If your puppy hasn't been spayed, she'll come into season for the first time at around 5-8 months. Unless you want to breed, there's no benefit for a puppy to come into season and many owners decide to have their puppy neutered before this happens. This is because the cycle, which lasts for 21 days, can cause a big change in your pet's everyday routine. When she's in season she'll be very attractive to male dogs, and if you're not careful you may end up with a litter of unwanted puppies.
The signs that she is ''in season''
You may first notice that she is discharging small amounts of blood from her genital area, which is sometimes called 'spotting'. You might see her continuously licking that area, a sure sign a puppy is "in season".
Tasty Tips
How to manage the situation
For a start, unless you want your puppy to be a magnet for male dogs, you'll have to keep her confined for the whole time she's in season. If you do take her out in public, you'll need to be very careful to keep her on the leash and under control, and try to keep her away from male dogs. Your dog's hormones may cause her to be very frisky during the cycle so she may not be as well-behaved as usual.
Related products
Perfect Weight Adult Small & Mini Breed Dog Mousse with Turkey
Chicken recipe, small breed dry dog food with for the weight support and balanced nutrition for overall health. With small kibble size for tiny mouths, quality protein for lean muscle.
Perfect Digestion Adult Small & Mini Breed Dog Mousse with Turkey
Science Plan's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Adult Multipack Wet Dog Food with Chicken, Turkey & Beef
Hill's Science Plan Adult Dog Food Variety Pack is composed of 12 loaf cans: 6 with Chicken, 3 with Beef & 3 with Turkey. It is a complete pet food for adult dogs 1–6 years old.
Sensitive Stomach & Skin Small & Mini Adult Dog Food
Hill's Science Plan Sensitive Stomach and Skin Small & Mini Adult Dog Food with Turkey is a complete premium pet food for small breed adult dogs aged 1–6 years. This deliciously soft mousse is enriched with ingredients that support digestive health & skin care.
Related articles
Help, my Pet has an Upset Stomach!
Learn to see the signs of an upset stomach in your dog, understand the triggers and explore some possible solutions.
Little dog, big waistline?
Because of their little and darling – or small and scrappy – stature, they are experts at inspiring the most coddling. They can especially excel at eliciting more treats out of their owners.
Cleaning Dogs’ Teeth and Dental Care Tips
Discover effective tips for cleaning your dog's teeth as well as overall advice for maintaining canine dental health. Visit Hill's Pet UK for more expert help.
Develop Your Gut Instinct for Pets’ Digestive Disorders
Gurgling tummies in turmoil are not good news for pets. Owners who have to clean up the unfortunate consequences, digestive problems are one of the rare downsides to owning a pet.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.