How Long Does a Chihuahua Stay in Heat? (+ 7 More Similar Issues)

If you own an unspayed female Chihuahua, you`ll have to deal with puppies at some point. Obviously, you`ll soon be wondering about issues like how long a Chihuahua stays in heat or how many times per year.

It might prove challenging if you also have a male canine around. So, having an idea of what you might expect could help a great deal to prevent any possible issues from occurring.

We`ll help you deal with some of these problems by answering what we thought to be a few common questions regarding a Chihuahua in their heat period.

How Do I Know When My Chihuahua Is in Heat?

The more you know about your Chihuahua`s cycle, the more you`ll feel prepared for any possible behavioral or physical changes that might happen while they are in heat.

During every phase of this cycle, you`ll be able to notice distinct changes, and they might include these 7 symptoms:

• Tail position change
• Enlarged vulva
• Nervous behavior
• Bloody discharge
• Frequent urinating
• More opened to male Chihuahuas
• Licking around the genital area in excess.

How Long Does a Chihuahua Stay in Heat?

Just like humans, every canine should be taken individually. So, things will be different for each and every Chihuahua.

Still, most dogs of this breed go through this cycle every 6 or 9 months. Most cycles last almost a month (e.g., 21 – 28 days).

These canines could have their first cycle around 6 months of age and as late as 1 ½ years of age. Most of the time, one could predict when the first cycle of their Chihuahua is by calculating their relatives` heat cycles. – Check this out!

How Long Will a Chihuahua Bleed While in Heat?

Obviously, this will vary from one canine to another, and there are a few stages when talking about a Chihuahua`s heat cycle.

Generally speaking, a dog of this breed will stay in the estrus phase between 5 to 21 days. You may not be able to notice that it has started until a few days into the heat cycle. A female Chihuahua won`t be receptive to males for a whole heat cycle.

How Many Stages of Heat Cycle Are There?

Not many are aware of this, but Chihuahuas have a few distinct stages of heat cycle. Contrary to the fact that some canine owners assume there`s only one stage, in fact, there`re 4 distinct ones. Each of these stages is somehow unique.

• Proestrus – The first stage might not be easy for some dog owners to know. Some canines show clear signs, which may include swollen nipples, mood changes, bleeding, or licking in excess. However, other ones might show just a few or none.
• Estrus – This is the second stage and it appears around a week after the first one. At this point, the dog will be fertile and can become pregnant.
• Diestrus – If the canine didn`t become pregnant, they`ll enter the third stage, known as the Diestrus. Basically speaking, this represents a period in which the dog`s body is allowed to recuperate and can last anywhere between 1 and 3 months.
• Anestrus – This is the last stage of the cycle, a cooling down stage if you will when everything within the dog`s body starts getting back to normal.

How Do You Calm a Chihuahua in Heat?

You`ll be happy to know that there are lots of things that you could to keep your furry friend as comfortable as possible. As your Chihuahua`s heat cycle passes, it`s quite significant to be vigilant, but at the same time patient.

Do the following for your dog to be safe and comfortable, and everything will be just fine:

• Offer attention & emotional support
• Change up their walks
• Make your home a peaceful place
• Mask their scent
• Keep them on the leash at all times
• Offer them enough exercise
• Secure your home
• Use calming products
• Keep them distracted using treats or toys
• Sterilization is an option
• Utilize diapers or pants

How Many Times Can a Chihuahua Get Pregnant?

Ethical dog breeders usually breed Chihuahuas just 2 or 3 times during a lifespan. The pregnancies of a dog of this breed should be spaced out by at least 1 ½ years as well, or the canine`s health can be at risk. – Read more!

Some dog breeders out there also consider any breeding in excess might lead to psychological repercussions as well.

How Long Is a Chihuahua Pregnant For?

Chihuahuas are usually pregnant for around 2 months, measuring from when the dog starts ovulating to when the pups are born. Like humans, canines are pregnant for 3 trimesters every 21 days. – More info!

Symptoms to tell your Chihuahua is expecting can include:

• Weight gain
• Morning sickness
• Tiredness
• Eating less
• Vomiting.

Note: If you notice any of the signs above, contact your veterinarian for a proper checkout to see if your canine is indeed pregnant!

Final Word

How long does a Chihuahua stay in heat? You already know that! And you already are aware that your little friend will certainly have heat cycle if you don`t choose to spay them. It`s inevitable!

It your own responsibility to try and avoid any pregnancies of your canine if this isn`t something you desire.

Your dog`s healthy and safety should be your main priority during this period of their life. That will also mean for you to talk to your vet every time you feel something is wrong.