A common question is, “Can a dog get pregnant when not in heat?” The answer is no, a dog cannot get pregnant when she is not in heat, however, many
may not recognize the full heat cycle of their dog and will only look for the noticeable sign of dog period bleeding.
Because the dog doesn’t display the typical signs of a heat cycle, a silent heat can go undetected by a person. The dog can still go into heat and become pregnant during a silent heat.
How can I treat my dog during her heat cycle?
Hygiene
Regular self-licking by your dog will help her feel as though she is taking care of herself in the best possible way. Don’t discourage her from this practice. Be careful not to hurt her when giving her a bath because her vulva and swollen nipples may be tender.
Mood change
She may be erratic or even more affectionate than usual for the few weeks of her heat cycle. She won’t want to leave your side or will seek quieter areas of the house to be by herself as a result. Observe these choices because a dog in heat may be more agitated.
Male attention
Make sure your back yard is securely fenced, and when you get home from work, be extra cautious of her charging out the front door. Her body is signaling that it is time to mate, and her keen nose is directing her to the closest available male. Additionally, you might notice stray or neighborhood dogs more frequently sniffing and urinating near your home.
The average cycle length for dogs is three weeks, but it can occasionally be as short as five days. Check out our article on dog estrus symptoms after spaying to learn more about female dogs’ reproductive cycles as well as the advantages and safety measures of spaying.
How do I tell if my dog is in heat?
Since every dog is unique, the estrus cycle manifests itself in various ways. Additionally, no cycle is the same. During her first heat cycle, your unspayed dog may display specific symptoms; however, the following cycle, she may display few or no symptoms.
However, there are a few indicators you can look for to know if your dog is in heat.
The four phases of the dog’s reproductive cycle resemble those of other mammals in the animal kingdom in that they are self-sustaining and serve the higher purpose of procreation to advance the species.
Consult a veterinarian if you need help identifying and documenting your pet’s heat cycles. Avoid leaving your dog unattended in the presence of male dogs during her estrus cycle if you don’t intend to spay her and don’t want to be caught off guard by a litter of puppies.
Review the female heat cycle to learn more about what to watch for and preventative measures.
What is a silent heat in female dogs?
The maintenance of ovarian functions without the occurrence of vulvar edema, serosanguinous vaginal discharge, or charm in male dogs is known as silent heat (subestrus). Younger females of smaller breeds may experience silent heat for a number of cycles prior to their first estrus.
FAQ
Will dogs mate if not in heat?
NO! A female dog’s reproductive cycle has four stages that indicate whether or not she can breed, fertilize, and give birth to puppies. Although the terms “in heat” and “ovulating” may be familiar to us, veterinarians refer to these states as the “estrus” cycle.
Can dogs get pregnant anytime?
She could become pregnant while in estrus at any time because sperm can remain viable in the reproductive system for up to a week and still be able to fertilize eggs.
Can a dog get pregnant if not bleeding?
The good news is that unless they are in heat, your dog cannot become pregnant. The bad news is that if your dog doesn’t bleed excessively, it can sometimes be very challenging to determine if they are in heat. Because owners of smaller dogs often cannot detect bleeding in their pets, this is particularly prevalent.
When can female dogs get pregnant?
Your dog won’t go into heat until she reaches sexual maturity, which starts at six months, so when do dogs go into heat? This can also depend on the dog and breed. While larger breeds may need to wait until they are two years old, some smaller breeds can reach sexual maturity at the age of four months.