While a heat cycle is natural, there are some complications that can arise:
Pyometra
This is a serious uterine infection that can develop after a heat cycle. Watch for signs like:
- Lethargy
- Decreased appetite
- Increased thirst
- Vomiting
- Smelly discharge from vulva
False Pregnancy
Some dogs develop “false pregnancy” after their heat cycle where they show signs of being pregnant when they’re not. Signs include:
- Nesting behavior
- Milk production
- Behavioral changes
- Abdominal swelling
If you notice any concerning symptoms, always consult your vet.
My Personal Experience
When my dog Bella went through her first heat, I was completely unprepared! The bleeding started suddenly, and I panicked thinking something was wrong. After a quick call to my vet, I learned this was totally normal.
I found doggy diapers to be a lifesaver for keeping my furniture clean, though Bella wasn’t a fan at first. She eventually got used to them, and they made managing the situation much easier.
The hardest part was keeping her away from the neighbor’s unneutered male dog who suddenly became VERY interested in visiting our yard! I had to be super vigilant during backyard potty breaks.
Final Thoughts
Remember, your dog’s heat cycle is completely natural. The bleeding phase might seem concerning at first, but it’s a normal part of her reproductive cycle and typically only lasts for about 7-10 days, not the entire heat period.
Every dog is different, and with time, you’ll learn your dog’s normal patterns. If anything seems off or you’re worried about excessive bleeding, don’t hesitate to contact your veterinarian.
Have you gone through this with your dog? Any tips or tricks that helped you manage? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!
Quick Reference Table: Dog Heat Cycle Timeline
| Phase | Duration | Bleeding | Fertility | Behavior |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Proestrus | 7-10 days on average | Heavy to moderate red bleeding | Not fertile yet | Attracts males but rejects them, may be clingy or irritable |
| Estrus | 3-21 days (avg 9 days) | Bleeding lightens, becomes pinkish or straw-colored | Fertile and receptive | Seeks male attention, tail to side |
| Diestrus | 60-90 days | No bleeding | No longer fertile | Returns to normal behavior |
| Anestrus | 4-5 months | No bleeding | Reproductive rest | Normal behavior |
Remember, being prepared and patient during your dog’s heat cycle will make the experience better for both of you. And if you’re not planning to breed, talking to your vet about spaying options might be a good idea for the future.
Have other questions about your dog’s reproductive health? Drop them in the comments, and I’ll do my best to help!
Preventing bleeding in the house
Some dogs bleed heavily during their season, and others are much lighter. To keep your house clean you may want to limit your dog’s access to carpeted areas, sofas and bedding, use towels, or consider using a ‘dog nappy’/’dog pants’ to catch the blood.
What age do dogs have their first heat?
Most dogs have their first heat at around 6 months old, but timings vary a lot between dogs and breeds. Small dogs tend to have their first season earlier than large dogs (some can be as late as 2.5 years old).