If you are fostering or raising an intact female dog, the following information will help you understand her estrus cycle or when she is in heat. Generally:

• Female dogs can come into their first heat cycle as early as 6 months of age. Smaller breeds often start at an earlier age, and larger breeds may start at a later age.
• Intact females normally come into heat every 5-12 months, with the average being every 6 months. Only after several heat cycles can a pattern be determined.

If you have a dog in heat, please remember:

• Do not take her in public in cape.
• Do not attend training classes.
• Keep her close to home, as an intact female in estrus can attract a male dog from miles away.
• Someone must be with her at all times when she goes outside to potty, even if your yard is fenced, as dogs can breed through a fence.

Please notify a member of the Puppy Program staff every time the dog begins a heat cycle. We must record the first day you notice any bloody discharge from the female, as this information is carefully tracked. You will be notified if it is determined that the dog will be part of the Can Do Canines breeding program and will not be spayed.

Below are general descriptions of the various phases of the estrus cycle:

First Phase:

• Heat cycles last approximately 3 weeks, some shorter in length (as little as 7-10 days), some longer in length (lasting 4 weeks). The first signs of heat can be as subtle as a change in behavior in the female. She may be “clingier” or she may be “grouchier.” Females may lick their vulva more frequently especially after urinating. Other physical signs are swelling of the vulva, clear to blood-tinged discharge from the vulva, and a possible increase in the frequency of urination. This phase usually lasts about 7 days.
• Some females will keep themselves so clean that you may not notice any discharge. Some dogs with long hair may also hide the bleeding in their fur.
• Male dogs, even neutered males, may show interest in the female by sniffing at her rear. Females usually will not show much interest in the males during this phase.
• Hormone levels can be checked at this time to help determine optimal breeding time.

Second Phase:

• During the second phase of the heat cycle, the female will stand to be bred, usually about 10 to 16 days after the beginning of her heat cycle. She can and will stand for any male dog during this time.
• The vulvar discharge will change from being blood-tinged to a straw-yellow color. The female may keep herself clean by licking her vulva frequently. This phase usually lasts about 7 days, yet can last from 4 to 14 days.
• To help with the vulvar discharge:
  • You may purchase a pair of little boy underwear for her to wear, putting them on backward using the fly opening for her tail. You may also put a regular panty liner in them, and change it as needed.
  • You may purchase doggie panties at a pet store if you choose. Again, use a regular panty liner with them.
  • Do not leave panties on the dog when you are not able to supervise her, in case she chews them off.
  • If you decide to use panties, the dog should only wear panties indoors.
  • Give some treats when trying them on to encourage her to wear them.
  • Do not have the dog wear panties all day, as her bottom needs to get air to avoid infections.

Last Phase: