If you are a corgi lover or if you own a female corgi, one of the most important questions that you’ve probably asked yourself is “When do corgis go into heat?”.
This is a very important question, and as a pet owner it’s something that you should definitely be informed about.
For your furry female friend, it’s definitely an exciting time in her life – which means you need to be ready with the extra care and attention it requires.
In this article, we’ll explore what happens when corgis go in heat, how to recognize the signs, and give you some essential tips for managing your dog during this time.
Let’s dive in and learn more about how to care for a corgi during her corgi heat cycle!
“Going Into Heat” – What It Actually Means
When female corgis are not spayed, they will experience their first heat cycle when they reach sexual maturity, which can happen between 9-11 months old for both Pembroke Welsh Corgis and Cardigan Welsh Corgis.
However, the onset age will vary because some corgis will have their first heat earlier than 9 months or later than 11 months.
For some people, female dogs going into heat might have them thinking that they literally become several degrees warmer.
However, it actually means that she’s entering her reproductive cycle, just like a female human. Female corgis bleed and have menstruation to prepare the body for pregnancy.
It’s a natural process that has an effect on three things: her behavior, physical appearance, and overall well-being. During this time, you might notice that your furry friend is acting a bit different than usual.
She may seem more restless, grouchy, clingy, or even downright aggressive towards other dogs. It’s important to keep a watchful eye on your dog during this time, especially if you don’t want her to mate and suddenly have puppies to care for.
READ MORE: Corgi Biting: How to Stop your Puppy from Nipping and Biting
Telltale Signs of a Corgi in Heat
If you’re a female corgi owner, it’s important to know the signs that indicate your pet is in heat. This heat cycle happens every six months, and it runs for about three weeks at a time.
During this period, there are hormonal changes in the body that will prepare her for mating. Here are some signs of those changes:
1. Swollen vulva
Your female corgi’s swollen vulva is the most noticeable sign of being in heat. It looks swollen due to the increase in blood flow to this area, which indicates the start of the heat cycle.
2. Bloody discharge
Along with the swollen vulva is a bloody discharge, which can range from light spotting to heavy bleeding.
3. Changes in behavior
If your female corgi appears to be more restless or clingy, this can usually mean she is in heat. She might also start showing more interest in male dogs and show aggression towards other female dogs which she can regard as her competition.
Duration of a Corgi’s Heat Cycle
Compared to the typical woman, a female corgi’s heat or menstrual cycle lasts a little longer – usually around three weeks, though this length will definitely vary from dog to dog.
During this time, the female corgi’s body will go through the above mentioned hormonal changes with obvious signs so you can prepare for it.
It’s important to know the signs that point to the beginning of the heat cycle, especially if you want to prevent unplanned breeding.
When the vulva looks noticeably swollen, you know it’s time to keep a watchful eye out for male dogs who may attempt to impregnate your pet.
A Corgi’s First Heat: How Long Does It Usually Last?
While the duration of a corgi’s first heat will vary from one dog to another, it usually lasts somewhere between two to three weeks.
From this point, you will probably want to start noting down how long each heat really lasts every time it occurs about every six months.
You’ll then want to average that once you’ve had a few cycles recorded to give you a more accurate picture of how long the succeeding cycles will last for your dog. This is the best thing to do when you are wondering how long are corgis in heat!
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Average Age Corgis Go into Heat
Corgis typically have their first heat cycle between the ages of 6 months to 1 year. This age can vary though, because you again need to consider the individual dog and the breed.
There are some corgis who have their first heat as early as 4 months of age, while others may not get there until they reach one and a half years old.
After the first heat, the succeeding heat cycles will probably happen every 6 to 8 months. What’s important is that you monitor your corgi’s heat cycles and also talk to your veterinarian about the best approach for managing them.
6 Things to Remember When Your Corgi is in Heat
Taking care of your corgi when she is in heat is more than just making sure you let her wear dog diapers. First and foremost, it’s important to keep your corgi safe by keeping her away from male dogs to prevent unplanned breeding.
