Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

Dog in heat: What are the symptoms and changes in sleeping habits?

Updated on September 23, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Shih Tzu | Female | unspayed | 9 months and 23 days old | 8.13 lbs

what are the symptoms of the dog when they are about to have menstruation? is it true that dogs prefer to sleep beside their owner when her menstruation is near?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Ann Dion, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on October 11, 2018

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
Dogs, just like people, vary in their personalities and therefore there is no one behaviour that describes a dog going through a hormonal change. The most common thing you will see is that they will seek out males to mate with, and therefore intact females going into season will be more likely to run away (unfortunately they have an increased rate of being hit by a car), and to jump over fences and explore. They also might be anxious and irritated. You will notice that there will be a discharge from the vulva that is red, and will turn straw coloured when she is more likely to accept the male.

Best of luck with Zoey!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Training & Behavior

Why is my dog acting weird, clingy, and moody during her first heat?

Hello, sorry to hear about Snowy. Yes occasionally female dogs may have increased attention demands after their heat cycle. However, some of these similar signs may be seen with a false pregnency. If the signs do not resolve in 3-5 days then she should be seen by her veterinarian so that they may rule out a flase pregnency. Hope this helps and best of luck.

Updated on September 23, 2025

Training & Behavior

My puppy's first heat: Is she in pain or just sleeping a lot?

Hi there! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Dogs do not appear to develop pain like women do thankfully. She may though become less playful perhaps at the beginning though she should come around fairly quickly. If no improvement is observed, have her evaluated by your veterinarian. She is likely just fine for now though. Good luck and have a good night

Updated on September 23, 2025

Food & Nutrition

Is my young dog's first heat normal if she's quiet and sleepy?

Normally, bitches in season do not behave very differently from their usual selves. Since it is her first heat, there may be a problem showing up that was not evident before her reproductive organs became active. Or, it could be something else altogether. Your best bet is to take her to the vet for a thorough exam to determine an accurate diagnosis and, if necessary, appropriate treatment plan.

Updated on September 23, 2025

Training & Behavior

My dog is in heat. Is her lethargy, restlessness, and whining normal?

Poor Roxy! It doesn't sound silly at all! You know her better than anyone and it definitely sounds like a change. This is likely just her hormones being a little out of whack. As long as she is eating and drinking normally, I wouldn't be too concerned. If she gets to the point where she is always whining or lethargic or a change in appetite, I would have your vet take a look at her. Your vet will be able to do an exam to ensure nothing else is going on. I hope this helps!

Updated on September 23, 2025

Health & Wellness

Why is my dog so lazy and sleepy after mating while in heat?

Being in heat can cause behavioural changes in dogs, as long as they are not too extreme and the dog is otherwise well I would not worry too much. Quite often when in heat dogs well be lethargic and not want to eat very much.

Updated on September 23, 2025

Training & Behavior

My fixed dog whines every night. Is he smelling females in heat?

Hello, thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. If your dog is otherwise acting normally (eating, drinking, peeing, pooping) and not coughing, sneezing, having vomiting or diarrhea then yes, he could be smelling females in heat. If you are not planning on breeding him it is suggest you have him neutered. Many dogs run away in search of females and they can be difficult to manage. It is healthier for them overall to be neutered if not being used for breeding. Hope this answers your question. Best wishes!

Updated on September 23, 2025

My female puppy is on her period. How can I best manage her heat?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Snow! Most dogs handle their heat cycles fine. Some dogs have a decreased appetite and are lethargic while others are hyperactive. There are no need for medications as they shouldn't be painful. Just always have her on a leash and do not let her outside a lone or around intact males dogs. I would have her spayed 2 months after the bleeding stops. I hope this helps and I wish you and Snow the best!

Updated on September 23, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share