04/22/2026
Let's talk about preventing unwanted (dog) pregnancies.
Dogs come into heat on average every 6 months. This starts from the time they are 6 months for some smaller dogs, up to 18 months for some large dogs. You will usually see bloody discharge, swollen v***a, if you have other dogs in the house they may also take more interest in your female, even if they are neutered. Females in heat may show behavior changes, and could be more clingy, anxious or aggressive.
The bleeding stage typically lasts for 10- 16 days, after that the breeding stops but they are still swollen. This is the time you need to be extra careful as that is when they are the most likely to get pregnant. Unfortunately many people misunderstand the end of bleeding to be the end of fertility, but it is actually the beginning of it, this phase can last 10 days.
To keep your dog safe when they are in heat- do not let them outside unsupervised, even in a fenced yard, male dogs can dig under, jump over or even mate through fences. Male dogs can also smell a female in heat from miles away, even if there isn't an intact dog in your neighborhood that does not make you safe.
If you have an intact male in your house (I would not recommend it, it is not worth the risk), they should have multiple solid boundaries between them at a time during this entire period- different rooms with closed doors, separated by crates, etc. This is where we most often see management fail, especially in multi-human households with kids or significant others letting dogs out and being unaware of the concern.
Diapers and wraps do not protect dogs from accidental pregnancies, similar to fences, it is easy for dogs to work around.
Intact dogs should never be left unsupervised together when a female is in heat, they can lock in seconds.
Size difference, etc are not things dogs care much about, if there is a will there is a way, don't assume your small male can't get to your large female.
Dogs should not be bred without extensive health testing (OFA Hips & elbow X-rays, cardiac exams, eye exams, knee exam, thyroid check etc depending on breed or mix), genetic testing and proving an exceptional temperament, this is often done with a variety of sports and show titles but could be with therapy, comfort or service work, hunting skills, search and rescue, etc. A pet having a decent temperament is unfortunately not enough to warrant breeding them.
There is also significant risk to your female dog during pregnancy, pregnancy can fail and go septic, puppies get stuck and require emergency csections, placentas rupture, they can get mastitis or preeclampsia.
If you are not able to heavily manage your dog 2x a year for approximately a month, please do not have an intact female. It is a large responsibility. Pictured is Nessie, who underwent extensive health and genetic testing, is seen by a reproductive vet, does multiple sports, therapy work and helper work, and Chicken, our current foster momma. She is an absolutely lovely dog, but her owners could not responsibly keep her from another dog and this is her second litter at only a year and a half old.
If you are unable to keep dogs apart and do not have the resources to spay them, please do not have intact dogs. There are so many accidental litters every year which are absolutely avoidable. Thankfully Chicken is with us and her puppies are being carefully raised and will be carefully placed to give them their best life. Chicken will also be spayed after this, but not all dogs or puppies are so lucky.
