My runt dog's heat cycle is delayed. Is her reproductive health okay?

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!

Dogs go into heat around every six months, but it's not set in stone. Give Naughty some more time, but if she hasn't gone into heat in another few weeks, have her seen by a vet. As an aside, I would make this her last litter. Dogs who are around six and older should never be bred. I would have her spayed after she weans this litter. Best of luck.

Some pets can be a bit delayed with their first heat cycle. I wouldn’t be concerned about her not being able to have a litter just yet. Give her until she is about 10 months of age and if she hasn’t had a heat cycle by then, it wouldn’t hurt to get her examined by your vet to look into possible underlying causes, especially if you are certain she hasn’t already been spayed. Best of luck with your pup Sadie moving forward. Take care.

I'm wondering if you mean that Belle has an underbite. This can be common in breeds such as the Shih Tzu. As for not being in heat yet, she can go into heat anytime, so I would not worry about her being nine months and not having a heat yet. It can take up to a year of age before she goes into heat. I wouldn't be worried that there is a problem with her reproductive system. Best of luck, I hope this helps!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Akira. The heat cycle in a dog will typically last 18-21 days. Dogs usually become receptive to a male dog during the middle of the cycle, but every dog will be different. It is possible for her to have become pregnant if she was left alone with an intact male dog. I would supervise her carefully for the remainder of her cycle. I hope this information helps!

That is true - typically the first heat cycle occurs around 9 months in a small breed dog but it can occur as early as 6 months. You should make sure there is no potential for her to either escape from your yard or for other dogs to get into your yard to avoid an accidental breeding, and should avoid taking her in public when she is in heat. She will first go through a proestrus phase where the vulva swells and there is bloody discharge: this lasts 1-2 weeks. You will want to have diaper for her to wear to decrease the mess. Estrus comes next and will be when she is fertile and will ovulate - this lasts another 5-10 days but there is no longer any bloody discharge. If you don't plan to breed Mini in the future you may want to discuss having her spayed.

In regards to your question about Olie having her first heat cycle - on average a dog will have their first heat cycle between 6-12 months of age. It is hard to determine right now at her 2 month age exactly when her first heat cycle will be but it will be several months from now. If you want to take extra precaution during her heat cycle you can have her wear a cloth or disposable diaper to help with the "mess". She does not need to wear cloths and you do not have to change her normal healthy diet. You should take extra precaution when she goes into heat that there will be intact male dogs seeking her out to try and breed with her. If your intention is not for her to have puppies than it is very important to keep her away from intact male dogs during this time of her heat cycle or she will be bred. If you do not wish for her to have puppies it would be best to have her spayed prior to her first heat cycle by your veterinarian. Best of luck with your sweet puppy Olie.