German Shepherd First Heat Symptoms and How Long Should it Last

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German Shepherd First Heat Symptoms

If you own a German shepherd and you’ve begun to notice changes in your dog you are going to be surprised at how these changes are happening and we are left wondering what your cause of action should be like. For those wondering what the German Shepherd first heat symptoms are, this article discusses everything you should know about how a German shepherd would behave when they are in their heat period for the first time and even subsequently.

German Shepherd First Heat Symptoms 

Following are some of the first heat symptoms you would find in your German shepherd whether they are male or female: 

  1. A swollen vulva 
  2. Excessive licking of the genitals 
  3. Very clingy behavior and actions 
  4. Blood-tinged discharge 
  5. Holding the tail close to the body 
  6. Urinating more often than normal 
  7. Reduce energy levels 
  8. More aggressive behavior 
  9. New leg-raising posture when urinating
  10. Less eating 

Swollen Vulva 

This is arguably the first sign you would see when your German shepherd gets her first heat period. After your dog comes heat, she’s going to experience swelling in its vulva causing redness in the region. You may also notice different swelling levels in the area during the proestrus, estrus, and diestrus phases. Now, the swollen vulva is not the ultimate sign of heat as some can experience “silent heat.”- One that is usually not quite visible for everyone to see.

Excessive Licking of the Genitals 

You can expect your male German shepherd always to lick their genitals the moment they are in their heat period. Your German shepherd might be licking its genitals because it is trying to groom itself; however, if it becomes excessive then it could be that it is in its heat period. 

Very Clingy Behavior and Actions 

No disrespect but you know how women can be more clingy when they are ovulating. Well, this is the same thing with German shepherd dogs. Your German shepherd can become overly clingy and show more signs of affection than they would on a normal day. 

Blood-Tinged Discharge 

A discharge from your dog I want to be expected. When those go into their heat period, you can expect them at least once or twice in the entire year to release blood-stained discharge. This is because during their heat period, there is an increased flow of blood to their uterus which can cause whatever comes out of them to have some blood stains. 

Holding Tail Close To The Body

Another telltale sign that you can use to decide when your dog is in its heat period is when they are always trying to keep their tail very close to their body. It often feels like they’re trying to hide the swollen vulva or something. 

Urinating More Often Than Normal

Once a German shepherd begins to urinate often or more than usual it could be that she is in her heat period. While this may not point to this fact directly, we have noticed that a lot of German shepherds urinate more than usual when they are ready to mate. 

Reduce Energy Levels

German Shepherds typically experience a reduction in energy levels during their first heat cycle. This is due to hormonal changes that occur during this stage of the reproductive cycle, causing the dog to feel more lethargic and less inclined to engage in physical activity.

More Aggressive Behavior

It is common for German Shepherds to exhibit more aggressive behavior during their first heat. This can manifest as increased territorial marking, growling, or snapping at family members or other pets. This behavioral change is a result of hormonal fluctuations.

New Leg-Raising Posture When Urinating

One of the distinct symptoms of a German Shepherd’s first heat is the adoption of a new leg-raising posture when urinating. This change in urination posture is a result of the hormonal changes and the dog’s attempt to mark its territory.

Less Eating 

During their first heat, German Shepherds may experience a decrease in appetite and eat less than usual. This is a natural response to the hormonal changes occurring in the body, as the dog’s focus shifts towards the reproductive cycle rather than maintaining a consistent appetite.

How Long Does a German Shepherd Stay in Heat for the First Time? 

The heat cycle of a German shepherd usually lasts for 3 weeks. Your dog’s first heat cycle should begin at about 6 months of age and it should continue in successions of 6 months. So, your dog might have two heat cycles in a given year.

Why Do German Shepherds Bleed During the Heat Period?

German Shepherds, like most female dogs, bleed during their heat cycle or estrus period. This bleeding is normal and occurs due to the increased blood flow to the uterus and vaginal area. The bleeding typically starts around 9-12 months of age in German Shepherds and lasts for about 9 days during the proestrus stage of the heat cycle.

During the heat cycle, the vulva becomes enlarged and firm, and the discharge ranges from serous (serum-like) to serosanguinous (serum mixed with blood). The bleeding may appear heavy, but it is not uncommon for large breed dogs like German Shepherds to bleed more than smaller breeds.

The heat cycle in German Shepherds usually lasts 18-21 days, with the bleeding occurring during the first 9 days (proestrus) and the second stage (estrus) lasting another 9 days. 

If the bleeding persists for more than 30 days or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it is best to consult with a veterinarian.

Conclusion 

Now, I am optimistic that you now know what your German Shepherd first heat symptoms would look like. These symptoms, while they are attributed to first heat cycles, are also the prevalent signs you’ll see every time your dog goes into heat. 

Onyekachi Omenuko
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