If you've noticed your female dog behaving a little differently, with some swelling and perhaps a spot of blood, there's a good chance she's coming into season for the first time. A "season" (also called being in heat, or oestrus) is simply the part of her cycle when she's fertile and could become pregnant. Most bitches have their first season somewhere between six months and around a year old, though larger breeds can be later, sometimes not until 18 months to two years.
I groom plenty of unspayed girls, and owners often ask me what to expect, so here's the plain-English rundown: the signs to watch for, how often it happens, how to keep her comfortable, and a few honest words about spaying.
The heat cycle: the basics
A dog's season isn't one single event but a cycle with distinct stages. The oestrous cycle has four phases, and the two that matter most to owners are:
- Proestrus (roughly 7 to 10 days): the start, when you'll see a swollen vulva and a bloody discharge. She's attracting male dogs but isn't yet receptive to them.
- Oestrus (roughly 5 to 10 days): the fertile window. The discharge often lightens to a straw colour, and this is when she can become pregnant.
After that she settles back down for several months. The whole visible season typically lasts around two to three weeks, though it varies quite a bit between individual dogs.
First season signs to watch for
The signs can be subtle at first, especially in a tidy dog who keeps herself clean. Look out for:
- A swollen vulva, often the earliest and most noticeable sign
- A bloody or pinkish discharge (some dogs are so clean you barely see it)
- More frequent weeing, and sometimes marking behaviour
- Restlessness or clinginess, or a change in mood
- Extra interest from male dogs, sometimes before you've spotted anything yourself
- Holding the tail to one side and being more receptive during the fertile phase
Every dog is different. Some sail through with barely a sign, while others are noticeably out of sorts.
How often do seasons happen?
Most dogs come into season roughly twice a year, so around every six months, though this varies by breed and individual. Some smaller breeds cycle a little more often, while some giant breeds may only have one season a year. In the first year or two the timing can be irregular before it settles into a pattern, so don't worry if her early seasons aren't like clockwork.
Unlike us, dogs don't go through a menopause. An unspayed bitch will keep having seasons throughout her life, though they may become less frequent with age.
Worth knowing: A bitch can get pregnant during every season, including her very first, and dogs are remarkably determined when there's a fertile female nearby. If you're not planning a litter, keep her securely on the lead and away from unneutered males for the full three weeks, not just the days you notice blood.
Caring for your dog during her season
Most of this is common sense and a bit of extra patience:
- Keep her secure. Lead walks only, and avoid dog parks and busy off-lead spots for the full season to prevent an accidental mating.
- Walk at quiet times. Early mornings or late evenings mean fewer dogs about.
- Manage the mess. Washable bedding helps, and some owners use dog-specific "season pants" indoors. Let her keep herself clean, as most dogs are very good at it.
- Offer comfort. She may be a bit clingy, tired or off her food. Extra reassurance and a quiet space go a long way.
- Watch for anything unusual. A season shouldn't make her unwell.
Trusted general guidance from the PDSA and the Blue Cross is well worth a read if this is all new to you.
A word on spaying
Spaying (neutering a female) stops the seasons altogether and removes the risk of unplanned litters. It also greatly reduces the risk of certain cancers and a serious womb infection called pyometra. The timing of the operation, and whether it's right for your dog, is a decision to make with your vet, as it depends on her age, breed and health. It's one of the most common conversations vets have with owners, so don't be shy about asking.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my dog is in season?
The clearest signs are a swollen vulva and a bloody or pinkish discharge, often with more frequent weeing, restlessness, and extra attention from male dogs. Some dogs are so clean you barely notice, so a swollen vulva is often your first clue.
At what age does a dog have her first season?
Usually between six months and about a year old, though larger and giant breeds can be later, sometimes 18 months to two years. Early seasons are often irregular before they settle into a pattern.
How often do dogs come into season?
Most dogs come into heat about twice a year, roughly every six months. Some small breeds cycle more often and some giant breeds only once a year. Dogs don't go through menopause, so seasons continue throughout life unless she's spayed.
How long does a dog's season last?
The visible season typically lasts around two to three weeks. She's at her most fertile in the middle of it, but she can attract males and become pregnant across the whole period, so keep her secure throughout.
This isn't veterinary advice
We're professional dog groomers, not vets, so please treat this as friendly general guidance. If you're worried about your dog, or before acting on anything here, speak to your local vet. In an emergency, contact your vet or nearest out-of-hours clinic.
Fluffs is a professional dog grooming salon in Wigginton, York, offering one-to-one grooming for dogs of every breed and coat type across Haxby, Strensall, Huntington, New Earswick and the surrounding villages. We're happy to groom girls in season with a little extra care, just let us know when you book. Get in touch with Fluffs.