How long does a Chihuahuas Heat Cycle last?
When chihuahuas come into heat, they are typically in heat for around 21 to 28 days (almost a month). This means that during this time, their body is receptive to breeding, and pregnancy can occur. If you don’t want your Chihuahua to become pregnant or breed with another dog, it is important that you know the signs of heat so you can take precautions. Here are some things chihuahua owners should know when their pet goes into heat
When will a chihuahua have its first heat cycle?
Most chihuahuas will have their first heat cycle between the ages of six and twelve months, but it can happen sooner or as late as eighteen months. If your Chihuahua has not had her first heat cycle by eighteen months, you should consult with your veterinarian to find out if there is a problem.
How Often Do Chihuahuas Have a Heat Cycle?
Chihuahuas typically have a heat cycle every six months, but it can vary from four to twelve months. Most fully grown adult dogs come into heat twice a year.
What are chihuahua Heat Cycle Symptoms?
When chihuahuas come into heat, there will be a few different symptoms that you can look out for; these include:
- – swollen vulva and vaginal discharge (blood)
- – restlessness
- – needing to pee more often
- – lifting her tail to other dogs or Flagging as it is known (showing a willingness to mate)
- – abdominal discomfort
- – swollen nipples and breast enlargement over the course of several days
- – reduced appetite
- – depression and lethargy, chihuahuas may become quieter during this time period.
If your Chihuahua is exhibiting any of these symptoms, she is likely in heat. As the cycle progresses, the signs will become more pronounced, so it is important to know what to look for.
What can you do to help your Chihuahua in heat?
Heat can be a difficult time for your Chihuahua, so it’s important you care for them as best as you can.
Here are a few tips to help out your pup:
- Keep her clean. A young dog that has not had a heat cycle before may not clean herself as much as she should and, as such, can become a little messy. I would usually give her a gentle wash just around the back end to clean up a little. All that is needed is some warm water. Avoid the use of soaps as you do not want to cause any irritation.
- To help keep your home clean, you can use doggy diapers! – These have been a lifesaver for us, as we also have two female springer spaniels, and we use them for them also. The diapers help keep any mess of your carpets and furniture, just remember to remove them when it’s potty time!
- Use easily washable blankets to cover your furniture, as well as have a spare on hand to swap out when cleaning.
- If you have any male dogs around, they will need to be kept separate no matter how big or small they may be! or you run the risk of your dog becoming pregnant.
- Keep her comfortable, give her an extra blanket, also give her a little more space to stretch out if she wants to.
Chihuahua in heat can be a difficult time for both you and your pup, but with these tips, you should be able to make it through just fine!
Keep a record of your dog’s heat cycle.
It’s easy to forget when your dog’s last heat cycle was when you’re busy, but keeping a record can be beneficial for a variety of reasons.
A brief entry in your diary or on your phone is all it takes. You may also create an alert on your phone at, say, five months from her previous heat so you won’t overlook it!
Reasons to keep track of heat cycles
- You will have a good idea of when to separate her from him if you own a male dog.
- If you want to breed your dog, knowing when to look for a suitable stud can assist you in being prepared and determining when it’s the right time.
- you will know when to prepare your home for the heat cycle, cover furniture with blankets, or fit stair gates to prevent her from getting to bedrooms ETC
The Chihuahua’s Heat Cycle in three stages
A chihuahua, like all dogs, has its heat cycle in three stages; it is vital to understand what happens at each stage. Knowing how the heat cycle works can also be helpful for breeding purposes.
Stage one
This phase can last for up to two weeks. You may notice her vulva looking swollen; this is normal, so don’t worry. You may also notice a bloody discharge from her vagina, and again this is also normal.
You will also notice her cleaning herself a lot. At this stage, she will not want to mate.
Stage two
In stage two (two to three weeks) is when the dog will be receptive to mating and will allow males to mount her, she may even actively seek out a male if there is one close by, so keep your eye on her! By this point, the discharge will slow down and turn from a light brown to a clear color, and her nipples will also be more pronounced or swollen.
Stage three (diestrus)
In the final stage (about four weeks), her body is now returning to normal, her vulva is returning to normal size, as are her nipples, and all bleeding and discharge is slowing down or stopped.
At this point, she will not want to breed, so she will show little interest in males.
Conclusion
It may seem like your Chihuahua is in heat every other month, but usually, they do not go into heat more than twice a year. To make sure you are giving them the best care possible and to avoid any unwanted surprises, take note of their symptoms each time it happens. If there are changes or anything out of the ordinary happening, you will be able to spot it right away.
