The Goldendoodle Heat Cycle Explained Simply With Infographics

It’s no secret that all dogs go through the heat cycle, and as a dog owner, you need to understand what your dog is going through and when & how you can help. Dogs’ behavior can change drastically from one stage to the next in their heat cycle, so you really should know what to expect at each stage.

Let’s start by answering the most important question; when does your dog start going into the heat cycle?

So, when do Goldendoodles go into heat?  Goldendoodles can first go into heat when they are about six months old, during that time your Goldendoodle becomes sexually mature, however, it also depends whether your Goldendoodle is more like his golden or poodle parent because smaller dogs can experience it earlier.

The heat cycle is a big thing for every dog and naturally, you should read more about it so you can know what your Goldendoodle is dealing with and what you can do to make them feel better, so keep reading.

How often do Goldendoodles go into heat?

Goldendoodles can go into heat twice a year which means that they will go into heat once every six months, each time they go into heat, it will last between two weeks and a month, however, if you Goldendoodle is more like its poodle parent then they can experience it once every four months.

Now before we go into the Goldendoodle’s heat cycle timeline, if you have a Golden Retriever as well, you can check out my guide to the Golden Retriever Heat Cycle here as well.

Explaining your Goldendoodle’s heat cycle (timeline and stages)

Goldendoodles are in heat every six months and it will last between 2-4 weeks and during that time, they will go through some stages, and each stage is linked to specific hormonal and physical changes.

So here are the four stages that they will go through:

1. Proestrus 
2. Estrus 
3. Diestrus 
4. Anestrus 

Proestrus 

The first stage of heat is known as proestrus, it lasts about nine days and during that time the males will be attracted to them more than ever while they are not receptive to them in that stage.

You can notice that your Goldendoodle’s vulva is swollen and during that stage, your pup may urinate more, you should mark it on the calendar when it starts so you can keep track of it.

Estrus 

The second stage is the estrus, it may last between five to nine days and in that stage, their vulva enlargement may decrease a bit.

They will be more receptive to male dogs during this stage so if you don’t want her pregnant then you better watch her closely, also, their discharge has less blood in it.

Diestrus 

The third stage usually starts at day 24 and during this phase, your Goldendoodle stops being receptive to males.

During that stage, the discharge will go from straw color to red and the scent will remain, and keep males away from her because she may get aggressive with them.

Taking her out is not the best idea so it’s better if you wait for her till she stops bleeding completely.

Anestrus 

Finally, in the final stage, now their body can start returning to normal, there will be no vaginal discharge and no swelling or any abnormal thing in the vulva. 

The last cycle can last from 60 to 90 days and as soon as it’s done, their heat cycle is going to start again.

12 signs your Goldendoodle is going into heat

When your Goldendoodle is going into heat, they will show the following signs:

1. Red and swollen vulva 
2. Licking their back end more than usual 
3. Bleeding from their vulva 
4. Change in their behavior 
5. Urinating more
6. Roaming to find male dogs 
7. Becoming more nervous and anxious 
8. Unusual mounting habits 
9. Aggressive behavior 
10. Change in their appetite 
11. Nesting 
12. Moving their tail to one side when you touch them

Red and swollen vulva 

One of the first signs that will appear is that their vulva will swell 3 to 4 times its normal size and as soon as they are in the 4th and final phase of the heat their vulva will return to its normal size.

Licking their back end more than usual 

You can notice that your Goldendoodle is starting t lick their back end more than usual and it’s because she is trying to keep herself clean and so no discharge will mess up your floor.

However, you should save them some time and make it a lot easier for them, and just get them heat diapers.

Bleeding from their vulva

Your Goldendoodle will start to bleed during their heat, the color and the amount will vary during each phase and it’s better to keep a calendar of their cycle so you can expect when it’s going to end and start again.

Change in their behavior

Your patient and cuddly Goldendoodle may get a little short-tempered and nervous during their heat, they can also be more clingy so don’t hesitate to show her some extra love and affection. 

Urinating more 

Your dog will urinate more when they are in heat, they do it to attract the male dogs and to let them know that they are ready to mate, and it actually works.

