How often do dogs go in heat?

Answer 1

Female dogs go through a heat cycle, called estrus, on average every six months. However, this varies from animal to animal. She will have proestrus, or a bleeding cycle, before her true heat cycle during which she is very receptive to the advances of male dogs. This heat cycle lasts for several days up to three or four weeks. This heat cycles goes on unless you spay your dog. ---------- If you have an unaltered female who is going into heat you should be aware of all proper precautions, legal and moral responsibilities. Taking care of a female dog in heat can be very messy and so you will need to acquire several "dog bloomers" and replacement pads as well as cleaners, deodorizers, etc.

A female who is in heat cannot be sterilized until they have completed their cycle:

For safety reasons, dogs "in heat" (estrus) will not be operated upon until the cycle has ended. This usually is approximately 14 days after swelling has subsided. Female cats in heat can be spayed during their cycle. Source: Affordable Spay Neuter Clinic.

A female in heat may attract male dogs from near and far; leading to lots of visits of strays or neighborhood dogs who get out. It will mean you cannot take your dog to most dog parks and walking will be much more a chore as you watch out for amorous suitors.

Many local animal control ordinances basically put all the responsibility on the owner of the female in heat. For example the ordinance for Hillsborough County Florida states: The owner of a female dog or cat in heat (estrus) shall humanely confine such dog or cat in a building or proper enclosure so as to make her inaccessible to any male dog or cat, except for controlled, intentional permitted breeding purposes. When not in a proper enclosure, such dogs or cats shall be under the direct supervision of a responsible individual so that the dog or cat is not allowed to unintentionally come into contact with a male dog or cat and breed. Sterilization, especially before first estrus, greatly reduces the chance of several diseases and prevents unintended breeding and adding to the pet overpopulation problem.

The Humane Society of the United States publishes this information on their website at: http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_caremyths_and_facts_about_spaying_and_neutering.html

= Myths and Facts About Spaying and Neutering = MYTH:My pet will get fat and lazy. FACT: The truth is that most pets get fat and lazy because their owners feed them too much and don't give them enough exercise. MYTH: It's better to have one litter first. FACT: Medical evidence indicates just the opposite. In fact, the evidence shows that females spayed before their first heat are typically healthier. Many veterinarians now sterilize dogs and cats as young as eight weeks of age. Check with your veterinarian about the appropriate time for these procedures. MYTH: My children should experience the miracle of birth. FACT: Even if children are able to see a pet give birth-which is unlikely, since it usually occurs at night and in seclusion-the lesson they will really learn is that animals can be created and discarded as it suits adults. Instead, it should be explained to children that the real miracle is life and that preventing the birth of some pets can save the lives of others. MYTH: But my pet is a purebred. FACT:So is at least one out of every four pets brought to animal shelters around the country. There are just too many dogs and cats-mixed breed and purebred. MYTH: I want my dog to be protective. FACT: Spaying or neutering does not affect a dog's natural instinct to protect home and family. A dog's personality is formed more by genetics and environment than by sex hormones. MYTH: I don't want my male dog or cat to feel like less of a male. FACT: Pets don't have any concept of sexual identity or ego. Neutering will not change a pet's basic personality. He doesn't suffer any kind of emotional reaction or identity crisis when neutered. MYTH: But my dog (or cat) is so special, I want a puppy (or kitten) just like her.FACT: A dog or cat may be a great pet, but that doesn't mean her offspring will be a carbon copy. Professional animal breeders who follow generations of bloodlines can't guarantee they will get just what they want out of a particular litter. A pet owner's chances are even slimmer. In fact, an entire litter of puppies or kittens might receive all of a pet's (and her mate's) worst characteristics. MYTH: It's too expensive to have my pet spayed or neutered. FACT: The cost of spaying or neutering depends on the sex, size, and age of the pet, your veterinarian's fees, and a number of other variables. But whatever the actual price, spay or neuter surgery is a one-time cost-a relatively small cost when compared to all the benefits. It's a bargain compared to the cost of having a litter and ensuring the health of the mother and litter; two months of pregnancy and another two months until the litter is weaned can add up to significant veterinary bills and food costs if complications develop. Most importantly, it's a very small price to pay for the health of your pet and the prevention of the births of more unwanted pets. MYTH: I'll find good homes for all the puppies and kittens. FACT: You may find homes for all of your pet's litter. But each home you find means one less home for the dogs and cats in shelters who need good homes. Also, in less than one year's time, each of your pet's offspring may have his or her own litter, adding even more animals to the population. The problem of pet overpopulation is created and perpetuated one litter at a time.

Answer 2

On average, they go into heat about every six months, but this varies from dog to dog. Breeders keep records of when their bitches go into season so they can estimate when she is due again. This allows the breeder to carefully plan breedings, even when it means traveling to another state to get to just the right male.

Answer 3

Usually once every six months and it lasts for around two weeks.