The only distinction between male and female German Shepherds we know is that female German shepherds have heat cycles, which can be challenging if you own one. The German Shepherds during the heat are visible in a female German Shepherd’s frequent urination, enlarged red vulva, and discharge of some blood streaks.
When German Shepherd females are 9 to 12 months old, they reach the point of their heat cycle, which is when they become viable and are prepared to mate with males. Later, this heat cycle began to occur every six months.
However, their heat cycle is divided into four stages, with the heat or estrus phase lasting only 4 to 15 days. This all changes can be observed once your female GSD matures as this is the natural phase where every dog must go.
You must be aware of your German Shepherd’s heart cycle as a dog owner because your dog will undergo many changes at this time in their life.
This post will be highly educational because it goes into great detail on the phases of the heat cycle and how to care for your dog during this time.
So guys let’s discuss this hot topic without wasting any time:
Table of Contents
What is A Heat Cycle?
The second name of the female in the heat cycle is estrus which is a natural phenomenon that every female dog goes through every 6 months. This period is also known as the reproductive cycle when the dogs reach puberty as female dogs become pregnant at this stage of their life.
However, the exact timing of heat cycles among dogs may vary depending on the individual dog’s breed, size, and health. Smaller dog breeds tend to go through a heat cycle at a very early stage of their life as compared to large dog breeds like German Shepherds.
After the first heat cycle, most dogs will go through the next heat cycle every six months although it may also vary among various dog breeds in this world. Hence Heat cycle is a natural phenomenon that every dog owner must be prepared for.
The dogs will go through many changes whether physical or mental. Though it will be quite a tough situation for your female dog you should support them and take proper care at this stage of their life.
When Do German Shepherds Go Into Heat?
German Shepherds do go through a lot of changes during their life stages. Female German Shepherds show more changes than male German Shepherds as there are a lot of challenges that the dog owners will face now. So It is important to know when German Shepherds go into heat.
German Shepherds, like other dog breeds, reach the reproductive stage popularly known as estrus, which we generally describe as the heat period. The heat cycle among German Shepherds usually occurs between six months to 12 years of age. However, the heat cycle may vary among individual dog breeds.
Some dog breeds may go through a heat cycle as early as 4 months of age while others may go through this process after 2 years of age. Smaller dog breeds like chihuahuas go to heat earlier than larger dog breeds like German Shepherds.
However, some dogs who go through a lot of stress or health issues may delay the time of their first heat cycle. After the first heat cycle, German Shepherds go into heat every six months although it may vary from dog to dog. The two future heat cycles and cycle length may also vary, lasting anywhere around 2 to 4 weeks.
Your German Shepherd will undergo many physical changes during their heat cycle. So it’s important to support them at this time and take proper care of your dog in heat too. It’s also important to understand the dogs who are going through the first heat cycle do not signify that they are ready for breeding.
Rather it would be best to wait for their second heat cycle as most dog breeders also suggest waiting until the dogs are fully prepared for fertility. During their first heat cycle, the eggs are also not so mature for reproduction, hence you should wait until they are fully prepared for the breeding process for their healthy life.
How Can I Tell If My German Shepherd Is In Heat?
German Shepherds go through many hormonal changes that will occur during their heat cycle as this is the time when they become fertile and are ready to mate. New dog owners always remain curious to know about the heat cycle of their dogs.
Your German Shepherd will also show some signs when they remain in the heat cycle which are listed below:
- Swollen Vulva: There will be frequent changes in the vulva it becomes swollen, soft, and more prominent during its heat cycle.
- Discharge: There will be bloody discharge that can be seen during their first heat cycle.
- Behavioral Change: German Shepherds also go through behavioral changes as they may become more aggressive to other females on the other hand they become attracted toward a male German Shepherd.
- Physical Change: There is also a physical change in German Shepherds when they go through heat cycles as this is the time when they are fully grown and can mate with male German Shepherds.
- Increased Appetite: There will be a slight increment in their appetite during their heat cycle. Your dog will eat more food as compared to earlier stages of their life.
- Attraction To male dogs: During the heat cycle female German Shepherds become more attractive to male dogs by displaying behavior like tail-wagging, flirting, and mounting and they may become aggressive with female counterparts.