You also need to make sure that she has plenty of love and attention at a time when her hormones are unbalanced. Here are some more practical, highly doable things to remember during this time:
- Use a leash when walking your corgi. If you do need to take your corgi outside for a walk, make sure to keep her on a leash. This will prevent her from running off and potentially encountering male dogs.
- Always monitor your corgi’s behavior. Your corgi may act differently during her heat cycle, so it’s important to keep a close eye on her because she may become restless, anxious, or more vocal.
- Give extra-large doses of attention and comfort. Heat cycles can be uncomfortable, so it’s good to give your corgi extra attention and comfort. Spend more time with her, give her some favorite toys and engage in plenty of cuddles!
- Keep your home clean. Your corgi may experience some vaginal bleeding during her heat cycle, so it’s imperative to keep your home clean. Use puppy pads or other absorbent materials to keep stains off your floor and furniture.
- Consider spaying your corgi. If you want to prevent unwanted bleeding and future heat cycles, spaying is the way to go. You can ask your veterinarian about how often do corgis go into heat and when is the best time to get her spayed.
- Consult with your veterinarian. If you have other concerns or more questions about your corgi’s heat cycle, it’s always best to consult with your vet. They will be in the best position to give you advice on how you can manage your corgi’s heat cycle.
These tips will surely make every corgi heat cycle a whole lot easier to handle!
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FAQs on Corgi Heat Cycles
1. How long should I expect my corgi to bleed when she is in heat?
Corgis generally have vaginal bleeding or discharge at the onset or first phase of their heat cycle, which is called proestrus. This lasts 7-10 days, but it’s not uncommon for some to have it for 4-20 days long.
During proestrus, the vaginal discharge may start off as light spotting and gradually increase in volume, and deepen in color, becoming red or pink.
After the proestrus phase, the second phase called estrus begins. Here, the vaginal discharge usually becomes lighter in color and decreases in volume. This lasts for 3 to 21 days, but the average is at around 7-10 days.
2. What is the best age to neuter a corgi?
The best age to neuter a corgi depends on a number of factors, such as the dog’s health and lifestyle. Male corgis can be neutered as early as 8 weeks old; however, the ideal time is around 6 to 12 months.
This allows the dog to fully mature and reduces the risk of certain health issues later in life, such as cancer, prostate problems, and behavioral issues.
Spaying female corgis also follows the same age suggestion – best at 6 to 12 months but can be done as early as 8 weeks old.
What’s important is it happens before the first heat cycle, which will help to significantly reduce the risk of reproductive cancers and uterine infections.
You should also know that there are some associated risks with early neutering and spaying, which includes certain orthopedic and metabolic conditions.
Before coming to a final decision about this, it’s really best to consult with your veterinarian. They will take into account your corgi’s individual health profile and lifestyle factors to identify the best age to get your pet neutered or spayed.
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3. How can I tell that my corgi puppy is in heat?
Corgi puppies can already exhibit signs of being into heat as early as 4 months old, even though the average age for heat cycle to begin is 6-12 months. Here are some signs to watch out for:
- A swollen vulva that appears larger than usual
- Bloody or clear vaginal discharge
- Behavioral changes – your puppy may become more restless, anxious, or unusually vocal
- Increased frequency of urination
- Attracting male dogs’ interest
4. How long are corgis pregnant?
Corgis are pregnant for an average of 63 days, though the range can extend to 58 to 68 days long. The exact length of pregnancy will depend on other factors such as the timing of ovulation, number of fetuses, and the mother’s individual health.
Keeping Your Corgi Happy, Healthy and Safe – in Heat
By now, you definitely know the answer to “when do corgis go into heat”. A corgi in heat is definitely a time where they will require extra care and attention.
The body and behavioral changes are best undergone when supported by a warm and loving pet owner. And if you want to avoid unwanted breeding, you should definitely make it a point to take the necessary precautions listed in this article.
Once you’ve gotten through your corgi’s first heat, the succeeding ones will be a cinch!
Do you have any other tips to share on how to keep your Corgi happy while they are in heat? Share them below!
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