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Why has my older female dog stopped going into heat? Is it normal?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Parson Russell Terrier | Female | unspayed | 6 years and 8 months old

When do female dogs stop going into heat? My dog hasn't had a season in 3 years and she's nearly 7 years.

5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on June 29th, 2016

Female dogs don't actually stop having heats. This is because as they get older, they do not always show the external or behavioral signs that they are actually having a heat, this can sometimes be referred to as a ‘silent heat.' It is important to remember that even though your dog may not be showing signs of being in season that she could still get pregnant if mated by an intact male dog. Ideally, you should consider having her spayed. There may also be an undiagnosed hormonal disease or ovarian disease present that stopped her cycling. In order to make sure it is not a serious condition you should have her checked by a veterinarian. It is possible that it is a harmless reason, but it is also possible that there is a serious underlying condition.

126Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM
Veterinarian
At this age she should still come in season. It is possible that your dog may have had a hormonal disease or ovarian disease that stopped her cycling. In order to make sure it is not some serious condition you should have her checked by a veterinarian. It is possible that it is a harmless reason, but it is also possible that there is a serious underlying condition.
71Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Emily, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on June 9th, 2017
It could be she is having heat cycles but with only a small amount of discharge, or it could be she has an issue with her ovaries which is preventing them from releasing estrogen. If you're not planning on using her for breeding I recommend considering getting her spayed as this would reduce the likelihood of a severe uterine infection called pyometra as well certain mammary cancers.
If you are going to use her for breeding you may want to consult a veterinary reproduction Specialist as you may have difficulty getting her breed successfully with this history.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA
Veterinarian
Published on January 16th, 2018
There are a number of possibilities for irregular heat cycles, ovarian cysts and chronic infection are both possible. I recommend an ultrasound exam to investigate further and neutering if you do not intend to breed her in order to prevent further complications
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on November 28th, 2017
You probably missed the time to breed her if she is no longer showing signs of heat. It should not have anything to do with the older dog's heat cycle. If this happens again though, I would suggest you take her to a vet for an exam. She may have issues with her uterus/ovaries that are causing irregular heats.

Best wishes.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

My senior dog is 9 and in heat. Will her heat cycles ever stop?

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Lottie. She will never stop her heat cycle, dogs do not go into menopause like humans do. She will be fertile for the rest of her life, and will be at risk of developing a pyometra. A pyometra is an infection of the uterus that is fatal without treatment. I'm not sure who told you she is too old to be spayed, but that's not true. There are many dogs who are spayed at nine years of age and older. Her anesthetic risk will have to be assessed by a vet, but surgery is not off the table due to her age. Plus if you leave her unspayed, she is at risk of a pyometra, which requires an emergency surgery that costs thousands. It's better to get her spayed now. I hope this helps.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Why isn't my 4-year-old dog going into heat? Is she too old to breed?

She may have ovarian cysts or other hormonal problems that keep her from cycling properly. I suggest you take her to a veterinarian who can give her a proper breeding exam, take some blood to check her hormonal status and do some vaginal cytology to check her cycle status. He can also do an ultrasound exam of the ovaries. Once he has all those results he can make a plan on how to start her cycle, ie get her in heat to be bred.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why isn't my 3-year-old female dog going into heat? Is it serious?

She may be extremely clean and you might not notice when she is in heat. If you intend to breed her I suggest you have her examined by a theriogenologist or veterinarian specialised in dog breeding . She may not be cycling due to ovarian cysts, or may be missing ovaries, or have hormonal problems.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My 7-year-old dog is constantly in heat. Is this a health problem?

This is unusual in dogs. Typically smaller breeds have 2 to 3 heat cycles a year. I am assuming this is a new change in the frequency for her and that you are seeing vaginal discharge or bleeding. If so, it is possible these are not normal heats and that she has disease in her reproductive tract. I would recommend a visit to your family vet for an exam. Additional testing to evaluate her reproductive tract may be recommended such as vaginal cytology and abdominal ultrasound. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

Why does my spayed dog act like she's in heat every few months?

That is unusual behavior for a dog but I do not suspect it is related to her mentally thinking she is in heat. That being said, dogs can have a heat cycle if they were not spayed properly or if they have too many ovaries. Your veterinarian can preform a simple blood test to determine if ovarian tissue is present. Next time she exhibits these symptoms, have her seen while she is showing signs as a blood test is more likely to find evidence of ovaries if they are present. That will at least rule that out. Other potential causes could include Addison’s disease or anxiety. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog is bleeding again after her heat cycle. Should I worry?

Most dogs typically go into heat twice a year. The questions to ask yourself are: 1. Has she ever done this before? 2. Does the blood look different? 3. Is she behaving differently? Occasionally, bitches do slow their bleeding and then start up again briefly towards the end, but it is not worth the risk to assume this is the case here. If this is not how her heat cycles normally progress, it is possible that she has [pyometra](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/pyometra/), or an infection of the uterus. Pyometra is common in older, intact female dogs that have recently had a heat cycle. It is a very serious condition that typically requires surgical intervention. Please bring her to your veterinarian or the nearest veterinary ER to be on the safe side. She needs to be seen ASAP, especially if she is lethargic, [feverish](https://www.petcoach.co/article/6-common-signs-your-pet-has-a-fever) or has a tender abdomen.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

Is my young dog's first heat normal if she's quiet and sleepy?

Normally, bitches in season do not behave very differently from their usual selves. Since it is her first heat, there may be a problem showing up that was not evident before her reproductive organs became active. Or, it could be something else altogether. Your best bet is to take her to the vet for a thorough exam to determine an accurate diagnosis and, if necessary, appropriate treatment plan.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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