heat cycles

Question
I have a 14 month old staffordshire terrier. She went into heat for the first time on January 5th this year. It is now well over six months since her last cycle and she hasn't started bleeding yet. Do I have anything to worry about yet and should I take her to the vet to get checked?

Answer
Hi Jeff,

Not all dogs have the same time duration in-between cycles. The actual cycle last approximately 3 weeks, but the amount of time in between cycles can vary from 6 months to 9 or 10 months.

Your dog would have gained the most health benefits if she was spayed before the onset of her first heat cycle, but it's not too late for her to be spayed now, and still get some benefits! Spayed dogs won't develop or have an incredibly low chance of developing the following: pyometra, a uterine infection that can be deadly, mammary cancer, tumors in the ovaries or uterus, or false pregnancies and other hormonal imbalances.

To find a reduced cost spay program in your area, contact your local animal shelter, Humane Association, or ask your regular vet.

Best of luck,
Patti