If you don’t like their flirting method, you can consider spaying them to keep your house clean and urine-free.

Roaming to find male dogs 

Some phases will make your dog try anything to find a male dog, she can even escape, she will emit pheromones to find male dogs.

So make sure to keep an eye on your Goldendoodle especially when you take her out for a walk because when a male dog knows that your pup is in heat there ain’t no mountain high enough to keep him from getting to her.

Becoming more nervous and anxious 

Dogs in heat tend to be more anxious and nervous, and that anxiety can make your pup a little aggressive.

If you have another dog at home (male) I would recommend keeping them away from her when she is in the diestrus phase because if they try to mount her she will snap at them.

Unusual mounting habits

When your dog is in heat, she will go through many hormonal changes so don’t be surprised when she starts punch of unusual mounting habits, she may mount anything that she finds and yes that includes your leg, her toys, other dogs, or even the furniture but don’t worry it will stop once her heat cycle is done.

Aggressive behavior 

Your Goldendoodle can start being aggressive when she is in heat and it’s totally normal, she may start fights out of nowhere with the other pets or the female dogs in the park.

Usually, Goldendoodles are not aggressive at all, so aggression is always easily noticeable with them, and it has always been my Goldendoodle’s telltale sign that something is going on with them.

Change in their appetite 

You will start to notice some changes in her appetite, she may start eating less in the first two weeks of her heat cycle but should return to normal when the heat cycle is over.

Nesting 

You may notice that when your Goldendoodle is in heat, she digs more than usual and may take some of her favorite toys to that hole and just sleep in it, it’s actually for her puppies.

Moving their tail to one side when you touch them

It’s normal for your dog to feel some discomfort when she is in heat so as a response to you touching her she moves her tail to one side.

When do Goldendoodles go into heat for the first time 

Goldendoodles go into heat for the first time when they are around 6 and the smaller your Goldendoodle is the sooner they can go into heat and reach sexual maturity, and she can have her heat cycle every six months and go through 4 stages while it lasts between 2-4 weeks.

How long does a Goldendoodle heat cycle last?

The Goldendoodle heat lasts between two weeks and a month, however, every dog can have something different in her cycles such as different physical or hormonal changes and you can know that their cycle is over when there is no more bleeding or discharge and no swelling or redness in their vulva.

How to take care of your female Goldendoodle during the heat?

You can take care of your female Goldendoodle during the heat by trying to make her feel as relaxed as possible, give her emotional attention and support, provide her with chew toys to help with any pain or discomfort, give her hugs and cuddle with her to let her know that you are there for her.

During their heat cycle, your dog needs you to be there for her so try to provide emotional support as much as possible.

Don’t ever blame them if they leaked on your floor or any furniture, Goldendoodles are really clean and will try to clean themselves as much as possible but leakage can happen and it won’t be on purpose.

Cuddle with her and when she is looking for attention, don’t be afraid to be extra affectionate with them while they are in heat.

When your Goldendoodle is on her final phases of heat, avoid taking her out, and if you do take her out while she is in heat, make sure to keep an eye on her and prevent any male dog to come closer to her because she can be aggressive with them in some phases and in the other phases, you better keep them away from each other if you don’t want her pregnant.

You can distract her by playing fetch, tug-of-war, or hide and seek with her, or you can just provide her with toys and treats.

Never let her go outside alone during her heat and make sure to give her the right balance of food, rest, and exercise.

Finally, make sure that she is comfortable, keep her bedding clean, and put it in a quiet place where she can relax.

How to prevent pregnancy during heat cycles? 5 easy ways to prevent pregnancy during heat cycles

If you are not ready for your Goldendoodle to fill your house with puppies, it’s not that simple but here is what you can do to prevent pregnancy during heat cycles.

1. If you are not planning on mating your Goldendoodle at all then you can spay them.
2. Don’t let them outside the house alone.
3. Avoid leaving them around male dogs 
4. You can also use the heat diapers 
5. Keep a close eye on them whenever you are going on a walk

Spaying is clearly the easiest way, and it is the thing I recommend first to all my friends. If you are not planning on a whole family of dogs, spaying is absolutely the right thing to do for your dog as it can have tremendous health benefits for them.

