A female dog’s “heat” (the fertile part of her cycle) usually lasts about 2–3 weeks, with most dogs in heat roughly 12–21 days from first spotting to the end of discharge.

Quick Scoop

  • Most female dogs stay in heat around 2–3 weeks.
  • The most fertile window is often in the middle, roughly days 7–14 of the cycle.
  • Full hormonal cycle (including recovery time) is much longer, but only the first 2 stages are considered “in heat.”

The Four Stages (Simple breakdown)

  1. Proestrus – about 7–10 days
    • Swollen vulva, bloody discharge, males are very interested, but she usually won’t accept mating.
  1. Estrus – about 5–10 days
    • Discharge becomes lighter, this is the true “standing heat” when she can get pregnant and accepts males.
  1. Diestrus – about 60 days
    • Fertility ends, body winds down whether or not she got pregnant.
  1. Anestrus – several months
    • Quiet “rest” phase before the next cycle.

How Often Does It Happen?

  • Most unspayed females go into heat about every 6 months (twice a year).
  • Some breeds (like Basenjis and Tibetan Mastiffs) may cycle only once a year.
  • Small breeds may start their first heat as early as 4–6 months; large breeds may not cycle until 12–18 months or later.

Signs Your Dog Is in Heat

  • Swollen vulva and bloody or pinkish discharge.
  • More frequent urination and “marking.”
  • Behavior changes: clingy or restless, seeking males, tail held to the side when receptive.

Care Tips During Heat

  • Keep her securely indoors or on leash to avoid accidental mating; males can detect a female in heat from far away.
  • Use doggy diapers or washable bedding to manage discharge and protect furniture.
  • Watch appetite and mood; some dogs eat less or seem tired, others get more restless.
  • If you don’t plan to breed her, talk to your vet about spaying, which stops heat cycles and reduces some health risks.

If your dog’s heat seems unusually long (more than about a month with discharge), extremely heavy, or she seems very unwell (pain, weakness, fever), contact a vet urgently, as this can signal infection or other serious issues.

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