Yes, female dogs do get periods. A dog’s period, also known as estrus or “heat”, is part of the canine reproductive cycle. When a female dog reaches puberty, usually between 6 and 24 months old, she will start to go into heat approximately every 6 months.
What happens when a female dog is in heat?
There are four stages to a female dog’s heat cycle:
- Proestrus – this stage lasts approximately 7-10 days. The dog’s vulva will swell and she will have some bloody vaginal discharge. Her hormone levels are rising but she is not ready to mate yet.
- Estrus – this stage lasts approximately 7-10 days. The bloody discharge becomes lighter in color and the female is now receptive to breeding. This is the period where she can get pregnant.
- Diestrus – this stage lasts approximately 60-90 days. If the dog has mated, this is when pregnancy will occur. Even if the dog did not mate, her hormone levels will remain elevated for about 2 months before dropping back down.
- Anestrus – this stage lasts approximately 3-4 months. The female has no sexual interest in males and her reproductive system is basically dormant.
The entire heat cycle from start to finish lasts an average of 6 months. Some dogs can cycle every 4 months while others may go into heat only once a year. The frequency and length of estrus is different for each dog.
What are the signs of heat in dogs?
There are several signs that your dog is in heat:
- Swollen vulva
- Bloody discharge from the vulva
- Increased urination
- Excessive licking of the genital area
- Behavior changes (nervousness, irritability, aggression)
- Mounting/humping/masturbation
- Increased male interest if there are dogs nearby
The most obvious sign is bloody discharge or a light bleeding from the vulva. Do not be alarmed by the blood, it is normal during a heat cycle. The amount of discharge can range from just a few drops to heavy bleeding similar to a menstrual period.
Is it safe for dogs to be spayed while in heat?
No, it is generally not recommended or safe for dogs to be spayed (ovariohysterectomy) while they are actively in heat. There are increased risks of bleeding and other surgical complications if a dog is spayed during estrus. Most vets will ask you to wait until the heat cycle is over before scheduling a spay procedure.
Many vets also recommend waiting at least 2-3 months after a heat for the hormones to return to normal before doing an elective spay. This allows time for the uterus and ovaries to return to their normal size and reduces surgery risks.
Do dogs bleed after being spayed?
A female dog may have a small amount of bloody vaginal discharge, or none at all, for 1-3 days after being spayed. Significant bleeding immediately after a spay is not normal and requires prompt veterinary attention. Bleeding longer than 3 days post-op or any hemorrhage warrants an urgent vet visit.
Here are some tips for normal vs abnormal bleeding after a spay surgery:
| Normal Bleeding | Abnormal Bleeding (Seek vet care) |
|---|---|
| Minimal red or brown discharge first 1-3 days | Heavy bleeding soaking a pad in an hour |
| Few drops of blood when dog urinates | Bleeding longer than 3 days after surgery |
| No bleeding at all | Bleeding is bright red after the first day |
In summary, mild blood-tinged discharge can occur immediately after a spay surgery but heavy bleeding is not normal. Contact your vet if your dog has excessive bleeding after being spayed.
At what age do female dogs stop getting their periods?
On average, female dogs undergo menopause and stop getting their heat cycles between 10-14 years of age. However, some dogs can continue cycling well into their teens.
Here are some factors that influence when dogs stop getting their periods:
- Breed – Small breeds tend to go through menopause later around age 13-15. Large breeds typically stop cycling earlier around age 8-10.
- Overall health – Dogs with chronic health conditions may stop cycling sooner.
- Reproductive history – Female dogs that never had a litter may go through menopause later in life.
- Early spay – Females spayed before their first heat tend to have a later onset of menopause.
While most dogs undergo menopause between 10-14 years old, the cessation of reproductive cycles varies for each dog. The only way to know for sure if your senior dog is done with heat cycles is when she goes at least 6-12 months without signs of estrus.
Do female dogs menstruate like humans?
No, dogs do not menstruate in the same way humans do. In human females, menstruation sheds the uterine lining on a monthly basis when there is no pregnancy. Dogs, however, only experience vaginal bleeding during estrus or heat cycles.
Here are some key differences between canine estrus and human menstruation:
| Female Dog Estrus | Human Menstrual Cycle |
|---|---|
| Occurs twice per year | Occurs monthly |
| Lasts 2-3 weeks | Lasts 3-7 days |
| No tissue shed | Uterine lining shed |
| Bleeding signals ovulation | Bleeding signals no ovulation |
In summary, dogs do not menstruate and their heat cycles are not comparable to human menstrual cycles. The bloody vaginal discharge in dogs simply signals they are ovulating and ready to mate.
Do female dogs need to wear dog diapers during their period?
Wearing dog diapers or panties during a heat cycle can help contain any blood discharge and prevent spotting in the house. However, they are not an absolute necessity for all dogs.
Here are some factors to consider when deciding if your dog needs diapers during her period:
- Heavy vs light bleeder – Dogs with heavier discharge may benefit from diapers.
- Highly supervised vs free roaming – Diapers may not be needed if your dog is supervised outside.
- Housetrained status – Diapers can reinforce housetraining for unspayed females.
- Your tolerance – Diapers can give peace of mind if blood spots bother you.
- Furniture access – Limit furniture access or use diapers to prevent stains.
In general, dog diapers are recommended for a female dog’s first heat when bleeding is usually heavier. Disposable dog diapers specifically designed for females in heat can provide leakage protection. Reusable cloth diapers or male wrap belly bands can also work.
If diapers impede natural urination or defecation, limit their use or try a different style. Never leave diapers on for prolonged periods.
