When do Chihuahuas stop having periods

Here’s what you should know about the dog heat cycle—and what to expect if your pup isn't spayed.

If your sweet little girl isn't spayed, don't be caught off guard if she gets her period. This is the beginning of her estrus cycle, commonly called "heat." During heat, a female dog is open to mating and can become pregnant. And while bleeding is one of the most obvious signs a dog is entering heat, her estrus cycle actually lasts much longer than this initial stage. 

So, how long are dogs in heat, exactly? And how do you know when your dog is ready to mate? Daily Paws spoke with a veterinarian to find answers.

When Do Dogs Go Into Heat?

This time of fertility and breeding can be a fact of life for your dog at a surprisingly young age. Lonna J. Nielsen, DVM, of Winterset Veterinary Center in Winterset, Iowa, says, "The timing of the first heat varies by the size of the dog. It can be as soon as 6 months of age for small dogs or 1.5 years for giant breeds. Having an intact [non-neutered] male in the house will bring heat in faster for a female. It can be as young as 4 months [old] for small dogs!"

The Female Dog Heat Cycle

Kailey Whitman

Just how long are dogs in heat? You might be surprised to find out that your dog's heat cycle can last weeks, and "it is a full 30 days that the female should be confined and not outside alone," Nielsen says.

The first signs your dog is in heat are the swelling of her vulva and bright red bloody discharge. This stage is called proestrus. "There will be lots of licking," Nielsen says. A dog in heat can bleed for around seven to 10 days. During this first stage of the reproductive cycle, the female will not accept a male.

Once the bleeding stops, the second stage of the dog heat cycle, called the estrus stage, has begun. Many people make the mistake of thinking their dog's estrus is done at this point, but this second stage is actually when your dog can become pregnant. "This stage, when the blood is done, is when she will accept a male," Nielsen says. "This lasts an additional seven to 10 days." During this stage, the vulva will become soft and enlarged.

If your dog is in heat and you do not want her to get pregnant, you should be very careful to keep her away from intact males during this time. "Heat, for both males and females, is very intense and instinctive," Nielsen says. "They will breed through fences and kennels, and have been known to break out windows and chew or dig through doors to get together. It is a strong impulse." 

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The last stage of the heat cycle, called diestrus, lasts about two months. It includes reswelling of the vulva and pink discharge, and she will not accept a male. As this final stage ends, the vulva returns to normal and the discharge tapers off. This is the time of pregnancy if your dog mated with a male, though diestrus lasts 60 days whether or not she's carrying puppies.

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Anestrus is when your dog isn't in heat. This period of time lasts several months (between three and six months on average, though it varies from dog to dog) before she reenters proestrus.

How Often Do Dogs Go Into Heat?

A dog's heat cycle begins roughly every six months for unspayed female dogs until 8 to 10 years of age. 

Nielsen says in her experience, "They seem to show a preference for spring and fall—when the days lengthen and then when it starts getting cooler.

"The first heat cycle, Nielsen explains, will be light and owners may be thinking This is easy! No big deal. "But when the second cycle comes, it's 'Holy crap!'" she says.

Spaying Your Dog

Having your female dog spayed means she will not experience the estrus cycle or pregnancy at all. If your pup goes into heat before you have her spayed, consult with your veterinarian about the best timing for the surgery. In general, it is best to spay before the dog's first heat ever happens (as early as 8 weeks of age), but the procedure can be done once the first heat has finished.

Spaying has benefits outside of preventing pregnancy, including decreased risks of mammary cancer and pyometra (uterine infection).

RELATED: How Much Does It Cost to Spay or Neuter a Dog?

Once the first heat cycle occurs, they will generally occur every six months or so. There is no menopause in dogs, so older female dogs continue to have heat cycles, but they will become further apart and her fertility will decrease. The first phase of a heat cycle lasts an average of nine days.

At what age do female dogs stop going into heat?

What age do female dogs stop going in heat? Seasons usually start at around six months of age but can be as late as one year to eighteen months.

How many years do female dogs have periods?

Their estrus cycles typically last three weeks but can range between two and four. While six months is the average age of a dog’s first heat, it can vary between dogs. Some dogs may go into heat at four months, but bigger dogs may be as old as two years before their first heat.

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Can a 10 year old female dog get pregnant?

Dogs as old as 12 years or older can theoretically become pregnant. However, these late pregnancies are often associated with complications for both mother and pups.

Can you stop female dogs from having periods?

There are two methods to prevent estrus, or heat, in a female dog: 1. Surgery – ovariohysterectomy (spay): Recommended. Ovariohysterectomy, or a spay surgery, involves the surgical removal of the entire female reproductive tract, including the uterus and both ovaries.

Can a 10 year old dog be in heat?

Yes, a 10 year old dog can be in heat and therefore get pregnant. Actually, she can go into heat throughout her life. Signs aren’t always as obvious by this stage, which is why dog owners may assume their senior pup is past the point where they can get pregnant.

When will my dog stop bleeding?

After about 9-10 days, the bleeding will become more watery, or stop. It is at this time your female will, most likely, be at her most fertile. This proestrus stage can last as long as 20 days in some dogs. So the end of bleeding can be a more useful indicator of peak fertility.

How do you take care of a female dog on her period?

Keep an eye on her appetite and give her frequent baths to clean up any discharge. You should also be careful to keep her away from any male dogs who might turn aggressive and make sure she is securely on a leash or behind a fence when she’s outside.

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How long does a dog stay in heat after bleeding stops?

How long does a heat cycle or estrus last? Heat cycles vary, but average two to three weeks for most dogs. The heat cycle begins with the first signs of vulvar swelling or vaginal discharge. It ends when all discharge ceases and the vulva has returned to its normal size.

Do female dogs get periods after spayed?

When your pet is spayed, the entire reproductive tract (including both ovaries and the uterus) is surgically removed. Therefore, your spayed dog no longer has ovaries, produces estrogen, or goes into heat.

Is 14 old for a dog?

A small dog is considered a senior when it hits about 11 years old, a medium-sized dog at 10, and a large dog around eight. At these ages, your canine companion may slow down, gain weight, be forgetful, and experience a dulling of the senses.

What age do dogs stop having puppies?

Many kennel clubs require a dog to be 8 years or younger to register litters. Many vets suggest that dogs of normal health should be retired from breeding around 8 years old. The strictest standard to retire a dog from breeding is 5 years of age. Consult your vet when considering breeding a dog older than 5 years old.

What’s the youngest age a dog can get pregnant?

Your dog won’t go into heat until she reaches sexual maturity, which begins at six months. This can also depend on the dog and breed. Some smaller breeds can go into sexual maturity at four months, while larger breeds may need to wait until they are two years old.

How do I stop my dog from bleeding everywhere in heat?

The bleeding can be controlled by investing in some doggy diapers that your dog can wear while she is around the house. If you can, keep her off the furniture, and perhaps leave her in a part of the house that has floors that are easy to clean, rather than carpet or rugs.

What do I do when my puppy has her period?

She’s going to need extra love and attention.

1. Pups tend to get quite snuggly during this time, so set aside some extra slots for lots of cuddles. …
2. Offer a safe, chew resistant toy that she can nudge up against. …
3. Never scold your pup if she happens to make a bloody mess, just calmly reassure her while you clean it up.