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First heat

All behaviour guides

Why it happens

Females typically have their first heat between 6 and 15 months, small breeds earlier, large later. It lasts around 2 to 4 weeks with swelling, bloody discharge and behaviour changes. It is a normal, healthy cycle.

What works

  1. Leash only for the whole heat, no dog parks and no off-leash, males detect it from kilometers away.
  2. Hygiene pants for the flat help with discharge, most dogs also self-clean a lot.
  3. Expect clinginess, moodiness or appetite dips, offer calm routines and patience.
  4. Log the dates, cycles repeat roughly every 6 to 8 months, and discuss spay timing and options with your vet after the first heat.

What makes it worse

  • Never leave her unattended in the garden, determined suitors climb fences.
  • Do not book training classes or dog gatherings mid-heat, it is unfair to everyone.

Keep this in mind

The first heat surprises almost every owner of a female puppy. Nothing is wrong with your dog, mark the calendar, manage 3 weeks, life resumes.

What owners usually need for this

  • Hygiene pants
  • Washable pads

All of these are in the Pawty Marketplace, filtered to retailers that deliver to your country.

When to get help in person

Pawty is educational content, not veterinary or behavioural advice. See a veterinarian for any sudden behaviour change or sign of pain, and a qualified behaviourist in person if your dog has bitten, guards with snapping, or panics when left alone. Read our approach.

Train it, do not just read about it

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