- Frequent Urination: There will be frequent urination among German Shepherds during the heat cycle. You can also see some blood strain in their urine which will be an indication that your dog is heating.
German Shepherds show various signs during the heat cycle but as a good dog lover and owner, you must not think of the breeding process during the first heat cycle until they are fully prepared. It will be better to take suggestions from your breeder or professionals if you want to mate your German Shepherd.
Also Read: Male Vs Female German Shepherds: Which One You Should Get?
How Can I Care For My German Shepherd During Her Heat Cycle?
German Shepherds require extra care and consideration during their heat cycle since they can become uncomfortable at this time of year. When your female dog reaches this stage, you must be ready because you need to be aware of the symptoms.
You can use the advice below to take good care of your German shepherd while she is in the heat:
Keeping your Dog indoors:
You must be highly careful during your German Shepherd’s first heat cycle since female German Shepherds are more attracted to male German Shepherds, keeping them indoors will avoid inadvertent breeding, which could occur when your female dog goes outside for a stroll or a visit to the dog park.
They will be kept safe within the home so you can keep an eye on their well-being. They undergo a lot of change, both physically and mentally, so keeping them inside the house always makes it easier for the owners to provide their pets with the care they need.
Using Diapers For Dogs:
During the heat cycle, German Shepherds frequently excrete urine mixed with some blood, therefore using the right dog diapers helps control your dog’s excretion and reduces the mess dogs can make in your home.
Engage Your Dog:
The wise thing to do during your dog’s heat cycle will be to keep them entertained. By providing your dog with playthings or other activities, you can divert their attention away from the discomfort they experience during this cycle.
Keeping Your Dog Aways From Males:
Keeping them away from their male counterparts will be essential as it also prevents accidental mating. You should exercise extreme caution while going for a trip outside because they are quickly attracted to their male counterparts.
Never leave your dog unsupervised in a park or your yard; instead, it is advisable to keep them in a suitable shelter to prevent such mishaps.
Providing a Calm and Cool Environment
Keeping your dog calm and cool will also be important as they go through a lot of change and remain uncomfortable during the heat cycle. So providing them cool and calm environment will be good for their health.
Keeping your Dog Comfortable
At this period of their development, give your dog a comfy dog bed/ding arrangement; alternatively, confine them in a separate room to prevent damage to the rest of your home.
German Shepherds experience discomfort throughout the entire heat cycle, therefore it’s crucial to watch after your dog and take them to the vet frequently for checkups.
How Long Does A German Shepherd Bleed When In Heat?
German Shepherd females face a lot of hormonal changes during the heat cycle which also includes bleeding from the vagina. Most dog owners too become afraid of seeing such conditions of their dogs as you must know how long a German Shepherd bleeds when in one heat cycle.
The typical bleeding period for a German Shepherd’s heat cycle is between 7 and 15 days. As some dogs may bleed off for as short as four days or as long as three weeks, this time frame may differ from dog to dog.
Bleeding in German Shepherds will be a clear sign of their heat cycle. Swollen vulva, increased licking of the genital area and behavioral changes are other signs your female German Shepherds will show during this time.
Given that it is the time when female dogs can mate with their male counterparts and, if they do so before the estrus phase, can easily become pregnant because dog spermatozoa can survive for 11 days at this stage in the female genital tract.
When a female dog experiences her first heat cycle, the majority of people may consider breeding them, but you should wait until her second or third cycle. You can pair them with intact males once they are ready for breeding and it will assure their safety. Speaking with a veterinarian before mating your female German Shepherd would also be recommended.
How Long Is A German Shepherd’s Heat Cycle?
If you own a female German Shepherd dog, understanding the German Shepherd heat cycle is crucial. When they observe their female dogs bleeding or constantly urinating, the majority of dog owners likewise become annoyed. For this reason, you need to be aware of a German Shepherd dog’s heat period and cycle duration.
German Shepherds go through a heat cycle twice a year. This indicates that they heat around every six months. Nevertheless, this could differ from dog to dog. Compared to larger dog breeds like German Shepherds, smaller dog breeds go into heat three to four times a year.
It is also to be noted that the time interval of their heat cycle is six months, however, some studies tell that the time interval may vary to 6.9 months in some cases for German Shepherds.
