08/13/2026
🐾 Your Puppy’s First Heat Cycle: What Every Family Should Know
Your puppy is now 7 months old, which means she may be approaching or entering her first heat cycle. This is completely normal for an intact female dog, and every puppy is a little different. Some females have their first heat around 6–12 months, while others may be later.
We wanted to give you this guide so you know what to expect and how to keep your girl safe and comfortable.
❤️ Signs Your Puppy May Be Going Into Heat
You may notice:
Swelling of the v***a
Bloody or pinkish discharge
Increased licking of the ge***al area
Urinating more frequently
Being more clingy, affectionate, restless, or moody
Changes in appetite
Increased interest from male dogs
Holding her tail to the side or "flagging" when receptive
The amount of bleeding can vary. Some girls bleed very little, while others may have a more noticeable discharge.
🩷 How Long Does a Heat Last?
A heat cycle commonly lasts approximately 2–4 weeks, although it can vary from dog to dog.
The discharge may start darker or red and gradually become lighter pink, peach, or straw-colored as the cycle progresses.
IMPORTANT: Don't assume she is no longer fertile just because the bleeding has stopped. A female can still become pregnant after the discharge becomes lighter or stops.
🚨 MOST IMPORTANT: Keep Her Away From Male Dogs
A female can become pregnant during her first heat—even if she is still young.
During her entire heat cycle:
Keep her separated from intact male dogs.
Never leave her outside unattended.
Don't rely on a fence alone.
Don't take her to dog parks, doggy daycare, or other places where intact males may be present.
Keep her on a leash when outside.
Be aware that male dogs can be extremely persistent when a female is in heat.
A male and female should never be left together unsupervised during this time.
Even a short interaction can result in pregnancy.
🩲 Puppy Heat Diapers
Doggy diapers can be helpful for keeping your home clean.
You can use washable or disposable dog diapers designed for female dogs in heat.
Remember:
Change the diaper frequently.
Give her breaks from the diaper so the area can stay clean and dry.
Check her skin for irritation.
Clean the area gently if needed.
Never leave a wet or dirty diaper on for long periods.
Diapers DO NOT prevent pregnancy. A male dog may still be able to mate with her while she is wearing one.
🛁 Keeping Her Comfortable
Most girls don't need any special treatment during a heat cycle.
You can help by:
Providing a quiet, comfortable place to rest.
Keeping her normal routine as much as possible.
Giving her plenty of fresh water.
Continuing her normal, balanced puppy diet.
Offering extra affection if she wants it.
Keeping her bedding clean.
Taking her outside for normal potty breaks while supervised and leashed.
Some girls act completely normal during heat, while others may be more tired, clingy, or restless.
🐕 Exercise During Heat
She can still exercise, but use extra caution.
Short walks and normal play at home are generally fine, but avoid dog parks, group play, daycare, boarding facilities, and areas where unknown dogs are loose.
Her scent can attract male dogs from farther away than you might expect.
🩺 When to Call Your Veterinarian
Heat itself is normal, but contact your veterinarian if you notice anything that doesn't seem right, such as:
Very heavy bleeding
Foul-smelling discharge
Pus-like or unusual discharge
Severe lethargy
Vomiting
Refusing food or water
Fever
Significant abdominal pain
Drinking or urinating excessively
Anything else that concerns you
These signs can indicate a medical problem and shouldn't simply be assumed to be part of a normal heat cycle.
📅 What Happens After the First Heat?
After her first heat, she will continue to have heat cycles periodically throughout adulthood. The timing can vary between individual dogs.
If you are not planning to breed her, talk with your veterinarian about the appropriate timing for spaying. Your veterinarian can take her individual size, breed, health, and lifestyle into consideration when discussing the timing.
💕 One Last Reminder
Your puppy is still very young, but she is old enough to become pregnant.
Please take her first heat seriously and keep her completely separated from intact male dogs throughout the entire cycle.
If you aren't sure whether she is beginning her first heat or you have questions about something you're seeing, please don't hesitate to contact your veterinarian.
We hope this helps you feel prepared for this new stage with your girl! 🐾💕
