✓ Veterinarian Reviewed
Reviewed by Dr Gloria Ebeyer (BAVBS, DVM, Grad Cert SAECC, MANZCVS [Veterinary Practice])
Last reviewed: June 2026
If you’ve been settling into life with a new female puppy and she’s heading towards her first season, don’t worry.
It’s a natural part of her life cycle, but there are a few things you should know about hygiene, comfort and keeping her safe throughout her first cycle.
Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about handling your dog’s heat cycle, from what to expect to when to get her spayed.
When does a puppy first go into heat?
In general, a female dog will start her first season, or “heat”, between six and twelve months, but this can vary by breed.
Small breeds are often on the earlier end of the spectrum, whereas large dogs usually come into season around the twelve-month mark. Giant breeds may go beyond this timeframe entirely and may not come into season until 18 months.
Once the first season has passed, many dogs will continue to cycle roughly every six months. Just like humans, cycles can vary, and your dog may have hers on a consistent schedule, or it could be a little all over the place. When she does come into her first season, note down when it starts and how long it lasts.
What to expect when your dog’s in season
Once she has started her first season, you can expect the most notable effects to last for around two to four weeks. You’ll know it’s arrived based on a few key signs:
- You might notice a subtle swelling of the vulva before anything else starts
- Following that, a bloody discharge may follow, with the volume of blood will vary significantly depending on the breed
- Behaviourally, you may notice your pup is a bit clingier, more restless, or even a little irritable
- Don’t be surprised if she licks her vulva more often to clean herself throughout the cycle
- If you have male dogs, or encounter them while walking her, they may be more interested in her than usual. When you’re out walking, if you pass a male dog, she may do something called flagging, where she tenses up and holds her tail to the side
The key thing to remember is to keep her on a lead and away from unneutered male dogs throughout the entire season. If your four-legged friend is getting close to the time you expect her to go into heat, be aware that she can get pregnant early and late in her cycle. Staying vigilant will help you avoid an unplanned pregnancy!
Before your dog’s season starts, set up a small “heat kit” with dog nappies, spare blankets, pet-safe wipes, and stain and odour remover. Having everything ready means you can focus on keeping her calm and comfortable, rather than rushing around once her cycle begins.
Keeping her clean and comfortable
Along with keeping her away from male dogs, one of the main concerns is keeping her clean. Discharge varies by breed; smaller breeds may have very little, while larger breeds can have quite a bit. Some pet parents will use dog nappies to reduce the risk of mess. This also means your dog can still lie on the carpet or sofa if she wants to.
Between nappy changes, or if you dog doesn’t need them, a gentle clean-up is easy to do. A warm, damp cloth wiped around her vulva and bottom will keep her clean and fresh. It will also reduce the chances of anything getting on your furniture! If you do get any marks, having a stain and odour remover will help.
Outside of your own lounging spots, make sure to give her dog bed or blankets a wash now and again to keep things smelling fresh for both of you.
When you do clean her up, checking the colour of discharge can help you spot if something isn’t quite right. Unusual odours or green or yellow-tinged discharge can indicate she may have an infection.
It’s also important to monitor any discharge in the following weeks after she has finished her cycle, as unusual discharge can be a sign of a life-threatening infection called pyometra.
Other signs of pyometra can include drinking more water than usual, losing interest in food, and seeming unusually lethargic. If you notice these symptoms, seek immediate veterinary attention.
Should you get her spayed (and when)?
Spaying your dog is an incredibly important decision for a pet parent. It comes with many benefits, including removing the risk of pyometra and avoiding future clean-ups when she is in season.
The most important benefit is that it will mean no unwanted litters of puppies, especially when so many wonderful puppies and dogs are already waiting for forever homes in shelters.
The optimal time to get her spayed will vary depending on her breed and individual development. Your vet can give tailored advice based on your dog’s breed, age, and development, and help you decide the right time to book her in.
Supporting her through every cycle
If you’re a first-time pet parent or navigating this process on your own, you might feel a little overwhelmed, but with proper care and hygiene, you will get through it! The most important things to remember are to keep her clean, comfortable, and safe from male dogs — and, if in doubt, contact your vet for help.
Not sure when to get her spayed? Book a consultation with your local Petstock Vet to find the right time for your girl.
This Petstock article was last reviewed in June 2026. The information in this article is general in nature and is not a substitute for individual veterinary advice. Always consult your vet if you have concerns about your pet’s health.