Depending on the size of your dog, heat can begin when they're anywhere from 6 to 24 months old. In general, the smaller the dog, the sooner they go into heat. A dog's first heat cycle normally lasts between 3 and 4 weeks.
How to Help a Dog in Heat
A: A dog is said to be in heat when they are in the proestrus and estrus stages of their reproductive cycle. During proestrus and estrus a dog will have bloody discharge from the vulva, and during estrus, a dog can get pregnant. Proestrus and estrus last anywhere from 1-3 weeks in most dogs.
Get him vet-checked – If you're concerned that your dog might not be able to hear you properly, it's important you take him to your vet for a check-up as it could be that a temporary condition, like a bad ear infection, is causing deafness.
What to do if your cat is lost
In a dog that is both blind and deaf, using the senses of smell and touch are the best ways to help that dog get along in the world. Your dog will already know the scent of each family member, and should be able to find you, but you can help him avoid obstacles by using scents to mark doorways and other obstacles.
What to Do if Your Dog Is Lost
Try these tips:
The mother will need to pass nutrients onto the fetuses. Prepare a nesting area about a week before your dog is due to begin labor. Set up the nesting box in a quiet, private area. Place blankets and towels in the area to make it comfortable.
Signs of a heat include a swollen vulva (private parts), bleeding, and changes in behaviour. To prevent an unwanted pregnancy, it's important to keep your dog away from uncastrated males while she's in season. Once a female dog is speyed, she will stop having seasons and won't be able to get pregnant.
Be sure to take your male dog out for lots of independent exercise and activity and keep him distracted as best as you can. Certain pheromone sprays can also be helpful during these times, particularly if there's some distance between the two dogs to start.
A female dog reaches sexual maturity at around six months old. The stage of the cycle when she's receptive to mating is called estrus, or heat. During this stage, there's an increase in estrogen levels, then a sharp decrease and then her ovaries release eggs.
Female dogs cycle into heat on average every six months. But this can vary, especially in the beginning, so it's a good idea to keep track. It can take some dogs 18-24 months to develop regular cycles. Small dogs will tend to go into heat more frequently, as much as three or four times a year.
From about six months old to through the rest of her life, a female dog will experience estrus, or heat, roughly every six months. This is the period of time when she's receptive to mating.
Your dog will begin to appear weak and lethargic. Their breathing may become more rapid and shallow, or remain normal. The legs, skin and mouth may suddenly cool. You may notice a lower rectal temperature, but depending on the cause of the shock, it may also may elevate or stay normal.