Female Dogs in Season
Resources
- For general information on canine estrus (“season” or “heat”) cycles, visit The Canine Estrous Cycle: Being in Heat on veterinarypartner.com.
- Review the FAQ: Socialization for Female Puppies in Season.
Before a female guide dog puppy comes into season
- Anyone raising an intact female puppy should plan ahead and be familiar with the In-Season Guidelines (below) before she comes into season.
- If she lives with unaltered or recently altered (within the past six weeks) male dogs over 4 months of age, have a plan to move her or the male dog(s) at the first sign of season.
When a female guide dog puppy comes into season (first signs of bloody discharge from her vulva):
- Alert your support team member.
- To prevent unwanted pregnancies, begin following the In-Season Guidelines (below) for the next 28 days. This may be in your home, a sitter’s home, or choosing to board the puppy at a commercial kennel (see Boarding Kennel Guidelines) at your expense.
In-Season Guidelines
Guidelines for female GDB puppies in season:
- Interaction with unaltered or recently altered male dogs is not allowed.
- No unaltered or recently altered (within the past six weeks) male dogs in the home.
- Do not visit areas with unaltered male dogs.
- Avoid more taxing activities (e.g., large group outings, air travel, etc.) if possible as hormone-related behavior changes are common.
- In-season pants should always be used if the puppy leaves the home. They may also be worn in the home to allow the puppy more freedom indoors.
- When socializing an in-season female while she is wearing her puppy jacket, as part of her “uniform”, please use solid-colored pants that match the puppy coat, her fur color, or another basic color. When at home or out of uniform, anything goes!
- Offer extra opportunities for food enrichment (food-stuffed toys) and other mental enrichment (training games) as appropriate outlets for mental stimulation if you don’t have access to appropriate walking/exercise areas.
- If left unsupervised, females in season must remain indoors or, if left in a kennel run, the run must be PFM-approved specifically for an in-season female.
- If an accidental breeding is observed or suspected, this must be reported immediately.
At the end of the 28 days:
- Check the puppy for any remaining discharge by gently dabbing with a tissue.
- If the puppy is clear, they no longer need to follow the In-Season Guidelines and she can return to usual activities.
- If there is still discharge, her heat cycle may be longer than normal. Continue In-Season Guidelines until there is no more bleeding or discharge.
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