How long does "heat" last?

[MaggieMae'sMom]

What I mean is how long does the bleeding last?? I knew she was going to be in heat pretty soon and noticed dried blood speckled all over our WHITE down comforter a couple days ago (eek! don't know if it will come out). How long does this last for though?? She is 2-1/2 years old and i think this is only the 2nd or 3rd time she's been through this and I did not have a white comforter then so didn't pay too much attention..any help??

[puppylove123]

i think its suppose to last about 21 days, so 3 weeks is the average.

[rxybabe17]

Abigail is in heat right now too. I was told that it is about three weeks. One week going in one week in and one week going out. I am ready for her to stop bleeding too she has to wear a diaper and she hates it. This is only her second time going into heat.

[MaggieMae'sMom]

ooh a diaper, mine would hate it too but it could save our carpets and blankets..where can you buy them?

[rxybabe17]

I just use regular baby diapers and cut a hole in it for her tale. Last year when Abigail went into her first heat she about 9 months old or so and I used premie diapers because she was smaller but they were hard to find but now she is bigger and I just use new born diapers. I also ordered her some little panites last year and you buy the sanitary pads to put in them and they are really cute but I don't know where they are so she hasn't been wearing those this year. I mainly let her wear those when we went somewhere. The diapers work really well though.

[mustangbee]

Originally Posted by MaggieMae'sMom

ooh a diaper, mine would hate it too but it could save our carpets and blankets..where can you buy them?

It's three weeks, you can get diapers at Petsmart

[Jaspermom]

Cheap cheap cheap! Guess what? Today is the first day she's needed it!! My girl is a woman now!!

[Nazir's]

Yes, on average a heat cycle will last 21 days. In more details: A bitch will usually come into heat between 6-12 months. Then after, they will usually come into heat every five to nine months. The heat cycle is specific for each individual dog. By observing and documenting your dogs heat cycles you'll be able to better predict this.

The estrous, or heat cycle is divided into four stages, each corresponding to the principal hormonal influences governing that stage. The combination of proestrus and estrus, which is referred to as a heat, last an average of 21 days. One week coming, one week standing, and one week going.

Proestrus: The initial stage last an average of nine days (the range is 3-17 days). The first sign is a bloody discharge. In early proestrus, the discharge may be light pink to yellow. During proestrus the female will produce a substance called pheromones. Pheromones are what attract the male, although an experienced stud dog will not show interest until the bitch is in standing heat. During this stage, the female will show no interest in mating.

Estrus: The second phase of the heat cycle, which is also referred to as standing heat. Estrus last an average of seven to nine days (the range is 2-20 days). As estrus begins, the vulva softens and becomes pliable in preparation for intromission. The discharge becomes light pink. This is the time that the female will begin to show interest in mating.

Diestrus: The third stage in the estrus cycle, also called the luteal phase, begins when the female refuses to stand for breeding. The male also will lose interest at this time. This stage last an average of 60 days, and then merges with anestrus. If the bitch becomes pregnant, diestrus last 56-58 days and if followed by whelping.

Anestrus: The fourth phase of the estrus cycle. It's the period of time when the progesterone-stimulate endometrium undergoes repair. Progesterone levels are low, indicating little if any ovarian activity. The length of anestrus varies, lasting on average 130 to 150 days. Anestrus if followed by the beginning of a new heat cycle.

[yorkieK9trainer]

: "A bitch will usually come into heat between 6-12 months. Then after, they will usually come into heat every five to nine months. The heat cycle is specific for each individual dog."

It should be clarified that this only really applies to small and medium breeds! I've routinely had Akitas of different lineage that would go into their first heat cycle around 17 months. I know it sounds odd and yeah, sure it's not all that common, but occurs and is certainly not out of the norm. On going research is showing that a bitch of a large-giant breed dog can go into heat for the first time as late as 22 months! So, relax and if you're worried about your late bloomer, take her to the vet to confirm she's healthy and they may be able to induce her heat cycle.

jm2c
OH, also, my Black Russian Terrier bitch is now 14 months old and shows NO indication of going into season any time soon. Thought I'd mention that! And no, there's no way in h3ll that she's had a "silent heat" and I've missed it. None at all.

