How Often Do Pitbulls Go Into Heat? The 3 Main Factors That Affect Heat Cycle Regualrity

As with all female dogs, Pit Bulls also experience a heat cycle, which can impact their behavior and overall health.

Understanding when the Pit Bull’s heat cycle is crucial for ensuring the well-being of your furry friend. So, how often do Pitbulls go into heat? and what are the factors that affect the regularity of this cycle?

Pit Bulls go into heat twice a year, every 5 to 8 months, starting from the age of maturity. However, keep in mind that heat cycles aren’t always regular, so the number of times your dog will go into heat in a year will vary depending on factors the dog’s age, size, nutrition, and overall health.

Keep reading to learn more about how often Pit Bulls go into heat, how long the heat period lasts for Pit Bulls, and what to do when your Pit Bull is in heat.

How Often Do Pitbulls Go into Heat in a Year?

Pit Bulls will start going into heat once they reach puberty which is usually at the age of 6 months.

From them, they normally go into heat twice a year, every 5 to 8 months. However, the regularity of a dog’s heat cycle can vary depending on factors like the dog’s age, size, nutrition, and overall health.

You can learn everything you need to know about the Pit Bull’s heat cycle in this guide, including its timeline, what to expect, and what to do, so be sure to check it out.

How Many Times Can a Pit Bull Go into Heat in a Lifetime?

Pit Bulls can go into heat an average of 24 to 30 times in a lifetime.

The number of times a dog can go into heat in its lifetime will depend on some factors, including.

• Age – The age at which the dog starts going into heat will affect the regularity of its cycle and the number of times it goes into heat for the rest of its life. As the dog gets older, its heat will become more and more infrequent.
• Size – The dog’s size will affect the regularity of its cycle and the number of times it goes into heat for the rest of its life, as smaller dogs tend to go into heat more often than bigger dogs.
• Cycle Regularity – Some Pit Bulls have irregular heat cycles due to health problems or simply genetics, so they go into heat more or less often than normal over the course of their life.

Do Pit Bulls Ever Stop Going into Heat?

Pit Bulls do not ever stop going into heat. Once they start going into heat at puberty, they will continue to do so for the rest of their lifetime. However, even though Pit Bulls do not stop going into heat, they will reach an age where they stop ovulating, so they won’t be able to reproduce.

You can stop your Pit Bull from going into heat by spaying it, which is a medical procedure that involves the surgical removal of the dog’s reproductive organs, including its ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus.

You can learn about the other benefits (and the risks) of spaying or neutering your Pit Bull here.

How Long Does Heat Last for Pit Bulls?

The Pit Bull’s heat cycle includes 4 stages which are Proestrus, Estrus, Diestrus, and Anestrus. Each one of these stages lasts a certain period of time during which the dog exhibits various symptoms.

The Estrus stage is the heat period itself, and it tends to last 2 to 3 weeks. During that stage, the dog will be the most fertile and ready to mate. You can learn more about how long a Pit Bull stays in heat here.

Check the following table for a quick breakdown of the 4 stages of the Pit Bull’s heat cycle, along with their estimated durations and the symptoms the dog will exhibit during each stage.

The Stages of the Pit Bull’s Heat Cycle

Stage	Duration	Symptoms
Proestrus	1 to 2 weeks	The dog will start bleeding and releasing v*ginal discharge The dog will start releasing pheromones to attract male dogs The v*lva will start swelling gradually
Estrusb (The Heat Period)	2 to 3 weeks	The dog will start the tail to signal a willingness to mate The vulva will start to soften slightly to make penetration easier.
Diestrus	8 to 12 weeks	The v*lva will continue softening gradually The bleeding and v*ginal discharge will start decreasing gradually.
Anestrus (The Resting Period)	14 to 21 weeks	The v*lva will return to its normal size The bleeding and v*ginal discharge will completely stop.

Here is a quick infographic that sums it up:

What to Do When Your Pit Bull Is in Heat?

When your Pit Bull is in heat, you need to properly take care of it to ensure it remains healthy and prevent any unwanted pregnancy:

So, here are some tips you can follow to take care of your Pit Bull during heat properly:

• Avoid taking your dog outside during the heat period, as it will attract the attention of nearby male dogs.
• Never leave your dog without supervision when there are male dogs around, and put it on a leash before going outside.
• Prepare a safe area inside the house for your dog where it can comfortably rest or sleep. This area should have warm bedding and some of the dog’s favorite toys.
• Try to help your dog cope with any mood swings, such as comforting it if it’s feeling anxious, giving it attention if it’s feeling clingy, and giving it time alone if it’s feeling distant.
• Avoid admonishing your dog harshly if it doesn’t follow your commands or if it has any accidents inside the house, as it cannot control its behavior during that time.
• Ensure your dog’s food has enough calories, as its appetite will increase to help it maintain its energy levels.
• Try to limit any intense physical activities and give your dog breaks whenever it needs to during exercise time.

How to Prevent Pit Bulls from Getting Pregnant During Heat?

To prevent your Pit Bull from getting pregnant during heat, it’s recommended to spay it. If the dog is not spayed, it’s recommended to keep it away from male dogs during the heat period.

If you’re interested in learning more about Pit Bull pregnancy, check out my article on Pit Bull pregnancy signs and timeline here.

Do Pit Bulls Need to Wear Diapers During Heat?

Pit Bulls do need to wear diapers during heat as they will start urinating more frequently as well as bleeding and releasing v*ginal discharge.

These diapers will prevent the dog from having any accidents and absorb the blood and v*ginal discharge released so they won’t leak and stain any furniture or carpets.

They will also help protect the dog from nearby male dogs as they will cover its v*lva and mask its scent to make it less noticeable.

How to Choose Diapers for Your Pit Bull?

Dog diapers are similar to normal baby diapers, except they have a hole in the back for the dog’s tail to fit through.

There are many brands of dog diapers on the market, and they vary in material, fit, and absorbance. To help you make the best choice, here are some of the top-rated dog diaper products available on Amazon:

CuteBone Washable Dog Diapers

These washable dog diapers are economical and environmentally friendly.

They are made of multiple layers of highly absorbent material, which will be effective in preventing any leaking. They will also fit the dog comfortably without irritating its skin or restricting its movement.

They come in a pack of 3, and they’re available in colors and sizes.

OUT! Pet Care Disposable Dog Diapers

These disposable diapers are more convenient as they’re quick and easy to put on and take off.

They’re made to be completely leak-proof with extra absorbent edges around the dog’s leg and waist. The material also contains baking soda to minimize unpleasant odors.

They come in different sizes with adjustable, fur-friendly fasteners to fit the dog comfortably without restricting its movement.

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