If your puppy hasn't been spayed, she'll come into season for the first time at around 5-8 months. Unless you want to breed, there's no benefit for a puppy to come into season and many owners decide to have their puppy neutered before this happens. This is because the cycle, which lasts for 21 days, can cause a big change in your pet's everyday routine. When she's in season she'll be very attractive to male dogs, and if you're not careful you may end up with a litter of unwanted puppies.
The signs that she is ''in season''
You may first notice that she is discharging small amounts of blood from her genital area, which is sometimes called 'spotting'. You might see her continuously licking that area, a sure sign a puppy is "in season".
Tasty Tips
How to manage the situation
For a start, unless you want your puppy to be a magnet for male dogs, you'll have to keep her confined for the whole time she's in season. If you do take her out in public, you'll need to be very careful to keep her on the leash and under control, and try to keep her away from male dogs. Your dog's hormones may cause her to be very frisky during the cycle so she may not be as well-behaved as usual.
Related products
Large Breed Mature Adult Dog Food
Hill's Science Plan Large Breed Mature Adult Dog Food with Chicken is a complete pet food, specially formulated with ActivBiome+ Multi-Benefit Technology.
This food is specifically formulated with ingredients to support healthy ageing in large breed dogs.
Medium Mature Adult Dog Food
Hill's Science Plan Medium Breed Mature Adult Dog Food with Chicken is a complete pet food, specially formulated with ActivBiome+ Multi-Benefit Technology.
This food is specifically designed for the needs of ageing medium breed dogs.
Large Breed Adult Dog Food
Hill's Science Plan Large Breed Adult Dog Food with Chicken is a complete pet food, specially formulated with ActivBiome+ Multi-Benefit Technology.
This food is specifically designed to fuel the energy needs of large breed dogs during the prime of their life.
Light Large Breed Adult Dog Food
Hill's Science Plan Light Adult Large Dog Food with Chicken is a complete pet food, specially formulated with ActivBiome+ Multi-Benefit Technology.
Helps keep your dog fit and active with our low calorie, great-tasting food.
Precise nutrition for less active adult large breed dogs that require a low calorie food to help maintain a healthy weight & lifestyle.
Related articles
My Dog Sleeps All Day: Is That Normal?
Concerned that your dog is sleeping all day? Learn how many hours dogs should be sleeping and why things like age have an impact on his sleeping habits.
Do Male Dogs Go Into Heat?
You probably know about female dogs going into heat, but do male dogs? Learn whether male dogs have a heat cycle & handling them around females in heat.
Does Breed Size Play a Role in Dog Intelligence?
Learn how dog intelligence is measured, how a breed's size & temperament is an important factor, and the impact pet parents have on how their dog learns.
All About Prey Drive in Dogs
Learn what a dog's prey drive is, how it relates to dog aggression, and how this drive can impact his ability to be trained.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavourful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavourful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.