How Long Will My Dog Be In Heat?

There are many reasons why someone would wait to spay or neuter their dog or cat. As long as they are responsible and do not allow their pet to mate, then it should not be an issue until the owner finds the right time to alter.

For us, we need the hormones of my dog's uterus for proper bone and mental growth for what her job is. I also want to wait because OFA testing usually happens at 2 years and I only want her sedated once. I will spay three months after her last heat closest to her second whelp day.

There has been research and documentation against pediatric altering.
Studies have shown more instances of joint damage in larger breed dogs with those that were altered before adolescence. Waiting until adulthood increases your chances of healthy bone and joint growth. Usually with cats there is not a reason to wait, but I will right up until he/she starts going into puberty, about 4 to 5 months.

I am all for altering, especially if you are unable to make sure your dog will not breed while waiting for the right time, but I did want to say that there are reasons why someone would wait to spay or neuter their dog.

As everyone else has said, a dog is in heat for at least 3 weeks and can get pregnant during any time of the heat cycle. But, please, why do we keep seeing these posts. Why don't you folks have your dogs spayed and/or neutered. There are so many, many dogs in shelters, being kept in cages, being killed, because there are too many unwanted dogs in these countries and you want to add to that! Why, why, why.

Please have her spay, there are too many cats/dogs that are in the shelter every day that are put to sleep.

Talk to your veterinarian about having your female de-sexed unless you are a registered licensed breeder. Good luck.

Thanks to Bell & Summers mom for posting the info about Luvs size 6... I have a lab mix and she is a BIG dog! I had to modify the diaper by cutting a tail hole, but it worked like a charm! I put them on tape side up (backwards) because it's easier.

Usually about three week or 21 days. It is the second week you really need to watch your dog as she can link up with a partner. The third week she is waning down and can still be linking up, but interest is dissipating. The full 21 days you need to keep your female from being alone outdoors as other male dogs will come around; you'd be surprised at how many dogs will appear at this time and dog fights can happen and maybe harm your female. When the female's tail moves toward the side; she's ready for mating. If your dog is going through her very first heat, do not allow her to get hooked up. She isn't ready or fully matured for it yet and can cause harm to her or a litter. Wait at least for the second heat usually five months after the first heat. Then if you want her to have a litter it's safe. A good breeder does not allow their female dog to have litters at each heat, but alternates to every other one. This is hard on the dog otherwise and creates a lot of complications unnecessarily for the dog and the pups. There are panties made just for the female in heat that you insert a sanitary pad inside and keeps things clean if she's in the house.