Do dogs have periods?

Yes, female dogs get a period, and knowing more about your pup’s period — also known as a heat cycle — can help you prepare and take the best care of your dog. This guide will walk you through what you need to know so you can properly care for your dog while they are in heat.

If your dog isn’t spayed, she will go through an estrus cycle — commonly known as “being in heat.” A dog’s heat begins with an increase in estrogen levels, then a sharp decrease in estrogen. Eggs are then released from their ovaries followed by an increase in progesterone. This is when they can get pregnant.

Dogs will start experiencing estrus cycles once they reach sexual maturity — typically around six months old, though large dog breeds could take up to two years to get their first heat.

Once your dog reaches puberty and begins having estrus cycles, they’ll typically go into heat every six months. But just like with human menstrual cycles, it can take a while for your dog to develop a regular cycle.

The overall cycle is called the estrous cycle. There are four stages:

Proestrus stage

The first stage in the cycle is the proestrus cycle, which lasts anywhere from 3-17 days — while nine days is the average. You may notice a swollen vulva and light, bloody vaginal discharge that gets heavier as the days go on. During this time, your pup may become more affectionate, clingy, grumpy, and avoidant of male dogs.

Estrus stage

The estrus stage is the period people call your dog’s heat. This is when your dog goes through ovulation, which means she’ll become fertile and can get pregnant. Like proestrus, this can last anywhere from 3-21 days, with nine days being the average. Pet owners may notice that their dog is more willing to accept male company. Additionally, you should see lightened discharge and the swelling of their vulva subside.

Diestrus stage

The third stage is called diestrus, which is when the fertile period of the cycle comes to an end. If your dog got pregnant during her heat, this stage will last for the duration of her pregnancy until she gives birth to her puppies (typically about 60 days). Whether or not your dog got pregnant, you’ll likely notice a return to her typical behavior, and most swelling will have gone down.

Anestrus stage

Finally, you have the anestrus stage. It’s the longest stage in the cycle, known as the “resting stage.” Generally, this will last anywhere from 100 to 150 days before the cycle starts over with proestrus.

You may not be able to detect the pheromones that your dog gives off when they’re about to go into heat, but you may notice other changes like:

• Behavioral. Your female pup might start vocalizing more, become more physically active, urinate in front of male dogs, or allow male dogs to sniff and lick her genitalia.
• Physical. She may have bloody discharge, a swollen vulva, a change of color of her vulva, or a side-to-side wagging of her tail.

If you’re unsure if your dog is in heat, you can always go to the vet and get a canine vaginal cytology — which is similar to a human pap smear.

If your dog is in heat, here are a few things to keep in mind:

Adjust your routines as needed

While in proestrus and estrus, your dog may need to go out more regularly to urinate. But when you are outside, keep a close eye on her and the environment. Some female dogs will run away and hide around other dogs or even become more aggressive. Make sure to walk your dog on a leash or keeping them in a secure area. Because of pheromones, your dog may attract male dogs.

Be prepared for cleanup

While dogs tend to clean themselves during their heat cycle, your dog may need some extra cleanup.

Dog owners should have a designated blanket around the house for sleeping, curling up on the couch for snuggles, and more. That way, at the end of their heat, you only have one blanket that needs heavy cleaning.

Additionally, make sure you have some cleaning supplies around. Disposable wipes work for furniture and hard floors, but you’ll want to have a stain remover for carpets.

Keep an eye out

Being in heat can be a vulnerable time for your pup. It’s important to pay attention to her behavioral cues and do what you can to keep her comfortable. That may mean finding a spot in the house for her, away from other pets and distractions. (One way to do this is to use a pet gate.)

Also, ensure she doesn’t escape your home or backyard during her heat cycle as they may seek out a male dog to breed with.

Use doggie diapers for heat discharge

Something else to consider is doggie diapers, especially for primarily inside dogs. Having your dog wear a diaper during bleeding and discharge stages could help prevent a mess around the house. Plus, there are various types of doggie diapers to choose from.

• Reusable diapers. The most budget-friendly and eco-friendly option, you can generally find reusable diapers in both hand and machine-washable options.
• Disposable diapers. These require the least amount of cleanup, but they are more expensive.
• Full-body diapers. You can find full-body diapers for pups who have a hard time wearing standard diapers. These are the most expensive option, but they could be worth it for your dog.

While dogs technically have a “period” they don’t experience menopause the way humans do. Due to the differences in our reproductive systems, dogs can continuously go into heat and become pregnant even in their senior years. But, you may notice your dog’s heat cycles becoming less frequent or shorter, which is normal as dogs age. If you notice that your dog has completely stopped her cycle, consult with a vet as this could be due to an underlying cause.

Despite the fact that dogs can get pregnant at almost any age, it doesn’t mean they should. Young puppies or old dogs shouldn’t get pregnant for the health of both the mother and puppies.

If you don’t plan onbreeding your dog, spaying can be a great option for her health. Spaying can help prevent uterine infections and reduce the risk of breast cancer. Plus, spaying removes heat cycles, which can be uncomfortable for your dog and generally reduces mating behaviors that can be frustrating or even lead to dangerous situations.

But, as with any procedure, not all dogs will benefit from it at the same age. For example, research Trusted Source This is an approved Trusted Source for betterpet. Learn more about Trusted Sources from the University of California–Davis shows that for some dog breeds, spaying at the wrong time could be associated with certain health risks like dysplasia or cancer.

So, when should you spay? Generally speaking, smaller breeds mature faster, so they can be spayed from around 6-9 months whereas larger breeds don’t reach sexual maturity until ages 16-18 months.

Ultimately, deciding whether or not to spay and how to handle your dog’s heat is best discussed with your vet. A veterinarian can help formulate a plan specific to your pup and lifestyle to ensure a seamless and safe cycle.