When do Labradoodles go into heat? Female Labradoodles usually go into heat and have their first season between six and twelve months of age. But there is some variation between dogs, and a slightly earlier or later first season is nothing to worry about. After that your dog will have one or two seasons a year. If you spay your female Labradoodle puppy they won’t go into heat any more, but there are pros and cons to this operation. Today we’ll look at how to predict when your dog will go into heat, and how to manage their seasons. We’ll also share the signs that your Labradoodle is in season, and how to prevent an unwanted litter of puppies.
Contents
- What is a dog’s heat?
- Dog heat by breed
- When do Labradoodles go into heat as puppies?
- When do Labradoodles go into heat as adults?
- Signs your Labradoodle is in heat
- Are dog seasons safe?
- Pros and cons of spaying your Labradoodle
There are lots of things to think about when you bring home a new Labradoodle puppy. What supplies do you need to buy? How do you start potty and crate training your puppy? If you have a female Labradoodle puppy, you may have some questions about heat. In this article, we’ll explain what it means when a dog “goes into heat.” Are all breeds the same when it comes to experiencing heat? When do Labradoodle puppies go into heat for the first time? We’ll tell you what you need to know about heat in Labradoodles.
What Is A Dog’s Heat Cycle?
Heat is a time when female dogs are fertile and can become pregnant. Heat is sometimes called being “in season.” The age at first heat, length of each heat cycle, and number of times a dog goes into heat each year can vary quite a bit, depending on the individual dog and breed.
What Happens When A Dog is in Heat?
Heat occurs during estrous, the phase of a dog’s reproductive cycle when she produces eggs that are ready to be fertilized. A dog in heat will show certain physical and behavioral changes that indicate she is ready to mate. Male dogs can detect these hormonal signals and females will be receptive to their advances. Do Labradoodles experience heat the same way as other dog breeds?
Dog Breeds Have Different Seasons
Different dog breeds can have different heat cycles. Many of these differences are based on breed size. In general, small breed dogs go into their first heat at an earlier age than large breed dogs. A small dog might be as young as 4 months, but a very large dog may be a year old or more.
Most breeds will have an average of 2 heat cycles per year. It’s common for very large breeds to have 1 heat cycle per year. The length of each heat varies among individual dogs. Anywhere from 1-4 weeks is possible, but for most dogs it will last about 2 weeks.
When Do Labradoodles Go Into Heat For The First Time
What about the Labradoodle? The Labradoodle is a cross between the Labrador Retriever and Poodle. All dogs are individuals, but generally Labrador Retrievers will experience their first heat between 6-12 months of age. Labs usually go into heat once every 6 months, but longer cycles are also possible.
A Poodle will generally have her first heat at around 6 months and have 2 heat cycles per year, although once a year is possible too.
Labradoodles share similar cycles with Labradors and Poodles, as well as many other dog breeds. Labradoodle puppies will experience their first heat between 6-12 months of age.
When Do Labradoodles Go Into Heat Again
Most Labradoodles will have 2 heat cycles per year, but once per year is possible, and considered normal. You can expect each heat period to last roughly 2 weeks. The cycles of individual dogs can vary, but Labradoodles usually fall into the same ranges as most dog breeds. A dog can fall outside the “normal” ranges and still be perfectly healthy.
Signs Your Labradoodle is in Heat
Female Labradoodles can come into heat at any time around six months after they are born or after their previous heat. Common signs that your dog is in heat include:
- Licking and washing their private parts
- Swollen vulva
- Blood dripping from the vulva or small spots of blood in their bed
- Mounting other dogs
- Peeing more frequently
If your dog is showing these signs then they are probably in season. Make sure that your backyard is secure, and do not come into contact with intact male dogs for the next two weeks. You can keep your Labradoodle fit and happy in the backyard with training exercises and lots of fetch.
Is It Safe For A Labradoodle To Go Into Heat?
You may have heard conflicting information about the best time to spay a puppy. How old should a dog be, and should she go through 1 heat before she is spayed? Unfortunately, there is no “official” answer to the question of when to spay a dog. Current guidance from veterinary health organizations advises vets to go on a case-by-case basis.
Why? Because in some breeds, a too early or a too late spay can increase a dog’s risk for certain health issues, particularly cancer and joint disease.Research has found that some breeds can be at increased risk for health problems if spayed before 1 year of age, and especially before 6 months of age. These findings apply to breeds with a high risk of cancer, like the Boxer and Golden Retriever.
When Do Labradoodles Go Into Heat If They Are Spayed?
Dogs that have been spayed no longer have seasons and will not come into heat.
Should I Spay My Labradoodle?
Veterinarians and breeders generally agree that waiting until your Labradoodle is older than 6 months is advisable for health reasons. But you do not need to spay them at all if you are happy to carefully manage their seasons. There are health risks and health benefits to both spaying and leaving your dog intact. Seasons are a natural part of your female dog’s life, and it is perfectly safe for her to have one. Just make sure that you keep her away from male dogs while she is fertile, and you might have a little extra cleaning up to do if she’s not a very keen washer.
Did you decide to spay your Labradoodle or not? How often does she have seasons? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!
More About Labradoodles
- Best Shampoo for Labradoodles
- 9 Month Old Labradoodle
- How Long Should Labradoodles Eat Puppy Food?
- 3 Month Old Labradoodle
- When can I take the cone off my dog after neuter?
References and Further Reading
- Dogs in Heat/Coming into Season. The People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals.
- Llera, R., Yuill, C. Estrous Cycles in Dogs. VCA Animal Hospitals.
- Reproduction in Dogs. Vetwest Animal Hospitals.
- Nolen, R.S. When Should We Neuter Dogs? It Depends. JAVMA News, 2021.
- Elective Spaying and Neutering of Pets. American Veterinary Medical Association.
- When Should I Spay or Neuter My Pet? American Animal Hospital Association.
- Weir, H. What is the Right Timing for Spaying and Neutering of Pets? Colorado State University, 2015.