[Nazir's]

Thanks for clarifying that but I did state, "Yes, on average a heat cycle will last 21 days. In more details: A bitch will usually come into heat between 6-12 months. Then after, they will usually come into heat every five to nine months. The heat cycle is specific for each individual dog. By observing and documenting your dogs heat cycles you'll be able to better predict this."

I Hope that I didn't cause any confusion; however, what you stated is new to me, as I have not ever heard of a dog going into heat for the very first time at 17 months plus. I'm not saying that it's not possible, I've just never experienced it, not even with the much larger breeds that I've had in the past. I worked as a vet assistant for some time and have not witnessed this there either. Though, I have heard of dogs coming into estrus much later than 12 months, 17 plus months is shocking to me. I know that many times a heat can go unnoticed. This si what we'd call an invisible heat. The owners may not be aware of a heat cycle or how to recognize all of the signs. They may have just missed it, but wow 17 plus months, that's new to me. Thank you for sharing your experiences.

[yorkieK9trainer]

"I Hope that I didn't cause any confusion; however, what you stated is new to me, as I have not ever heard of a dog going into heat for the very first time at 17 months plus. I'm not saying that it's not possible, I've just never experienced it, not even with the much larger breeds that I've had in the past. I worked as a vet assistant for some time and have not witnessed this there either. Though, I have heard of dogs coming into estrus much later than 12 months, 17 plus months is shocking to me. I know that many times a heat can go unnoticed. This si what we'd call an invisible heat. The owners may not be aware of a heat cycle or how to recognize all of the signs. They may have just missed it, but wow 17 plus months, that's new to me. Thank you for sharing your experiences."

Yeah, it happens. And as I travel I see it more. I just whelped a litter of GSD's that the bitch had her first heat cycle at exactly 18 months and the vet's couldn't determine anything wrong w/ her to cause it. All other progeny within two generations came in on average at 11 months. Interesting, huh? If you ask your vet, pick up a well known/read book that is used for reference by veterinarians it'll have something to the like in it.
Oh, and I'm w/ you on the vet tech. tip! I went to college for a Zoology degree! And I'm quite aware of the signs/symptoms of a heat cycle, even ones where the bitch really doesn't bleed much if at all.

Just saying it's not common, but it does happen.

[Nazir's]

That's cool! I studied general animal science at my local college. This doesn't apply to me but it's good to know and as I stated before, "thanks for sharing your experiences."

[artie merlino]

This is a lot of valuable detailed information.......but when is it the most optimum time to Breed the Female? To gaurantee a Pregnancy? And I have heard a lot of "Rumors" on how easy it is to have an un-planned pregnancy,
is it really that "Easy" or casual, that it just happened like it was an accident?
I've been told that it can happen in a matter of seconds?
Just curious......any comments? I appreciate it!

[yorkieK9trainer]

A good stud dog is a perfect indicator of timing! However, if you've bred w/ no real success in the past (conception or just carrying to term) you can go have a progesterone test done and find out what her levels are to determine when her "optimum" breeding time is.

[Nazir's]

Originally Posted by artie merlino

This is a lot of valuable detailed information.......but when is it the most optimum time to Breed the Female? To gaurantee a Pregnancy? And I have heard a lot of "Rumors" on how easy it is to have an un-planned pregnancy,
is it really that "Easy" or casual, that it just happened like it was an accident?
I've been told that it can happen in a matter of seconds?
Just curious......any comments? I appreciate it!

I believe that will depend on the individual dog. I was just reading a thread in the breeding section that answered this question from different views. I'll try to find the thread and refer you there.

I know that with my line, it is said by others who are familar and experienced with the line that they take to mating and conception during the proestrus stage, while they are still bleeding heavily. Odd...