If you have an intact Dachshund in your home, it’s important to be aware of their heat cycles. Whether you are choosing to breed your pup or simply want to avoid unexpected pregnancies, being aware of when they go into heat is crucial.
To ease any of your heat-related worries, let’s dive into the details of the heat cycle in our Dachshund friends!
Most Dachshunds will experience their first heat somewhere between 6-12 months of age.
When your Dachshunds start to go into heat you may witness initial signs like a swollen vulva, discharge, blood spots, tail tucking, and a noticeable change in behavior.
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When Do Dachshunds Go Into Heat For The First Time?
Most Dachshunds will go into heat between 6-12 months of age.
However, like many other small breed dogs, Dachshunds can go into heat as late as 18 months. No matter what age your pup is by the time they have their first heat cycle, they will always follow the same pattern of estrous.
We suggest starting to keep an eye out for any signs of heat once your pup reached 4 months of age. As long as you are aware of the signs of heat in our Dachshund friends, you can spot their cycle from the moment it begins.
8 Signs Of Heat In Dachshunds
Most dog owners are aware of the blood-tinged discharge that comes along with the canine estrous cycle, but there are other signs of heat to take note of as well. So how do you know when your Dachshund is going into heat for the first time? Let’s list a few of the most common signs to look out for below.
⭐ Signs of heat in Dachshunds include:
- Blood-tinged discharge from the vulva
- Swollen vulva
- Brown discharge from the vulva
- Licking their vulva
- Changes in mood or behavior
- Holding their tail differently
- Increased urination
- Being receptive to male dogs
If you notice any of the above signs in your canine friend, they are likely in either the proestrus or estrus stage.
Dachshund Heat Cycles Stages
Before we discuss when your Dachshund may go into heat, we should first dive into the details of the canine heat cycle in general.
Being aware of the four stages of estrous is essential in understanding your female pup, as every Dachshund will go into heat if they are not spayed.
Each stage has a specific role in the reproductive cycle, so let’s break it down.
⭐ Proestrus:
Proestrus is the stage in which most Dachshund owners will notice the first signs of heat. Dogs in proestrus will likely experience swelling of the vulva, along with the beginning of blood-tinged discharge.
Though heat signs are often visible, it does not mean your dog is ready to mate. The female will not yet be interested in mating, and will not transition into the next stage for 9-10 days.
⭐ Estrus:
Estrus is the stage in the heat cycle in which the female Dachshund is most fertile. Many owners will believe that their heat cycle has ended due to the decrease in blood-tinged discharge, but this is actually not the case.
This is not only when your Dachshund is the most fertile, but this is when they will accept other males to mate. This stage often lasts 9-10 days as well.
⭐ Diestrus:
Once your Dachshund enters diestrus, they will no longer be interested in other male dogs. Their hormonal changes will begin to slow, but you may still see some vulvar swelling. Diestrus typically lasts about 2 months.
⭐ Anestrus:
Anestrus in Dachshunds is the stage in which the body is preparing for the next round of estrus. There will not be any visible signs of heat and they will not be interested in male dogs. Anestrus typically lasts 4-5 months in Dachshunds.
7 Ways To Help a Dachshund In Heat
One of things owners are most concerned about is what they should do, or how they should help their dachshund when they’re in heat.
I know, i’ve been there many times myself and I understand it’s a bit worrysome. The good news is that our dogs are clever and they can actually manage this themselves fairly well.
Still, there are several tips that we should know that will make it all that much easier!
Stock up on towels!
When your Dachshund goes into heat, it’s hard to know how much she will bleed or discharge. To be prepared, have plenty of old towels on hand.
You can use them to line her bed, place them on the floor where she likes to rest, and keep them handy around the house. Not only will towels protect your floors, but they’re also easy to wash to maintain a clean environment.
Supervise her outside
Once your Dachshund enters the proestrus stage, her scent will attract male dogs in the area. It’s important to supervise her when she goes outside to prevent any dangerous situations that may arise.
Some male dogs may try to escape their yards to reach your Dachshund, so keeping a watchful eye is crucial.
Expect behavior changes
Your Dachshund’s mood and temperament may change during heat, and it’s important to be understanding and supportive during this time.
If she wants space, give her space, and if she seeks comfort, provide it for her. It’s essential to communicate with all household members to ensure everyone is aware of her needs.
Use a leash
During the estrus stage, your Dachshund will be ready to mate and may even try to find a partner on her own. Using a leash is necessary to keep her safe and prevent her from escaping.
Keep her sleeping area clean
Your Dachshund will be spending more time resting during heat, so it’s essential to keep her bed and surrounding areas clean to reduce the buildup of bacteria. Consider using a waterproof and washable bed cover for easy cleaning.
Try hygiene pants
Hygiene pants, or doggy diapers, can be helpful in keeping your home and your Dachshund’s area clean. Some dogs tolerate them well, while others may not like them. It’s worth trying to see if they work for your Dachshund.
Schedule a vet appointment
Although not mandatory, scheduling a vet appointment after heat is a good idea to ensure your Dachshund’s health. While rare, there may be health problems that occur after the heat cycle finishes, and a routine check-up can provide peace of mind.
How Long Are Dachshunds In Heat For?
Most pet owners are referring to the onset of bloody discharge and the interest in mating when they use the term ‘in heat’.
In general, dachshunds remain in heat for about 21 days (3 weeks) give or take a few days either side.
Dogs are most fertile when their blood-tinged discharge subsides during estrus, making it important to deeply understand the stages of the heat cycle.
How Often Will A Dachshund Go Into Heat?
Most Dachshunds will go into heat every 6-9 months.
It can take up to 2 years for your Dachshund’s heat cycle to regulate but should be a standard routine by the time they are 3 years old.
While this will vary from dog to dog, we always suggest planning for 2 heat cycles per year in your pup going forward.
Will Your Dachshund Stop Going Into Heat Someday?
Many assume that dogs experience menopause just like humans, but this is not the case at all. Female Dachshunds will never stop going into heat, meaning they can technically get pregnant far into their senior years.
Though Dachshunds never stop going into heat, their heat cycles can change as the years go by. They may not go into heat as frequently, they may not display visible signs of heat, and they may not experience any behavioral changes. This is why many believe our canine friends stop going into heat, but this is just a ‘silent season’ in their cycle.
When Is The Best Time To Spay A Dachshund
Now that you have a better understanding of the Dachshund’s heat cycle, you may wonder when is the best time to spay your furry friend. This topic is a bit controversial in the veterinary world, but most experts agree on the 6-12 month age range.
Some believe it is best to wait until after your Dachshund’s first heat cycle to get them spayed, but this will always range from vet to vet. We suggest speaking with your vet about what they feel most comfortable with and creating a plan that works best for your pup.
How Many Puppies Do Dachshund Have?
Dachshunds usually have 2-6 puppies per litter. In some cases, they may have more or even just one puppy.
The size of the dachshund can have an impact on the litter size. The bigger the dachshund, the more chance of them having a larger litter size.
Final Thoughts
If your female Dachshund is not spayed, they will always go into heat at some point. Be sure to review the information we discussed above on your pup’s heat cycle, and you can best prepare for their first heat going forward!
Thank you for reading! Back to more Dachshund articles >>
Additional Resources
https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/estrus-cycles-in-dogs
https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/how-tell-if-dogs-heat