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When will my dog have her first heat and what are the signs?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Siberian Husky | Female | unspayed | 9 months and 19 days old | 35 lbs

Why hasn't my dog had her first heat yet and how will I know when she has it

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on September 4th, 2017

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! A dogs first heat is some what genetic and breed related. Toy and small breeds may have their first heat at 6-8 months while larger breed dogs like Great Danes may not have their first heart until 18-24 months. I have a client who's lab still didn't have their first heat by 1 year of age. I would expect that Bella at 9 months should have her heat very soon or with in the next 3-6 months. Dogs act slightly off when they are in heat. The vulva becomes prominent and swollen. Then you will see bloody fluid from the vulva. Dogs tend to lick a lot. I hope this helps!

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3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! A dogs first heat is some what genetic and breed related. Toy and small breeds may have their first heat at 6-8 months while larger breed dogs like Great Danes may not have their first heart until 18-24 months. I have a client who's lab still didn't have their first heat by 1 year of age. I would expect that Bella at 9 months should have her heat very soon or with in the next 3-6 months. Dogs act slightly off when they are in heat. The vulva becomes prominent and swollen. Then you will see bloody fluid from the vulva. Dogs tend to lick a lot. I hope this helps!

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    3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Rodrigo Roca, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 11th, 2020

    Hello, yes most dogs have their first heat cycle between 7-10 months of age. It does vary between pet and she may be one to have her first heat cycle later in life. Some pets may undergo their first heat cycle unnoticed by owners. Common signs of entering a heat cycle includes bleeding from their vulva as well as nursing and mounting behavior. If you note any of these she’s likely entering her heat cycle.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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