You have brought your new puppy home. You invite a friend over to meet her because you are so excited you just want to share your joy. Your friend comes over and sees the puppy and say "Oh, you've got a female. Wait til she goes in heat". Now you are thinking did I make a mistake or something? What is this "heat" and what do I do about it?
First it is not something you need to worry about too much. The first heat won't usually happen before the pup is 6 months old. So there is plenty of time to prepare. Sometimes up to a year depending on the dog, they are all different and mature at their own rate. So don't worry if your pup is 6 months and has not had it's first heat. It will happen. You will want to keep record of her cycle to avoid unwanted pregnancies. Two times a year your dog will go in heat.
You will notice a discharge, perhaps a drop or two of blood on the floor. Confirm it is a heat cycle starting by taking a white tissue or toilet paper and wipe your dog's vulva. If you get red she is in heat. We like to use some heat pants with a pad in it when our females are in heat. They can walk around the house and your carpet and furniture stay clean. Allow you dog time in her crate without the heat pants on so that she can clean herself. The pants can be purchased online or at one of the big pet stores. They have velcro closures and a hole for the tail. Remember though these are NOT a contraceptive.
A male dog can get them off!
Your dog's discharge will lighten in color after about a week. When the discharge is pinkish or none at all is when your dog can become pregnant. Remember that a male dog can smell a female in heat up to a mile away. If you do not have a secure area where other dogs can not get in you will need to have your dog on leash for potty time. Female dogs have been known to run away during heat. They are actually practicing hiding from male dogs. So it is important during this time to keep you dog on leash. This will last about a week also.
There is a third stage in which your dog can no longer get pregnant. This can last for 30 to 60 days. During this time your dog will be her old self what you need to look for is any unusual discharge. Pus or odor get a vet appointment as soon as you can.
The fourth stage is a resting stage between heat cycles. It lasts 100 to 150 days. then you can expect another heat cycle to begin.
In review,
Your dog may become more affectionate than normal towards you, have a loss of appetite begins a blood flow. Heat cycle beginning. 7 day duration.
Pinkish discharge, tail may be tucked to side to allow mating and she may seem aroused around males. She can become pregnant during this time. 7 day duration.
No off leash during this time unless your dog is in a confined area.
The time periods vary from dog to dog and are just a guide. Should your dog get mounted DO NOT try and separate them. You can cause serious injury to both dogs. Male dogs have a bulb which inflates inside the female and can't be pulled out.
I hope this helps some of you and a nice review for others. As always if you have a question ask we will answer the best we can.
Remember, Love your dog!!