Do you have a female German Shepherd dog? If so, you’re probably wondering, “when do German Shepherd puppies go into heat?” After all, it’s important to be prepared for the signs and symptoms of heat in order to provide the best care for your new pup.
Generally, most German Shepherd puppies will go into their first heat when they’re between 6 and 12 months old. However, it is not uncommon for some dogs to experience their first heat as early as four months old or as late as twenty months old.
Read on to learn more about when German Shepherd puppies go into heat, what signs to look for, and how long the heat cycle lasts.
When Do German Shepherd Puppies Go Into Heat?
German Shepherds must go into heat twice a year, but some GSDs can go into heat more often. German Shepherds’ personalities can change over the course of their heat cycles.
Observe your Shepherd and recognize the signs of a heat cycle in them. During the first week or so, your GSD may seem a bit more lethargic than usual. She may not want to go for walks or play as much as she normally does. This is perfectly normal behavior and is simply your dog’s body preparing for the physical changes that will occur during her heat cycle.
How Long Do German Shepherds Stay In Heat?
The most important part of the heat cycle, which occurs when she is fertile and ready to mate, typically lasts for somewhere between 5 and 14 days. On the other hand, the duration of the complete cycle might be up to six months.
It is important to keep in mind that the last part of this cycle is the one in which fertility is inactive; as a result, you will only have to be on high alert for around three weeks.
Everything depends on the specific dog. It is more common for little dogs than it is for large breeds like German Shepherds to only go into heat once a year. Small dogs are much more likely to go into heat twice a year.
This is perfectly natural and has nothing to do with anything other than the animal’s size. When everything is said and done, it is one big body for estrogen to circulate through!
Understanding how the german shepherd’s heat cycle works may be pretty stressful, and this is true regardless of whether you are a new owner of a German Shepherd or if you are planning to breed from your dog in the future.
How Do You Know if Your German Shepherd Is in Heat?
The more you are conscious of your dog’s cycle, the better prepared you will be for any changes in both her physical and behavioral aspects that may take place while she is in heat.
You will see several changes in her behavior as she progresses through the phases of her menstrual cycle. The following symptoms might be among those changes:
- Swollen vulva
- Discharge from the vulva that is bloody or has a straw-colored tint
- Receptive to the advances of male canines
- Licking of the genital region in excessive amounts
- Agitated, anxious behavior
- Increased frequency and volume of urination
- Change in the position of the tail
You can tell which stage of her heat cycle your female dog is experiencing by using signs collected from her physical appearance and behavior.
How Long Does a German Shepherds First Heat Last?
The heat lasts for an average of two to four weeks. There is a possibility that a female dog will not be responsive to male dogs during the early part of her cycle; however, some female dogs remain receptive throughout their cycles.
At What Age Should You Spay Your German Shepherd?
It is recommended by veterinarians that you spay your German Shepherd as young as four months old to make sure she doesn’t ever experience a heat cycle in order to prevent mammary cancer.
However, recent research is starting to lean toward the idea that large and giant-breed dogs should be allowed to grow before having the hormones that are necessary for skeletal development removed.
Wrapping Up
Now that you know when do German Shepherd puppies go into heat, pay close attention to your female dog during her cycle. Keep an eye on her behavior and physical appearance so you can be prepared for any changes that may take place.
