Why Do Dogs Show Behaviour Changes When They Are in Season and How to Support Them

Watching your female dog experience her season for the first time can be confusing, especially when her behavior suddenly changes. Hormones play a big role during this period and can affect her mood and energy levels. She may become more attached to you, seem unusually restless, or react differently than usual. Understanding that this is a natural part of her cycle can help you stay patient and make small changes at home to keep her relaxed and secure until the season passes.

A dog’s season isn’t a single event but a journey through four distinct phases. Each phase brings its own set of hormonal signals that dictate how she interacts with you and the world around her.

1. Proestrus (9-11 days)

The “Intro”: Physical changes begin, often accompanied by moodiness.

Proestrus: The Early Warning Signs

This is when you’ll first notice physical changes like swelling. Behaviorally, she may become more reactive to other dogs, nervous, or even grumpy. She might lose her appetite or start marking her territory more frequently with small amounts of urine.

( Pro Tip: Keep a calendar to track these days. It helps predict her next cycle! )

2. Estrus (5-9 days)

The “Active” phase: She is fertile and her behavior becomes intensely focused.

Estrus: The Active Search

Hormones are at their peak. Her behavior often shifts from ‘avoidance’ to ‘seeking.’ She may become hyper-focused on smells, try to escape the yard to find a mate, or become intensely affectionate with her owners. This is the highest risk period for unplanned pregnancy.

( Pro Tip: Keep a calendar to track these days. It helps predict her next cycle! )

3. Diestrus (60-90 days)

The “Settling”: Hormones stabilize, but nesting instincts may kick in.

Diestrus: The Restorative Phase

Even though the outward signs disappear, her body is still under the influence of progesterone. This is the stage where ‘False Pregnancy’ (Pseudo-pregnancy) can occur, where she might mother toys or become very protective of her bed.

( Pro Tip: Keep a calendar to track these days. It helps predict her next cycle! )

Data collected from veterinary surveys indicates that certain behaviors are far more prevalent during the heat cycle than others.

It’s easy to get frustrated by a dog who is suddenly ignoring her recall or whining at 2 AM. However, remembering that this is an involuntary biological process is key to maintaining your bond.

Navigating a dog’s season is a test of patience, but it’s also an opportunity to deepen your connection. By recognizing that her “naughtiness” is actually hormonal confusion and her “neediness” is a search for safety, you can provide the stability she lacks internally. Stay observant, keep her safe, and remember that in a few short weeks, her hormones will settle, and you’ll have your usual companion back by your side.