I have a guide on the benefits of neutering and spaying your dog here that you should definitely check out.

What are heat diapers?

Heat diapers are similar to baby diapers except in heat diapers there is a hole in the back for their tail.

Just like the other diapers, the heat diapers are designed to absorb discharges and blood, it can also prevent pregnancy during their heat and any leakage.

It’s the perfect solution if you don’t want a mess over your floor or leaving an unpleasant scent wherever they sit.

The best heat diapers for Goldendoodles

Here are the best heat diapers for your Goldendoodle: 

Vet’s Best Perfect-Fit Washable Female Dog Diaper.

Most vets recommend this diaper for dogs in heat or who have urinary incontinence, it has so many advantages such as leakage-proof protection, it will fit your dog perfectly without causing any discomfort.

Paw Inspired Disposable Dog Diapers

These diapers are also leakproof and super absorbent, it offers ultra protection and has 20 disposable diapers.

It’s really comfortable for them to wear so they will not feel uneasy and can move freely.

Teamoy Washable Wrap Diapers for Female Dogs with Removable Pads 

It’s a pack of 4 at the price of $34.99, it’s waterproof material and superabsorbent material so you don’t have to worry about any leakage or changing the diaper in the middle of the night.

It has removable pads that are way easier for you to change.

Should you spay your female Goldendoodle?

If you don’t want any extra pups in your house, you should spay your Goldendoodle because it helps prevent uterine infection and can prevent breast tumors and if you spay them before their first heat cycle can protect them from some diseases, and finally, you will avoid unexpected pregnancy.

When should you spay your Goldendoodle?

You can spay your Goldendoodle when they are about one year old, you can spay them as soon as they are 6 months old but it’s better if you wait for a little more time because, despite the fact that it can prevent breast tumors and uterine infection, it can also increase the chance of having hip dysplasia and ligament ripping.

The pros and cons of spaying your Goldendoodle?

Here is a pros and cons list to help you decide whether you should spay your Goldendoodle or not:

The pros of spaying your Goldendoodle:

• Reduces heat period 
• Prevents some health problems 
• Lowers the chance of reproductive tract cancer, uterus cancer, or ovaries cancer 
• Decreases the urge of mating
• Prevents unexpected pregnancy 

The cons of spaying your Goldendoodle:

• Increases the risk of cancers 
• Weight gain 
• The complications after the surgery 
• Hypothyroidism 

How to know your Goldendoodle is out of heat?

You can know that your Goldendoodle is out of heat when there is no more bleeding. Once her heat is over her vulva will return to normal size and there will be no more discharge.

It’s better if you keep track of your Goldendoodle’s heat cycle so you can prepare yourself and your dog as well.

As soon as your Goldendoodle is six months old, she will go into her first heat cycle and from now on, she is in heat for the rest of her life and the cycle will lengthen as they grow older.

How do I know if my Goldendoodle is in heat?

Here are some signs that indicate that your Goldendoodle is in heat.

• Change in their tail position 
• Receptive to male dogs 
• Swollen vulva 
• Bloody discharge from the vulva 
• Aggressive behavior 
• Straw-colored discharge 
• Excessive urinating 
• Anxious or nervous 
• Licking the genital area excessively 

Related Questions 

How long does the Goldendoodle period last? 

The Goldendoodle period lasts from 9 to 10 days, the blood is the final stage of the cycle, you don’t always see the blood because most dogs manage to clean it before anyone notices it, however, you can notice that your Goldendoodle starts cleaning herself more than usual.

At what age can Goldendoodles get pregnant?

Goldendoodles can get pregnant as soon as they get their first heat which usually occurs when they are six months, however, vets recommend waiting until their second heat cycle and it happens six months later after the first one.

How many puppies do Goldendoodles have?

Most Goldendoodles birth between 3 to 8 puppies per litter, and they can have two litters per year, and as long as your Goldendoodle is in a good health they can do it up to 8 years, however, there are some things that can affect the size of their litter.

Helpful Resources 

Spay/Neuter your pet

Seasons in Dogs

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