When will my 6-month-old dog get her first heat? What are the signs?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! A dogs first heat is some what genetic and breed related. Toy and small breeds may have their first heat at 6-8 months while larger breed dogs like Great Danes may not have their first heart until 18-24 months. I have a client who's lab still didn't have their first heat by 1 year of age. I would expect that Bella at 9 months should have her heat very soon or with in the next 3-6 months. Dogs act slightly off when they are in heat. The vulva becomes prominent and swollen. Then you will see bloody fluid from the vulva. Dogs tend to lick a lot. I hope this helps!

Thank you for submitting your question! Most puppies will start their first heat cycle anywhere from about 6-10 months of age. It can last upwards of 18-21 days. You will notice swelling of her vulva and mammary chain. She will spot and bleed as well. Some dogs keep themselves very clean and you only see small amounts of discharge, others will require diapers. You may observe some behavioral changes as well. These can include a decreased appetite, attraction to male dogs or being more clingy to you. Most dogs will cycle every 6-9 months with small dogs cycling more frequently and giant breeds less. I hope this information helps!

Average age for the first estrus in a large breed dog is about 6-9 months of age. It is not usual for large breeds to not have their first heat until somewhere between 12 and 18 months of age. So, as you can see, it varies widely when a large breed dog may go into heat for the first time. Some dogs come into heat and don't outwardly show any signs so you may not even notice their heat cycle. My best recommendation is that if you have a breeding bitch that is 18-19 months old and she has not had her first heat cycle, you should have her evaluated by a reproductive veterinarian to make sure she is sound for breeding. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

A dog goes into heat once every six months. A first heat typically occurs after a dog is six months of age, but large breed and giant breed dogs go into heat later, sometimes closer to two years of age. The number of times over a lifetime depends on when the dog first goes into heat, and how long they live.

Hello. In general, dogs will come into heat every 6 months, but it can range anywhere from 6 months to once a year. If Percy acts like most dogs, I would expect her to come into heat any time in late April or May. Thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

You have some great questions! When Luna goes into heat, keep her and your make completely separate at all times until it passes. You are right that she shouldn’t be bred until closer to two years of age. No, they will not mate when she’s not in heat. Signs of heat include a swollen vulva, bleeding, and mounting behavior. A dog goes into heat once every six months, and it lasts 3-4 weeks. I hope this helps!

Based on what you are describing it sounds like it. Although 6 months is average, every dog is different and it can start earlier than this. So be careful if Kashi is intact because you could have an accidental breeding if not careful. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!