How long are dogs usually in heat?

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On average, dogs have two cycles a year.
The estrus cycle lasts on average 12-21 days, but maybe be as short as a few days to four weeks. The estrus period length varies widely between breeds and individual dogs.
The length of a cycle varies widely, even for dogs of the same breed. If in doubt, assume the longer end of the range for the cycle length.
Bleeding occurs prior to a female being receptive to a male (allowing mounting by the male), but male dogs will be very attracted to the female in the proestrus stage.
Dogs can get pregnant during their first heat cycle, but this is not advisable as a 6-month old dog is not yet fully grown/mature, and complications for the mother and the puppies are more likely.
For dogs that will be pets, it is recommended to spay them before the first heat, eliminating the risk of accidental pregnancy and reproductive diseases later on in life. Dogs may be spayed while in heat (or pregnant), but there is additional risk due to the engorged vessels and tissue of the reproductive tract -- a higher chance of bleeding during surgery or other complications. The cost of surgery while in heat or pregnant is often higher as well....Show more

She will be on heat for 21 days, i.e. from the first day you notice her spotting. She will bleed for about 10 days then the blood will turn to a straw colour and this is the time, usually between the 11th and 14th days, that she will ovulate and will readily accept a mate so be extra vigilant with her around this time, although she can become pregnant right up to the end of her season so just because she stops bleeding don't assume it's all over - it will definitely last the whole 21 days. You can spray her tail and featherings with an anti-mate spray if you take her out for a walk. This will help to deter unwanted suitors but it is not foolproof and when she gets to her mating days nothing will stop a rampant male so it's better if you keep her at home during that time. Good luck....Show more

They are usually in heat for about 2 to 3 weeks. In the meantime, keep the female separated from the males....Show more

they are in heat for an average of 3 weeks ( 21 days) however it can be a little longer
make sure you keep them totaqlly seprated
dogs have ripped doors down, gone through windows, broken crates
if needed get teh male fixed immediately and get her fixed in about 4 weeks after the beginning of the heat....Show more

some little dogs are in heat for mealy a few days, bigger dogs can be up to a week, if your dogs are young it shouldn't be too much of a problem, but for now maybe just keep them separated, using baby gates is useful.
if your dogs are getting fixed in a few weeks then there wont be any puppies to arrive...Show more