I’m re-running this series of articles as they are great information for anyone who has a bitch that isn’t spayed (neutered).  They are also good information for people who are thinking about what dog to choose and whether it should be a boy or a girl.

Managing a bitch in season has to be one of the least enjoyable parts of having a female dog that I can think of.  Kylah didn’t come into her first season until she was 18 months old.  Actually I was hoping she wouldn’t at all.  Arwen came into season aged 8 months.  Like her big sister she will be spayed.

A season is a period of lead walking only, being constantly watchful, having the neighbourhood dogs camping out on your doorstep, and blood spotting in the house.  If you’re not careful it’s then closely followed by pregnancy and puppies.

We’ll cover all the aspects in 6 Parts.

• Part 1 introduces what seasons are and some of the signs. 
• Part 2 covers the technical aspects of the season itself. 
• Part 3 covers how to manage it.  
• In Part 4 we’ll look at some old wives tales, myths and legends about seasons
• In Part 5 we’ll look at some big questions answered about seasons
• Part 6 is a quick recap on seasons and the benefits of spaying your girl

That’s so it’s not too much of a weighty read all at once!

What is ‘in season’?

‘In season’ means your female dog (bitch) is fertile and able to have pups.  Its also known as being ‘in heat’. Medically it’s known as ‘estrus’ or ‘oestrus’ (pronounced ee-strus). 

There might also be quirky terms local to where you live.  For example where I live in Cumbria people refer to the dog ‘breaking down’ or ‘being broken down’.  I’d never heard that before! 

When do seasons happen?

The first season can be anywhere from 6 months onwards.  Most bitches get their first season before 14 months old.  Some larger breeds such as Great Danes and Irish Wolfhounds can take 2 years to mature therefore their seasons can be later. 

If your bitch hasn’t come into season by 18 months it’s worth getting things checked out by your vet.  Kylah didn’t come into season until quite late.  I took her to the vets after about 16 months and they said to bring her back in if nothing had happened by 18 months of age.  At 18 months she decided she was ready!

After this, seasons will generally be every 6-8 months.  Sometimes it can be as little as 4 months. However some breeds may only have one season.  This is particularly the case in more ‘primitive’ dogs which have few years of domestication.  The azawakh – a desert dog from Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso – is one example of a dog which usually only has one season each year. 

What are the signs of coming into season?

Signs of coming into season can start before the season itself.  These include:

• Male (and female) dogs being more interested in your bitch – even if she isn’t showing any definite symptoms
• Spending more time sniffing and welcoming other dogs
• More interest in smells generally – stopping repeatedly to sniff while on the lead
• Being more distracted and scatty than usual
• Changing mood – more aloof, more excitable, more anxious,  more cuddly
• Appetite changes – possibly eating more, or less, or at different times
• Frequent pee stops to scent mark (signposting she’s there!) and walking along peeing to spread the scent out
• More frequent licking and cleaning of her ‘bottom’ area

The season really starts when there is:

• A pale discharge form the vulva (in the very early days – which might not be noticed if she keeps clean)
• Blood spotting (dark blood)  from the vulva in the first 7-9 days
• Enlargement of the vulva.

How long does a season last?

Typically a season lasts about 21 days.  It can be anywhere between 14 and 40 days, depending on the dog and the breed.   Larger breeds can mature later and have longer seasons.

Part 2 looks in more detail at the technical aspects of the season and Part 3 covers how to manage one.   Tune in!

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