Managing your dogs heat / season

Managing Your Dog’s Heat Cycle: What Owners Should Know

A female dog’s heat cycle is a natural part of her reproductive process. Understanding the different stages — and the emotional and physical changes that come with them — helps you support her calmly and confidently.

The Four Stages of the Canine Heat Cycle

1️⃣ Proestrus (Preparation Phase) — 7–10 days

• The vulva begins to swell

• Light bleeding usually starts

• Males show interest, but she is not yet receptive

• Oestrogen levels rise as the body prepares for ovulation

  
  

2️⃣ Estrus (Fertile Phase) — 5–10 days

• Ovulation occurs, meaning she is fertile

• Bleeding may lighten

• She may accept male dogs

• Progesterone begins to rise to support a potential pregnancy

  
  

3️⃣ Diestrus (Post‑Fertility Phase) — ~60 days

• The body either supports pregnancy or gradually returns to normal

• Progesterone remains high for several weeks

• Some dogs may develop phantom pregnancy signs due to lingering hormones

  
  

4️⃣ Anestrus (Resting Phase) — 4–5 months

• Hormones stabilise

• No visible signs of heat

• The reproductive system rests before the next cycle

  
  

Emotional & Behavioural Changes

Hormonal shifts can influence mood and behaviour. Many dogs experience:

• Increased affection or clinginess

• Withdrawal or irritability

• Heightened anxiety

• Restlessness or disrupted sleep

• Nesting behaviours, such as gathering bedding or mothering toys

These changes are normal and usually temporary.

How to Support Your Dog During Her Heat Cycle

• Track the cycle — note the first day of bleeding to understand when fertile days are likely

• Monitor appetite & energy — offer small, nutritious meals if she seems off her food

• Reduce stress — keep routines predictable and avoid big changes

• Provide mental stimulation — puzzle feeders, enrichment toys, and gentle training help reduce frustration

• Supervise outdoor time — keep her indoors or on‑lead during peak fertility

• Discourage mammary licking — excessive stimulation can encourage milk production

• Consider natural support — some owners use options like Dorwest Raspberry Leaf to support hormonal balance; suitability varies, so discuss with a holistic or pro‑raw vet

  
  

When Dogs Go Off Their Food: A Gentle Alternative to Raw

It’s common for some females to experience reduced appetite during their heat cycle. If your dog is temporarily reluctant to eat raw food, offering a gentle, highly digestible alternative can help maintain her energy and comfort until her appetite returns.

Our Alternative to Raw blog provides alternative options, including lightly home cooked which many dogs find easier to accept during hormonal shifts. It’s ideal for short periods when raw feels overwhelming, and it helps ensure your dog still receives balanced nutrition while her appetite settles.

This approach supports wellbeing without forcing food or creating negative associations around mealtimes.

Why Some Owners Consider Spaying

If you’re not planning to breed your dog, your vet may discuss spaying as an option to prevent:

• Phantom pregnancies

• The risk of pyometra

• Unplanned pregnancies

The timing and suitability of spaying depend on your dog’s age, breed, and overall health, so a veterinary consultation is essential.