What Does It Mean To Go 'In Heat'?

This means your female pet is ready to mate and on the look out for mates. This phase usually comes before ovulation, i.e. when the ovaries discharge eggs.

What are The Signs of Being In Heat?

The signs differ slightly for cats and dogs, but what you should be looking out for is behaviour that deviates from your pet's norm. 

In cats, you may notice: 

1. She's being more affectionate than usual. She starts sidling up and rubbing her hindquarters or bum against furniture, toys or even you.
2. Licking her genital area more frequently
3. Urinating or marking more often
4. Starting to make mating calls which may continue for several days
5. Trying to escape, e.g. pawing at the door or windows more often to try to get out of the house

In dogs, you may notice her:

1. Having coloured discharge from her vulva (it can look bloody, brown or pale yellow)
2. Licking her genital area more frequently
3. Urinating or marking more often
4. Being more restless or anxious than usual
5. Trying to mount objects or other dogs, or tolerates being mounted by other dogs more than her usual

New pet owner? You may also download these easy printable guides for cats and dogs. Print them, stick them on your fridge so you can be aware of the signs.

When Will My Pet’s First Heat Cycle Start?

On average, the first heat cycle can happen between 6 months to 1 year old for both dogs and cats. But this can vary depending on breed. For instance, larger dog breeds can experience their first heat cycle after 1 year old.

That said, it can also occur as early as 4 months old. It's hard to believe but your puppy or kitten can be ready to mate at such a young age.

The 'when' matters because many pet owners are encouraged to spay their pets before they experience their first heat cycle for obvious benefits such as:

• Reduced risk of developing mammary tumours
• Eliminates risk of developing ovarian and uterine cancers and/or diseases
• Prevents risk of unwanted pregnancies

"Generally, we recommend spaying your puppy or kitten from 6 months old onwards. But the recommended age is on a case-by-case basis. Your pet may be suitable for a spay at a younger age." - Dr. Claire Tan, BVSc (Qld.), BAppSc (Qld.)

Why is it More Expensive to Spay My Pet When She's In Heat?

When your pet is in heat, the vessels that supply blood to her ovaries and uterus tend to swell. The tissues around these reproductive organs also tend to tear more easily than normal. This can cause more bleeding than usual during surgery which poses some additional risk. That said, spaying in heat is still a relatively safe and routine procedure for healthy pets.

All these factors mean the procedure will tend to take longer and more supplies such as gauzes and sutures may be necessary. The medication prescribed post-surgery will also be a little different compared to a regular spay. All these add up to higher costs if you opt to spay your pet when she is in heat.

My Pet Got Her Heat Cycle, How Long Should I Wait Before I Can Book a Spay?

We recommend waiting at least 1 month from the end of your pet's heat cycle. For cats, a heat cycle can last between 7 to 14 days.

For dogs, depending on their breed, a heat cycle can last for a few days to 20 days.

What Should I Take Note of Before The Spay Appointment?

When your pet is in heat, she will find means and ways to escape and find a mate so securing your home is crucial. 

If your pet is in heat and you have decided to wait it out, there are a few things you should do to prevent unwanted pregnancies:

• Make sure your pet does not sneak out of the house to mate
• Watch your pet closely during walks and activities especially when other pets are close by
• If you have a litter of puppies or kittens, be sure to separate them or neuter the males early as prevention

Can you spay pregnant pets?

Yes, this can be done but we do not recommend to wait till pregnancy. It will be best if you can plan ahead and spay your pet early.

Spaying pregnant pets means terminating the pregnancy. Depending on the stage of pregnancy your pet is in, and your vet will be able to advise if your pet is safe to be spayed. Similar to spaying your pet while she is in heat, the costs of the procedure will be higher due to an increased risk in bleeding.

What Should I Look Out For Post-Surgery After a Spay?

If your pet was spayed while she is still in her heat cycle, you need to make sure she does not get close to any males. She can still attract male dogs during this period and any mating may cause considerable trauma to her surgery wounds.
Otherwise, spaying is quite a routine procedure. You simply need to follow your vet's instructions for post-surgery care and medication.

We hope this article answers some of your burning questions. As usual, aside from giving you free tips on your pet's health care, our team at Gaia Vets are always ready to help. Book a consult with our experienced and caring vets by calling 6950 4533 (Jalan Besar) or 6727 7511 (Parksuites, Holland Grove Rd).