This change of time in their heat cycle may vary because of many reasons which you should also know. Here are some of them:
Age Factors:
At the time of maturity, your German Shepherd will show frequent heat cycles as their hormones are more developed but after the first heat cycle, they may not show consistency when they start becoming older.
Older German Shepherds experience fewer heat seasons, which results in fewer heat cycles in these animals. Your GSD will continue to experience the estrus phase as it ages and has the potential to become pregnant.
Insemination:
Similar to how pregnancy delays menstruation cycles and reproductive seasons in humans, German Shepherds also undergo artificial insemination. After whelping, the estrus interval between the estrus seasons is extended.
According to a study, German Shepherds have a 6-month estrus cycle when they are healthy, however, this period may be extended if they are pregnant.
Seasonal Factor:
Although neither German Shepherds nor other dog breeds’ fertility is impacted by the seasons. Once they are 9 months older, they can experience a heat cycle, which continues even as they age. Even though they will lose some of their fertility, individuals can still get pregnant as they age.
At What Age Should I Spay My Female German Shepherd?
Before knowing the age for spaying your female German Shepherd you must know the meaning of spaying. Spaying is the surgical process that removes the uterus and ovaries of female dogs to prevent pregnancy considering their health conditions. Most dog owners also want to know the age to spay their female German Shepherd or other dogs.
The age you can spay your female German Shepherd is when they reach the age of six months as this is the period where they go through the first heat cycle. Most dog owners prefer this age and remove their uterus to prevent unwanted pregnancies.
Spaying your dog before their first heat cycle also reduces the risk of certain health issues that may occur later in their life like mammary tumors and uterine infections which are again life-threatening.
However, some studies also tell us to wait until their maturity if we want to spay our dog. The dog must be one year or two years older as it will provide long-term benefits to them. Some studies also tell that spaying before their age can also let them face some health issues like joint disorders, cancers, or other health issues.
Age, lifestyle, dog breeds, and health always plays a large dog very crucial role in spaying the German Shepherd as the decision to spay your dog must be discussed. You can also consult your vet for better suggestions if you want to spay your dog.
What Are The 4 Stages Of A German Shepherd In Heat?
Now all we know about the heat cycle of dogs like German Shepherds is that generally occurs every six months. They also go through a lot of physical and behavioral changes as they remain in heat and are ready to mate with male dogs.
This heat cycle follows four stages for dogs which are listed below:
1. Proestrus:
It is referred to as the initial stage of the heat cycle among dogs which lasts approximately 7 to 10 days. At this time of age, the dogs become prepared for mating as they will show some signs of swollen vulva.
The dogs will also show some indication of increased urination and can discharge some blood strain from their vagina. However, it should also be noted that female dogs are not receptive to mating during this stage and can show some aggression towards a male dog.
2. Estrus:
This stage can be treated as the critical stage of a German Shepherd’s heat cycle which lasts for 7 to 14 days. This is the main stage where your female dog is receptive to mating and becomes highly attracted to male dogs.
Female German shepherds will show some signs if they reach the estrus stage such as:
- Swollen vulva
- The discharge becomes lighter in color
- Less viscous
- Show flirtatious behavior
- Highly attractive to male counterparts
3. Diestrus:
This stage arrives just after the estrus stage and lasts around 60 to 90 days. This is the stage where the reproductive system of your German Shepherd will be in a normal state.
If your German Shepherd does not mate in the estrus stage it may show false pregnancy since they still feel heat during this stage.
4. Anestrus:
The final stage of the heat cycle is referred to as anestrus which usually lasts for around 120 to 150 days among German Shepherds. This is the stage where your dog remains at rest and waits for the next cycle to begin.
However, all dog owners must monitor their female German Shepherds at each stage of their heat cycle and take all the preventive measures to prevent accidental pregnancy. You should keep your dog inside your dog to avoid such mishaps. It would be also best to consult your vets for better suggestions during their heat cycle.
Final Thoughts:
The German shepherd’s heat cycle, which indicates that they are now prepared for mating, reveals how mature your dog is. German Shepherds go through their first heat cycle between the ages of 9 and 12 months.
During this time of their lives, constantly try to keep your dog within your home, and always visit your veterinarian for support and better advice.