The quick answer is. Yes. A female dog’s cycle will last around 21 days. lasting anywhere from 3 to 17 days, and may become a lot more hungry and lethargic.
When your dog is in heat, their patterns of behavior will be much different from how they normally behave. Even the most bizarre behaviors are perfectly normal at this time. But are dogs lethargic when in the heat? Let’s find out:
What does “going into heat” mean?
“Going into heat” is one of the stages of a female dog’s hormonal cycle. The phrase “going into heat” specifically refers to estrus, when her body releases her eggs for potential fertilization and bloody discharge occurs.
The first stage of a female dog’s heat cycle is her proestrus stage, which can last anywhere from 3 to 17 days. The main sign of your female dog’s proestrus is moderate or excessive swelling of her vulva. Some light to moderate bleeding may also occur.
Your female dog’s personality may also change a bit during proestrus. She may want to be with you in your lap all day, or she may prefer to be alone. One of the more obvious signs of proestrus is when a female dog guards her vulva by tucking her tail between her legs when other dogs, especially males, approach.
Later on, estrus begins. Typically lasting about nine days, this is the main part of your female dog’s heat, when she releases eggs to be fertilized. This is a more dangerous stage of her cycle, because now she will be far more interested in male dogs and will want to go outside more. During this time, she is more likely to run away. Their previous swelling will decrease a lot, and any discharge you notice during estrus is probably lighter and more pink. Your female dog will probably play with male dogs in a slightly different way, too. But she may show occasional tiredness at this stage as well.
After this comes diestrus, when your female dog’s heat has started to end. Diestrus lasts from 60 to 90 days and is characterized by an almost total reduction in your female dog’s vulva’s swelling. Lethargy during diestrus is normal, too.
The final stage of a female dog’s heat is anestrus, lasting from 100 to 150 days. It is the longest stage of the heat, but nothing much happens during it. Your dog will start feeling better, with more energy and exuberance. She may want to play more. Soon, she will be back to normal!
How can I tell if my dog is in heat?
First of all, what are some of the main signs that your dog is in the heat? Unfortunately, the behavior of a dog who is in the heat is not very consistent.
However, most un-spayed female dogs in heat are quite likely to urinate differently and more often, raising her leg while doing so. This is the most obvious sign.
She is also quite likely to start paying a lot more attention to male dogs, whether she previously had zero interest in them or played peacefully enough with them before. But conversely, she could also start bolting away from every male dog she sees, as practice for hiding from them later.
A female dog will also have a period when she is in heat. You might notice spotting on her legs or in her bed. There’s no telling how she will react to this – it may scare her a bit, she may be indifferent or she may keep herself so well-groomed that you don’t even notice it.
When does this happen?
An un-spayed female dog will have her first heat when she reaches puberty. This typically occurs at around six months. A female dog’s cycle will last around 21 days.
What are the stages of heat?
The first stage of a female dog’s heat cycle is the proestrus stage, lasting anywhere from 3 to 17 days. The main sign of proestrus is moderate or excessive swelling of a female dog’s vulva. Some light to moderate bleeding also occurs.
Your female dog may also go off her food at this point. Or, a testament to the inconsistency among dogs in heat, she may become a lot more hungry instead. Either appetite change is completely normal in a dog in heat.
Your female dog’s personality may also change a bit during proestrus. She may want to be with you in your lap all day, or she may prefer to be alone.
But one of the most obvious signs owners spot during proestrus is when a female dog guards her vulva by tucking her tail between her legs when other dogs, especially males approach.
Later, estrus begins. Typically lasting nine days, this is the main part of your female dog’s heat, when she releases eggs to be fertilized.
This is a more dangerous stage of her cycle because now she will be far more interested in male dogs and will want to go outside more. During this time, she is more likely to run away.
The previous swelling will decrease a lot, and any discharge you notice during estrus is probably lighter and a bit pinker. Your female dog will probably play with male dogs slightly differently, too. But she may show occasional lethargy at this stage as well.
Then there’s diestrus when your female dog’s heat has started to end. Diestrus lasts from 60 to 90 days and is characterized by an almost total reduction in your female dog’s vulva swelling. Lethargy during diestrus is normal, too.
