When Do Pomeranians Go into Heat? Signs to Look For & Care Tips
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If you have recently given a little Pomeranian a forever home, you might be torn between breeding your female and having her spayed. While it’s much better for the dog’s health to have her spayed, there is something to be said for breeding your furry friend.
Until you decide whether to breed or spay your furry companion, you might wonder when Pomeranians go into heat. The first heat happens when the dog is around 5 months old. However, there’s much more to know about a Pomeranian in heat than that. We’ll talk about Pomeranians and everything you need to know when they are in heat in the guide below:
- When Does a Pomeranian Go into Their First Heat?
- Signs & Symptoms of a Pomeranian in Heat
- How Long Do Pomeranians Stay in Heat?
- How Often Do Pomeranians Go into Heat?
- The 6 Tips for Caring for & Keeping Your Pomeranian Safe During Heat Cycles
When Does a Pomeranian Go into Their First Heat?
Although Pomeranians can go into early heat at five months old, the normal time for the dog’s first heat is between 6 and 9 months old. However, there are rare cases where the dog doesn’t go into her first heat until between 12 and 15 months old. This is a really rare occurrence, however, as toy breeds normally go into heat much sooner than larger dog breeds do.
Signs & Symptoms of a Pomeranian in Heat
There are a few early warning signs that your Pom is in heat that are subtle, but some are more obvious.
- Swollen vulva
- Nipples are clearly visible
- Nipples are darker
- Vaginal discharge
- Sleeping more than usual
- Loss of appetite
- Self-grooming extensively
- Craving attention
- Nesting
This doesn’t mean that she will exhibit all of the signs, but make sure you keep an eye on her when that time draws close.
How Long Do Pomeranians Stay in Heat?
The average heat cycle for a Pomeranian is between 18 and 21 days. However, each dog is different, and the length of the heat cycle could vary widely and last anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks.
How Often Do Pomeranians Go into Heat?
In most cases, Pomeranians go into heat twice a year, once every 6 months or so. In many cases, the Pom will go into heat three times a year. If the heat cycle is shorter, the dog will go into heat more often.
As your Pom gets older, if you don’t have her spayed, she’ll go into heat once a year, which is normal, so don’t worry.
The 6 Tips for Caring for & Keeping Your Pomeranian Safe During Heat Cycles
If you choose not to get your Pom spayed when she’s old enough, you will need to know how to care for her and keep her safe when she’s in her heat cycle.
1. Give Her Extra Attention
Your Pom will crave and need extra attention from you when she’s in heat, so make sure you pamper her and give her extra love and pets. Make sure not to yell at or speak to your Pom in a high-pitched voice, especially if she makes a mess because she can’t help it.
2. Give Her Space If She Wants It
Some Poms are the opposite and just want to be left in peace when in heat. If that’s what your Pom wants, give her space. Set up a comfortable space with her bed, treats, toys, and food and water bowls nearby.
3. Keep Her Away from Other Dogs
When your Pom is in heat, she’s not going to act the way she usually does, and neither are the dogs around. You might consider keeping your Pom inside during her heat cycle to prevent pregnancy. It’s best to keep your Pom away from dog parks, as the males are an obvious threat, and females can get aggressive with other females when they’re in heat.
4. Use a Leash
Even if your Pom is usually well-behaved, she might not be when she’s in heat. She could run off, so it’s best to keep her on a leash when you take her out for her daily walks.
5. Make an Appointment with Your Vet
If you’re a first-time dog owner, or this is your Pom’s first heat, you can make an appointment with your vet to make sure everything is going along smoothly. This will give you peace of mind that your Pom is all right and doing what is natural to her.
6. Consider Spaying
Unless you’re planning to breed your Pomeranian, you should consider having the dog spayed. This will keep the dog from going into heat, but it also has other benefits. Spaying your Pom can reduce her chances of developing mammary cancer and other health issues.
You can also talk to your vet about the advantages and disadvantages of spaying your Pomeranian. They’ll let you know what the best course of action is for you and your furry little friend.
Wrap Up
Pomeranians are adorable, tiny dogs that make remarkable pets. They go into heat just like any other dog, however, so you have to decide whether you want to breed your Pom or have her spayed. If you decide to breed your Pom, the tips above and the timeline for when a Pom goes into heat should help. Your veterinarian can discuss the advantages and disadvantages of spaying your Pomeranian and what you need to know if you breed your dog.
Featured Image Credit: Anna Gorina, Shutterstock
