A Beagle has her first heat at around 1 year of age, usually between 10 and 15 months. After that she comes into heat about twice a year.
If you want to have your dog spayed, wait until she has been in heat at least once and preferably twice. That way you let the natural process run its course until your Beagle is fully grown. You would not sterilise a child either, so why a puppy?
What is heat in a Beagle?
Heat is a phase in the reproductive cycle of a female dog and is the equivalent of menstruation in women. The medical term is the oestrous cycle.
The first heat marks the moment the dog reaches puberty. During this time she is fertile: she releases eggs and can become pregnant.
On average, your Beagle will have her first heat at around 1 year of age. This varies from dog to dog, however: some come into heat as early as 10 months, others only after 15 months. To many owners that seems too early, but it can start this young, and owners should know what will happen and how to keep their dog safe.
Note: if your Beagle is older than 15 months and has not yet had her first heat, have her thoroughly examined by the vet.
How can you tell that your Beagle is in heat?
You will notice:
- Her vulva will swell, mildly to moderately. Note what this area looks like when she is not in heat, so you know when it starts to swell.
- There will be bleeding. The colour ranges from light pink to dark red and changes during the cycle as the blood mixes with other fluids. The amount also depends on the dog. In medium-sized breeds like the Beagle it is usually easy to notice. Although there may not be a constant flow, the discharge will build up on bedding, floors and other surfaces over these weeks. For this reason, many owners have their female wear a dog nappy during this time, often with heat pants over it.
- Males may seem overly interested in her. You may even notice unfamiliar dogs hanging around your house. This is because intact males can smell that your Beagle is in heat from up to 5 kilometres away. For this reason it is very important not to leave your dog outside alone during this time.
- For a shorter part of the cycle, the female will be receptive to males and will show it by lifting her tail towards them (known as flagging).
- There may be some mood swings. Some females seem more affectionate during this period, while others withdraw more often.
Cramps
Many owners wonder whether a dog feels pain during her heat. Judging by her behaviour, a female dog is very aware of her cycle, and she may feel cramps and discomfort as the uterus contracts.
Many females show nesting behaviour and want to rest more than usual, which suggests that dogs do have some abdominal pain during this time.
Note: never give your dog medication during this time; just let her rest when she wants to and give her a soft, warm place to do so. Some dogs find a warm heating pad on the belly soothing, as it can relax the abdominal muscles.
How long does heat last?
Most heat cycles last 2 to 3 weeks. Beagles come into heat every 5 to 7 months, so on average twice a year. Unless she is spayed, a female will keep having them for the rest of her life. Unlike humans, dogs have no menopause, even as they grow older.
Skipped and silent heats
Occasionally a dog comes into heat without showing the typical signs. This is known as a silent heat. It differs from a skipped cycle, in which the heat does not occur at all. If a Beagle has very little bleeding, some owners may mistake it for a silent or skipped heat. In both cases the cause is abnormal hormone fluctuations. Tell your vet if this happens often.
Keeping your female safe
Your Beagle in heat will attract every intact male within a radius of 5 kilometres. Intact males of any breed pick up her scent from that distance. Every time a female in heat urinates, she leaves a little blood behind, and that leaves a strong scent in the garden.
During this time, always go outside with her, only take her out to relieve herself, and keep her on a short lead of 1.8 metres.
When you get ready to take her out, open the door slowly and look around carefully before you take her outside.
FAQ
When does a Beagle go into heat?
A Beagle comes into heat for the first time at around 1 year of age. After that it happens about every 6 months on average.
How long does heat last?
Heat usually lasts two to three weeks.
How do you recognise heat?
Her vulva swells. She loses a little blood. And male dogs will show a lot of interest in your dog.