The final stage of a female dog’s heat is anestrus, lasting from 100 to 150 days. It is the longest stage of the heat, but nothing much happens during it.
What can I do for my dog if she is in heat and withdrawn?
When your dog is in heat, cramps and hormonal changes can cause pain and lethargy. Equally, hormonal changes can also cause your pooch to want to be alone. Or, your dog may want to be near you. It can be hard to know how to support your dog during their heat.
You shouldn’t typically take your dog for a walk when they are in heat. This is because the scent of her discharge can draw dogs from miles around. However, finding a way to exercise your dog during their heat can go a long way in easing pain from cramps.
Don’t walk your dog in a very public area, but do take her for short walks if you can. If you do leave your yard, keep a close eye on your dog to ensure no male dogs approach her. Stick to less busy times of the day so that less dog owners will be out.
When your dog relaxes in bed – something they may be doing more of during their heat – make sure they are comfortable. Have plenty of blankets and cushions around for her to stretch out on, and make sure she is warm. If your dog appears to be in pain, you could even use a hot water bottle or heating pad with them.
Give your pooch plenty of love and attention during this confusing and stressful time. Talk to them, play with them, and cuddle them often. Brushing her more often will help her to relax, while chewy treats and toys can keep her occupied and distract her from the discomfort. If your female dog wants to sleep more than usual, let them.
If your dog is withdrawn and lethargic, do check on her from time to time, but don’t force her to get up if she doesn’t want to. Equally, if your dog wants to spend more time cuddling with you, move their bed near you an enjoy this time together!
Do male dogs go into heat?
If you have a male dog with a female dog living under the same roof or nearby, you may notice strange behaviors from your male dog at the times of year that the female dog is on heat.
Your male dog may appear frustrated and dig at doors or under fences to be near a female dog. They may even escape and run quite far away from home.
But, no, male dogs do not actually directly go into heat. They can still get very frustrated during a female dog’s heat, though. Did you know that a male dog can smell a female dog in heat up to 3 miles away? You might
worry about your male dog running off and going missing in this way. If so, try to thoroughly tire him out and distract him.
Creating a different, distracting aroma at home by using a menthol spray or another dog-friendly product might help mask a female dog’s scent enough to calm your male dog down.
Still, it can be quite alarming watching your male dog digging and whining at the door all day. They can get very frustrated. They often stop eating or drinking during this time, since they are so focused on mating.
You might feel unable to leave him unsupervised and you may start to worry about his health. He might pant excessively. Some owners say that they worry their male dog will have a heart attack or stroke during a female dog’s heat!
If you feel like this, one method is to take your male dog away for a walk several times a day, away from anywhere a female dog on heat has walked. But some owners find that they need to take their male dog to a kennel.
Will my dog run away?
As previously mentioned, a male dog can sniff out a female dog in heat 3 miles away. Also, a female dog in heat could become very strongly interested in male dogs. So, yes – during her heat, even the most obedient female dog can go to extraordinary lengths to get at a male dog.
Don’t be surprised if your female dog digs out of the garden or even swims through a river to visit a male dog.
What precautions should I take?
As we mentioned earlier, many female dogs go missing during the estrus stage or their heat, no matter how secure their yard is. Always go out into the yard with your female dog during their heat and never leave them unsupervised outdoors.
But If you are very worried about your dog going missing, consider using a GPS tracker and collar, so that you know where your dog is at all times during her heat.
If you like, using a menthol product on the tip of your dog’s tail is a handy trick to hide the scent, to prevent unwanted attention from male dogs when you’re out on a walk. Or there are also sprays, that are more effective.
Some owners even use a type of diaper when their dog is in heat. There is a wide variety available, both washable and disposable. This prevents your dog from licking themselves and also helps to keep your furnishings clean.
Do dogs calm down after first heat?
Hormonal changes can make your pooch seem more calm and placid during and after their heat. They should soon be back to their former boisterous, playful self in no time, however.
Conclusion
So yes – when a female dog is in their heat, lethargy is very common and normal during most stages of their heat, as are many other unusual behaviours. If lethargy is accompanied by another symptom, this may be a cause for concern. But in general, lethargy when your dog is in heat is perfectly normal.
By Michelle McDaid
