Dealing with a dog in heat can be frustrating if you’ve never gone through it before, but it’s a lot easier when you understand what’s happening. In this video, I break down what it means when a female dog is “in season,” why it happens, and when you can expect that first cycle (often around 6 months, but it varies a lot by breed—small dogs tend to start earlier, and some large breeds may not hit puberty until closer to 2 years old). I also walk you through the four stages of the heat cycle—proestrus, estrus, diestrus, and anestrus—so you know what’s normal and how long each stage typically lasts. We talk about common signs like vulva swelling, frequent urination, licking/cleaning, and light bleeding (sometimes it’s just small spots on bedding). Behavior changes are common too, including flirting with male dogs, extra affection, restlessness or laziness, and even trying to run off. Finally, I share practical ways to manage a dog in heat: keep male dogs away, keep her on leash, consider doggy diapers, use a GPS tracker if she’s a flight risk, and balance rest with exercise. I also cover spaying (not during heat) and why I don’t recommend breeding on a first heat cycle.