Do you wonder how long Pomeranians bleed during heat? You might if you have an intact female Pom at home, and she has started bleeding for the first time.
So, how long do Pomeranians bleed during heat? Pomeranians bleed for around 3 weeks – the duration of their heat cycle. As the cycle progresses, the discharge turns from red to pink to clear/watery, which shows that your dog is ready to be impregnated.
If you’re not spaying your Pomeranian, you must learn what to expect during heat. So, I’ve gathered all the relevant information you need to survive your Pom’s heat cycle.
Why Do Pomeranians Bleed During Heat?
Unlike women, female Poms don’t get periods. Instead, the bleeding is part of what is known as a heat cycle, and it shows that your dog’s body is ready to receive males and conceive offspring.
Usually, Pomeranians have their first heat cycle in puppyhood between six and nine months of age. But that’s only an average estimation.
Some Poms can get their first cycle as young as four months old. Others Pomeranians are late bloomers and get their heat cycle when they are almost one-year-old. But talk with your vet if your Pom is older than that and she still hasn’t got her first cycle.
During the initial stage of the heat cycle, you’re going to notice some pink/red vaginal discharge because their vulva will begin swelling. This is called proestrus and means that your Pom is getting ready to mate. However, she won’t allow any male dogs to mount her yet.
In about a week or so, the bloody discharge is going to change color when your Pomeranian goes into estrus (or heat). During those days, your Pom will be responsive to males and will seek their attention.
The vaginal discharge might get watery, clear, or stop completely. That’s not a sign that your Pomeranian’s heat cycle is over. As specialists explain it, when the bleeding stops, your Pom is most fertile.
In the third week, the bleeding will resume for a while before it comes to an end. That’s the diestrus stage when your Pom will lose interest in male dogs. However, it will take a while until her hormones are back to normal.
Usually, the amount of bleeding you’re going to notice is not much. I’m talking about some spots on the carpet/floor or soiled beddings. Heavy bleeding is absolutely not normal for small dogs such as Pomeranians.
You must take your Pom to the vet immediately if you’re concerned with the amount of bleeding. Your dog might have a blood disorder or a uterus infection.
In addition to this, it’s an excellent idea to mark the first day of bleeding. Since you already know how long Pomeranians bleed during heat you can predict the end of the cycle and when it should be safe to let other dogs around your Pom.
In addition to this, any prolonged bleeding after the end of the heat cycle should be evaluated.
What Are the Other Signs of Heat in Pomeranians?
Before a dog goes into heat, some owners notice signs such as a swollen vulva or dark-colored teats. But these symptoms are subtle and might go unnoticed if you’re not paying enough attention.
Once your Pom goes into full heat and starts bleeding, these signs become prominent:
- The vulva swells up to three times its usual size.
- Teats are visible and enlarged.
- Meticulous self-grooming.
- Frequent urination.
In addition to these symptoms, your Pom will change her behavior. She might become more affectionate than usual and seek your company constantly. Or she might hide somewhere in isolation and want nothing to do with you.
It’s still unknown how uncomfortable a heat cycle is for your Pomeranian. Specialists estimate that there is some level of discomfort since the uterus sheds and contracts just like in women.
So, don’t be surprised that your Pom is looking for some alone time when she’s in heat.
Furthermore, it’s not unusual for Poms to try to hump inanimate objects, people, or other pets. Don’t make the mistake in thinking this is only a male behavior. Females also hump when they are sexually aroused.
How Long Does Heat Last in Pomeranians?
In general, the heat cycle in Pomeranians lasts three weeks, but anything from 2 to 4 weeks is normal. Young Poms also tend to have several abnormal cycles – silent heats, prolonged heats, or split ones. As long as it doesn’t happen often, it’s not a reason to worry.
However, what’s not normal is heavy bleeding, bleeding that lasts more than 40 days, or lumps around the nipple areas before or after the cycle. Your vet should investigate them as soon as possible.
Once your Pom has her first cycle, her second one will be in five to eight months. That means two or three heat cycles per year. And unlike humans, dogs don’t stop having heat cycles when they get old.
Your Pom will continue to bleed and remain fertile for the larger part of her life. That has its risks, unfortunately. Hormones and cycles without pregnancies increase your dog’s chance of uterus infections.
In addition to this, you should not breed your Pom during her first heat cycle. She is far too immature and mentally unprepared to be a mother. In addition to this, the risks of complications are high in Pomeranians younger than eight months.
Most responsible breeders wait until their Pom is at least two years old before they breed her and make sure to give their dog enough rest between litters.
How to Care for Female Pomeranian in Heat?
So, you have a female Pomeranian in heat who is bleeding and acting strangely. Here’s what to do to ensure the comfort of your pooch.
1. Prevent Unwanted Male Attention
Once your Pom comes into heat, male dogs can smell her “readiness” from an impressive distance. While your dog will not let males mount her in the first stage of her cycle, they will be around waiting for her to accept them.
As such, you shouldn’t let your Pom have play dates with intact males while she is in heat, and you shouldn’t leave her unattended in the yard.
When you’re going for a walk, you should keep her on a leash and try to avoid other male dogs. Even the tamest dog might get aggressive when they smell a female in heat.
2. Deal With the Bleeding
As I already explained, Pomeranians don’t bleed much when in heat. However, they still can make a mess around the house by leaving bloody splotches on the floors.
One way to do with the bleeding would be to restrict your Pom to an easy-to-clean place. Some owners also use doggie diapers during that time, so you might think about buying some if you’re not spaying your Pom.
3. Give Your Pomeranian Space
Since your Pom is going to be moody while she’s in heat, you should follow her cues. If she wants attention, then you should give it to her. But if your Pom is not in the mood for games or walks, you should leave her be. Just be near and provide emotional support.
4. Feed Your Pomeranian Well
It’s not uncommon for Poms to lose appetite when they are in heat. That’s because they have one thing in their heads and it has nothing to do with food. However, you should make sure that food is available and consult your vet if her appetite doesn’t improve.
Closing Thoughts
How long Pomeranians bleed during heat is something you must know as a responsible Pom owner. It will help you keep tabs on your Pom’s heat cycles and prevent unwanted pregnancies. In addition to this, you’ll know what’s normal for your Pomeranian and can act quickly if something is wrong.
