The first sign that a female dog is "coming into season" is usually swelling of the vulva.   (Some females swell considerably, some have only minor changes in the appearance of the vulva.)  One to three days after swelling is noticed, the bitch will usually begin to have a bloody discharge.   This discharge may range in color from light pink to bright red, may be very thin and hardly noticeable or the discharge may be so heavy the dog actually drips bright red blood.  The bloody discharge may last 3-20 days, may be consistent throughout this time or it may be a light flow in the beginning, heavier for a number of days and then lighten again towards the end of the season.  

A typical female dog's season will last about 21 days.  There are generally considered to be three "phases" in a season (each lasting approximately 7 days) and during each of these time frames the female may show different temperament issues.  The first phase of the season is the time before the bitch ovulates.  This phase generally lasts 5-10 days and the bitch may be playful and teasing only to turn snappy and irritable if another dog gets too close.   The bitch may also be irritable with humans attempting to groom or do other procedures around her rear during this time.   Most females will not allow a male to breed them during the first phase of their season, but this is not an ironclad rule. 

In the second phase of a bitch's season, she will become receptive to male dogs and will stand for breeding.  She will ovulate during this time (generally between the 10th and 16th day of the season) and she will be looking for ways to get to male dogs in the area.  This may include attempts to get out of the house or fencing.  The bitch is usually very loving and playful during this period of time, although she may become somewhat irritated with an over-exuberant male dog or other animals that pester her.   

The third phase of a female dog's season is the "going out" stage.  After the bitch ovulates, she will again become irritable and moody, especially around other animals, and will not stand for breeding.  Dogs that try to sniff her rear or mount her are likely to provoke an outright attack.  

In most cases, a female will be out of season after 21 days and her attitude will return to normal.  In some instances however, a bitch may experience a false pregnancy or other complications associated with her reproductive cycle.   If a female has a false pregnancy, she may gain weight, lose coat, produce milk and otherwise mimic symptoms of pregnancy.   She may be calmer and more loving during a false pregnancy, but some females become more aggressive and territorial. 

Besides the mess and fuss described above, a female's heat cycle can cause an owner one more major problem.  This problem is a serious concern as it can put the female dog and her owner/family in a dangerous position.   The problem I'm addressing is the aggressive pursuit of a bitch in season by every intact male in the vicinity.   

The discharge of an in-season bitch leaves a scent for all males to follow.  This means that going for walks can leave a trail right back to your house and that allowing the in-season dog in the front or back yard will leave a scent that will attract any wandering Romeo.  This is a major concern because if Romeo happens to be a large dog, he could cause serious injury to the female if he were to breed her.  Strange dogs being attracted to and hanging around your in-season female can also be dangerous for your female because if she tries to defend herself or her territory, she could be injured by an aggressive male.

And don't think your girl is safe just because she's behind a fence!  Male dogs are persistent and inventive in finding ways to get to a female that's in season.  I've seen male dogs go over 6 foot fences, chew through wood fences, dig holes 2 feet deep to go under a fence and I also know of several females that were breed through chain link and other open-mesh fences!!  Males that are attracted by a female in season may take up residence around your home for an extended period of time while they try to find a way to get to the female.  This can result in serious damage to your yard or house depending on how destructive and determined the male dog happens to be. 

Additionally, if several males are in the area, you may be faced with vicious fights occurring between the hopeful Romeos and if you own other dogs/pets, they may be at risk of attack from these lust-crazed males.  You and your children might also be at risk as many males will challenge humans for the right to breed and will defend their new-found territory if a human tries to run them off.  Children especially may be at risk of attack as they often don't realize that strange dogs are dangerous and they may try to pet or play with unfamiliar dogs that are hanging around their house and yard.

All females that are not going to be used for breeding should be spayed around 6 months of age to avoid the problems discussed above.

If you have any questions or would like more information about our Cocker Spaniels,
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Last revised: January 01, 2006