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My senior dog is 9 and in heat. Will her heat cycles ever stop?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Beagle | Female | unspayed | 9 years old

My dog is 9 and has come into a heat cycle again - spotting everywhere - she is too old to be spayed I've been told. Generally what age will the heat cycle stop? She's a beagle

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on May 17th, 2023

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Lottie. She will never stop her heat cycle, dogs do not go into menopause like humans do. She will be fertile for the rest of her life, and will be at risk of developing a pyometra. A pyometra is an infection of the uterus that is fatal without treatment. I'm not sure who told you she is too old to be spayed, but that's not true. There are many dogs who are spayed at nine years of age and older. Her anesthetic risk will have to be assessed by a vet, but surgery is not off the table due to her age. Plus if you leave her unspayed, she is at risk of a pyometra, which requires an emergency surgery that costs thousands. It's better to get her spayed now. I hope this helps.

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