How often and long do female dogs bleed while in heat?
When a female dog is in heat, the amount, frequency, and duration of bleeding can vary quite a bit. Here are some general guidelines:
- Amount – Discharge can range from just a few drops to near-constant leakage looking like menstrual bleeding.
- Frequency – A dog in heat may bleed for a few days, stop, and then restart again on and off during estrus.
- Longest phase – Bleeding tends to be heaviest and most prolonged during the estrus phase, which lasts about 7-10 days.
- Total cycle – Light bleeding may persist off and on until diestrus ends in 2-3 months.
Every dog experiences heat cycles differently. The bleeding is not on a consistent schedule. Pay attention to the color of discharge and if your dog is licking herself frequently as signs of estrus.
If bleeding lasts longer than 3 weeks or seems excessively heavy, contact your veterinarian to rule out any medical conditions causing abnormal estrus.
Do dogs bleed when pregnant?
A female dog that is pregnant may have a small amount of blood-tinged vaginal discharge early on in pregnancy. This is typically nothing to worry about as long as it is minimal spotting.
Signs of pregnancy bleeding that may indicate a problem include:
- Bright red blood coming from the vulva
- Heavy bleeding beyond spotting
- Blood clots or tissue being passed
- Lethargy, weakness, or appetite/behavior changes in the dog
- Bleeding persists beyond the first trimester
Any bleeding that seems abnormal during dog pregnancy warrants an urgent vet visit to check for potential complications like an aborted litter, placental issues, uterine infection (pyometra), or pregnancy toxemia.
Contact your vet right away if your pregnant dog has any bloody discharge after initially becoming pregnant. Some vaginal spotting may occur, but heavy bleeding is not normal.
How do I stop my female dog from bleeding everywhere?
Here are some tips to minimize bleeding and prevent spots during your female dog’s heat cycle:
- Use dog diapers or panties designed for dogs in heat.
- Limit access to furniture and beds. Use towels or floor mats.
- Confine unsupervised time to tile, wood, or easy to clean surfaces.
- Take her outside frequently to urinate and defecate.
- Gently clean the vulva area if needed to remove discharge.
- Increase potty training reinforcement.
- Crate train your dog for when you cannot watch her closely.
- Ask your vet about supplements to shorten or lighten the heat cycle.
While you cannot stop normal heat cycle bleeding entirely, containment products, close supervision, and proper cleaning can minimize messes and spots in your home during your dog’s estrus period.
What should I do if my dog won’t stop bleeding after heat?
You should contact your veterinarian if your dog continues to have a bloody discharge long after their heat cycle should have ended. Some warning signs include:
- Bleeding or spotting longer than 3 weeks
- Heavier discharge than what is normal for your dog
- Lethargy, appetite changes, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Odor coming from the vaginal area
- Swelling around the vulva
- Evidence of pus or darkened bloody discharge
A persistent bloody discharge after estrus can indicate:
- Hormone imbalance
- Inflammation or infection of the uterus (pyometra)
- Genital tract trauma or lesion
- Reproductive tract cancer
- Cysts or growths in the vagina
Schedule an exam with your vet if post-heat bleeding lasts longer than expected. They can run tests to determine if there is an underlying medical issue that requires treatment.
When to worry about bleeding between dog heat cycles?
Light bleeding between heat cycles is not normal and may indicate a health problem. Contact your vet promptly if you notice any of these signs:
- Bloody discharge 6-8 weeks after your dog was in heat
- Bleeding lasts longer than 7 days outside of estrus
- Discharge contains blood clots, has a foul odor, or is purulent
- Your dog seems ill – lethargic, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite
- Your dog has been licking excessively at the vulva
- You see swollen tissue protruding from the vaginal area
Abnormal bleeding between heat cycles can be caused by:
- Infection – vaginitis, open pyometra, STDs
- Injury – trauma to the vulva or vagina, foreign object stuck
- Hormone disorder – ovarian remnant syndrome, cysts
- Reproductive cancer – leukemia, Sertoli cell tumor
Do not wait to see if unusual bleeding resolves on its own. Call your veterinarian as soon as possible if your dog has any vaginal discharge between her normal heat cycles.
Is dark brown discharge normal for a dog in heat?
Yes, a dark brown vaginal discharge is often normal for a female dog in the early stage of heat. As estrogen levels rise at the start of proestrus, the discharge will usually be dark red, brown, or black. The initial discharge is often thick and will lighten in color as estrus progresses.
Here is what the discharge colors indicate:
- Pink or red – Ovulation is approaching
- Clear, straw-colored – Estrogen peak, optimal breeding time
- Dark brown – Early proestrus, beginning of heat
- Pale yellow – Diestrus stage, discharge tapering off
Green, grey, cloudy, or foul-smelling discharge is NOT normal. This could indicate an infection or uterine disease. Contact your vet immediately if the discharge smells bad or looks purulent.
Otherwise, a dark brown vaginal discharge is quite common for intact female dogs entering their heat cycle. Monitor your dog and look for changes in the amount and color of discharge over the next weeks.
Conclusion
In summary, yes female dogs do experience period-like estrous cycles approximately every 6 months once they reach sexual maturity. Signs that a dog is in heat include swollen vulva, bloody discharge, restlessness, and attraction of male dogs. The amount, frequency, and length of bleeding varies between individual dogs and breeds. While estrus bleeding is normal, contact your vet if it lasts longer than 3 weeks or occurs between cycles. With proper management and veterinary care, most female dogs experience regular heat cycles without complications until they undergo menopause later in life.