The Female Yorkie and Heat
When you have a female Yorkshire Terrier, you may have many questions about heat. If you have a male Yorkie, you should be aware of what behavior your male dog may suddenly show when a female in the heat cycle is even remotely close by. His behavior may seem puzzling to you; since he may be sensing something that is out of your line of sight.
Owners wonder, " When does a Yorkie first go into heat? " Others are looking for information as to how long heat lasts for the Yorkie and at what age a Yorkie will finally be done. Does the Yorkie enter menopause? How long does the heat cycle last and how often does it happen?
Having a dog in heat brings up many issues; not only how to care for your dog when she is in heat, but also the subjects of ovarian cancer, and how to fend off male dogs that can sense her at this time from miles away.
Also discussed will be how the Yorkie heat cycle works in conjunction with conceiving and becoming pregnant. If you are wishing to avoid having newborn pups or you are attempting to breed your Yorkie, understanding the heat cycle is vital.
You may be surprised to know that this applies to all females dogs of any age; a 14 month old puppy and a 14 year old adult female Yorkie will both have heat cycle issues.
How Does This Apply If I Have a Male?
An un-neutered male Yorkie has a very strong, inbred urge to find and pursue a female dog that is in heat. A female will usually not allow a male to mount her unless she is in heat; therefore once a female is in this stage the male will follow her to the ends of the Earth!
The male dog is capable of walking for 2-3 miles to chase the scent of a female dog. This can be avoided if your have your male Yorkie neutered. Until that time, beware of the strong urge your dog may have that is usually stronger than any training he has had to stay put at home! If your male dog seems anxious, restless, keeps trying to look out the windows, rushes ahead or seems to walk out of control while you are walking him or he leaps and bounds at a fence...these are signs that he is having the urge to run. Extra care should be taken to make sure that your dog cannot run away. Even one second of having an open door is all he will need to take off in pursuit.
What Exactly is Heat?
Heat is somewhat equivalent to the human female menstruation; however it does differ in many ways.
What Age Does a Yorkie Go Into Heat?
A female will have her first heat cycle as young as 5 months old. However, all dogs will vary. If your Yorkie does not enter heat by the age of 14 months, this is a warning sign and she must be taken to the veterinarian for a checkup.
At What Age Does a Yorkie Stop Having Heat? Will She Enter Menopause?
This is one element in which the Yorkie differs greatly from humans. A Yorkie may stop the heat cycle somewhere around 10-12 years old. However, some female dogs never stop entering heat. An older dog having to endure this can be very rough on her body. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to have your Yorkie spayed as soon as possible if you know that you will not be breeding her. Spaying is best done as soon as possible. Vets often spay even before the 1st heat cycle.
How Long Does Heat Last for the Yorkie?
Heat can last from 2 to 4 weeks. Each cycle may be different. For example, your Yorkie's first heat may last 2 weeks and her next one may last 4.
At What Time During Heat Can My Yorkie Get Pregnant?
Your dog is able to get pregnant at any time during heat; even the first day. However, the most fertile days for your dog will be 10-14 days into her heat cycle. During this time, she will usually allow any dog to mount her.
If you are not planning on having Yorkie puppies or mixed breed pups, it is vitally important to keep her in the home as much as possible and when outside, have her on a short leash. She will be releasing pheromones when she urinates. Therefore, male dogs from literally miles around may sense her presence. Any male dogs that are unleashed may be hanging around close to your home.
Never allow your female Yorkie to go outside alone, even for a moment! A larger male dog may injure her and it only takes a few minutes for a dog to mount her and get her pregnant. This is not a good time to go for walks in dog parks, etc.
Will My Yorkie Bleed a Lot?
Yes and no. Smaller dogs do not bleed as much as larger breed dogs; however the amount varies from dog to dog. In any event, there will be some blood that discharges from her vagina and her vulva will become swollen. You may not notice any blood; however if your dog is bleeding noticeable amounts you may put a dog diaper on her. The discharge may be more of a pink color. This is becoming a popular trend; as there is no reason to confine your dog to one room or spend each day cleaning up after her, when you can simply put a cute and decorative diaper on her to catch any discharge.
How Often Will My Yorkie Go Into Heat?
Your Yorkie will enter heat approximately every 6 to 8 months; therefore you should expect this phase about twice per year.
Should I Have My Yorkie Spayed to Stop Her Heat Cycle?
It is very strongly recommended to have your dog spayed. In today's day and age, veterinarians are spaying dogs even before their first heat cycle. Spaying your female dog will severely lessen her odds of falling victim to ovarian and mammary gland cancer. Entering heat just 1 time, increases the odds of cancer by 16%! If you are not planning on breeding her, spaying will help you have peace of mind that she will be safe from male dogs and there will be no unwanted pregnancies. In addition, since a Yorkie is able to have puppies even as an elderly dog, it is very important to have her spayed. A Yorkie older than 8 should not have to endure having pups!
Female Yorkie Issues
- How to Help Your Yorkie During Heat
- How to Stop Heat
- False Pregnancy
- Breeding
- Pregnancy
- Delivery
- C-Sections
- Health Issues only Pregnant Yorkies Have
- What you Must Do After a Litter is Born
- Registering Puppies
- Explanation of Registeries
- Information only Professional Breeders Know
- 24 Behavioral Issues
- 36 Health Issues
- Questions? Direct, Personal Advice with the Yorkie Experts... Click Here to Learn More
