how often does a dog go in heat

Unspayed female dogs usually go into heat about twice a year, roughly every 6 months, but this can vary with size and breed.

Quick Scoop: Key Facts

• Most females have a heat (estrus) cycle about every 6 months.

• Small breeds may go into heat 2–3 times per year.

• Giant/very large breeds may have only 1 heat per year, with up to 11 months between cycles.

• Each heat usually lasts about 2–3 weeks, often quoted as 18–21 days or 2–4 weeks.

• First heat typically occurs between about 6–15 months of age, earlier in small breeds and later (up to 18–24 months) in large breeds.

Simple example

If you have a medium‑size dog who had a heat in January, you’d usually expect the next one around July, and each “season” would last around 3 weeks.

Mini FAQ

• Do dogs ever stop going in heat?
  Unlike humans, intact female dogs generally continue to have heat cycles for life, though the interval can lengthen as they age.

• What if my dog was in heat 4 months ago and is in heat again?
  That can happen in small breeds that cycle more frequently (up to 3 times per year), but if the pattern seems very irregular or extreme, a vet check is wise.

• What stops heat cycles completely?
  Spaying (surgical removal of the ovaries/uterus) stops future heats and prevents pregnancy.

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