Lilah

Peculiarities of the first heat phase

The female's first heat phase during puberty doesn't usually stick to this fixed sequence. It's not uncommon for there to be a so-called “quiet heat period” the first time round, in which no external indicators such as discharge can be recognised despite hormonal changes. Hence, it can be the case that the dog owner has no idea whatsoever that its female dog is in heat for the first time. For instance, this often occurs with breeds such as the Beagle, American Staffordshire Terrier, Cocker Spaniel or Miniature Pinschers.

Even so-called “split oestrus” for young females is not uncommon. Here typical signs of the heat phase such as discharge first come about during the pre-oestrus phase, but don't lead into the oestrus phase during which the dog is fertile. Instead, they initially subside completely. The female only shows fresh signs of pre-oestrus again after a few days or weeks, and this is then followed by oestrus.