You have a Golden Retriever and is a girl!! And now is that time of the year that all women know. But do you know how female dogs’ heat works?
In this article we will answer this common question:
- What is a heat cycle?
- When do Golden Retrievers get their first heat?
- How long does a heat cycle last in female Golden?
- How often will a Golden get a heat?
- What are the signs that a female dog is in heat?
- What is Silent Heat?
- How to care for your Golden Retriever when she’s in heat?
Heat Cycle
Female goldens like humans bleed in their heat cycles, but their reproduction cycle differs greatly from ours.
What does mean that your female golden is in heat?
Dogs in heat are ready to reproduce because they’re ovulating, which means they’re fertile and can become pregnant. As a result, dogs in heat may experience changes in their behavior to show they’re open to mating. This is when they could become pregnant if they meet an intact male dog.
Female Golden Retrievers in heat have 4 stages. There are signs to each one of them to help you understand where your dog is in her cycle. The four stages of a dog in heat are:
- Proestrus Stage. This is the very beginning of a dog’s heat, which lasts from 4-20 days, the average is 7-10 days. Proestrus is the stage in which most owners start noticing changes. In this stage, the vulva swells, so you may notice that your golden may lick herself more often. They also will start having bloody discharge. She may also become more or less affectionate, so there will be noticeable changes in her behavior (mood change, less appetite, laziness). They may also tuck their tails to guard their vulvas around other males because they’re not yet ready to mate. During proestrus a dog probably can’t get pregnant, but there’s always a chance. Males will notice the female during this initial stage, but the female won’t be willing to mate just yet. Pet parents should start keeping their dogs inside and away from male dogs at this time.
- Estrus Stage. Estrus is the fertile phase of the cycle when ovulation occurs. This phase is when the female is receptive to the male and ready to mate. Estrus lasts between 4 and 15 days and is characterized by the following:
Change in the discharge color. This is a pinkish/brownish liquid and not the blood-stained discharge of the proestrus stage.
A ‘flagged’ tail, raised and no longer hiding the vulva. This is a direct sign your dog is getting ready to mate.
Seeking out male dogs. If your Retriever has become more active and aggressive in seeking out other dogs, this could be a sign they are in the Estrus phase.
- Diestrus. This phase occurs directly after the “in heat” stage. Usually starts on day 24 and can last 60-90 days. Although your golden may still carry the scent of the heat period, her fertile window has now closed. At this point, she is no longer fertile, her body will rest in preparation for the next heat season.
- Anestrus Stage. The anestrus stage is the time when a dog is not in heat and behaves normally. During this time, there is no sexual or hormonal behavior. This phase can last for anywhere from 90 to 150 days before the next proestrus stage begins.
When do Golden Retrievers get their first heat and how often.
Most female pups will not enter their heat cycles until around 6 months. Golden retrievers are more likely to have their first heat cycle at about 10 to 14 months.
Female goldens who have not been spayed go into heat twice a year, around every 6 to 9 months. Each heat cycle lasts around 18 days, generally anywhere from 2 to 3 weeks.
Every female is different though, and so some may have shorter or longer heats. Remember that during the time the female is actually fertile, the discharge will be lighter and less noticeable. This leads some people to assume that her heat is over when it’s most definitely not and she’s at risk of becoming pregnant if allowed to be around intact males.
Reproductive cycle last for the female dog’s lifetime. She will continue to have heat cycles even into old age unless they are spayed. However, the frequency of heats becomes less as they get older, and their fertility decreases as well, due to fewer eggs being produced.
So, in theory, even old dogs could become pregnant, but it’s unlikely. Female dogs continue to have heat cycles even into old age, unless they are spayed.
Signs a Dog Is in Heat
You will know when your Golden Retriever is in heat by observing your dog for distinct physical and behavioral signs, including:
- Swollen vulva
- Bleeding or discharge (pinkish instead of blood-stained).
- Excessive licking of the genital area
- Frequent urination
- Abnormal mounting behavior
- The increased movement caused by nervousness or alertness.
- Nesting behavior
- Personality changes
- Loss of appetite
Silent Heat Cycle
This occurs when your female will have a heat cycle without normal symptoms such as bleeding and swelling of the vulva. Females will still be receptive to males and can become pregnant. Your veterinarian can check for a silent heat cycle by performing vaginal cytology and progesterone assays.
How to care for your Golden Retriever when she’s in heat.
Caring for a dog in heat requires you to take special consideration of the different cycles they go through.
Don’t leave them alone: If you’re trying to avoid pregnancy, never leave your dog unattended, even if it’s in your own yard.
Use diapers: Female dogs bleed when they’re preparing for ovulation, which can be messy. You can protect your furniture and carpet and prevent your dog from licking themselves by putting them in doggie diapers while they’re bleeding.
Keep your golden engaged in distracting her from the discomfort of the hormonal changes during the heat period. Playing games, offering treat-filled toys, or taking short walks can help keep her happy and calm.
If your Golden Retriever shows the need for extra rest, always allow this. Also, ease your dog’s exercise routine during the proestrus and estrus phases of the heat cycle, as she may feel a bit low energy.
Ensure your dog gets all the recommended nutrients in her meal during heat, including enough fresh drinking water. If your Golden prefers a different meal from the usual, consider giving it to her to boost her appetite. Always consult your vet about changing your dog’s diet, even just for a few meals.
