My Dog Is in Heat and Aggressive

Before looking more closely at aggression in dogs during their heat cycle, we should look at the different stages of this period. We also look at how each stage might affect a dog's behavior.

Small breed dogs such as the Yorkshire Terrier or Maltese typically enter their first heat cycle between 6 and 9 months of age. Larger breeds such as the Rottweiler or German Shepherd are more likely to do so between 9 to 12 months of age. These are guidelines and individual dogs may differ due to various factors.

The heat period consists of four phases. Each one may change the dog's behavior to a certain degree, again depending on their individual circumstances. The stages of heat in dogs are:

1. Proestrus: proestrus is not always easy to detect. While there may be some bleeding, it is not usually profuse and the dog often removes it by licking their privates. In addition, we may be able to detect an inflamed vulva. The female is not fertile during this period, but she begins to attract males and often rejects them, resulting in aggressive behavior towards them. This stage can last between 3 and 17 days.
   
   
2. Estrus: it is during this stage of their heat cycle the dog is fertile and she will accept males trying to mount her. During this time she may be distracted, less obedient, more sociable when near other dogs, as well as show physical signs such as increased urination (polyuria). Some dogs which have preexisting behavioral issues, such as anxiety, may experience heightening of these issues. It can also last between 3 and 17 days.
   
   It is important to highlight that during this fertile stage, we must be very careful and not leave the dog in a park without supervision. This will likely lead to an unwanted pregnancy.
   
   
3. Diestrus: if fertilization has occurred during estrus, the bitch's gestation will begin at this stage. If not, she will enter a rest phase before entering the next estrus cycle stage (anestrus). It is possible the dog will experience a phantom pregnancy. During this psuedo-pregnancy, the dog's hormones react as if she were pregnant, even though she is not gestating any puppies.
   
   During both actual and pseudo-pregnancies, it is common for the female to suffer changes in behavior such as aggressiveness. Males may still try to mate her during this time, another catalyst to aggression in a dog in heat. This period will last between 60 and 100 days.
   
   
4. Anestrus: it is a stage of sexual inactivity and the duration is variable, lasting as long as 130 days. The time will depend on age and hormonal processes. At this time we will observe the dog's normal behavior.

You can find read our related article to find out whether your dog is in heat.

As you can see from the outline above, the hormonal changes which accompany a dog's heat cycle can alter their behavior. This can be exacerbated by the discomfort of their reproductive parts or a general poor state of health, among other factors. Generally, the aggression happens all of a sudden and the dog does not need to have prior behavioral issues.

However, this does not mean every dog will respond the same way. In fact, it is common for a dog to become affectionate during their heat period, especially during the period of fertility. In this sense, although a dog may become aggressive when in heat, it is not something which will always happen. If we provide them with the right level of care, we can often reduce aggressive feelings.

Essentially, we should be aware of the dog's hormonal changes and adapt our care accordingly. For example, if they look for more affection, we need to provide it. Conversely, if they start to become too aggressive, we need to give them space. Learn more with our article on why a dog is suddenly aggressive towards me.

After experiencing their first heat, some dogs may show a more prolonged exhibition of behavioral changes, including being more aggressive. These changes are mainly related to the physical and hormonal changes they have experienced. However, their experiences during the heat cycle may also affect their behaviors.

It is possible you have two female dogs in a home which have previously enjoyed a positive relationship together. After their first heat period, it is possible one or both may change. They may even show signs of aggression such as growling unnecessarily, being possessive over their accessories or even attacking the other female dog in certain situations.

It is important to note that such aggression after their heat does not occur in all cases. Despite this fact, we need to know what to do if it becomes an eventuality. Before we do so, you may want to take a look at our related article on the 12 types of canine aggression.

If your dog is starting to develop a surly attitude towards you or a member of your family, it is vital you take action. The longer you allow it to occur, the more difficult it will be to rectify. When children or other vulnerable persons live in the home, it is especially important. We must be respectful and avoid disturbing her when she gives calming signals such as growling, lowering her ears or turning away. Learn more with our guide to calming signals in dogs.

Here we provide some basic tips to help a dog in heat which has become aggressive with humans:

• Provide your dog with a nest so she can take refuge whenever she wants. You should place it in a quiet place in the home and ensure you don't disturb her. By allowing the dog a place of calm and security, they can better manage their aggressive tendencies as they know there is somewhere they can feel better.
  
  
• Understanding that her behavior change is due to a hormonal process will help us empathize with her and be more tolerant. We must avoid punishment completely. This only increases stress and anxiety levels, which can cause unwanted behavior to exacerbate.
  
  
• Reinforce positive behaviors, such as being calm or sociable. We can do this with positive and calm speech, petting sessions, treats or other rewards. Encouraging positive behavior is much more effective than punishing negative ones.
  
  
• In the most serious cases, it will be essential to go to a canine specialist. This is especially so if the dog starts to become aggressive and bite suddenly. The sooner we start applying the appropriate guidelines, the sooner we will solve the problem and the less likely the behavior will become habitual.

Sudden aggression is not the only symptom of the heat period in dogs. You can see what else you might expect with our article on why a cat in heat is crying.

We must emphasize that it is not advisable to take an aggressive dog in heat to a place with other dogs, especially if they are not neutered. The pheromones of both male dogs and other bitches can lead to altercations. In particular, the rejection of a male during the proestrus stage can cause conflicts.

Regardless of this specific stage of heat cycle, it is common for guardians who see negative behaviors in their dog after heat to stop interaction with other dogs altogether. This should not happen. Although the dog may have an issue with aggression, they still need socialization.

With or without the help of an ethologist or canine educator, we need to identify the reasons for aggression and treat them accordingly. We also need to look at what situations trigger this aggression. If we observe the dog is growling, chasing other dogs and generally being anxious during their heat cycle, we should stop interaction. Once the problem is addressed, we need to work back to introducing them to other dogs.

When the aggression becomes intensified to the point they are attacking other dogs or even people, a professional is required. They will be able to assess the specific needs for your dog and administer according behavioral therapies. If we do not do this, it is possible the dog's aggression will make them dangerous and can even be put down in severe cases.

Not all types of aggression are the same, as you can see in our article on why a dog plays too rough.

We encourage dog guardians to spay or neuter their pets as soon as they reach the right age for this procedure. Not only will it help avoid unwanted pregnancy, but it can reduce behavioral problems such as aggression. If the dog does not have the reproductive organs to release hormones, they will not have the same mood alterations.

However, this does not mean we should spay a dog during their heat period, even if they are aggressive. This is because their hormone levels can make carrying out a neutering procedure dangerous. The increased estrogen levels causes the uterus to swell, making the procedure more difficult and increasing the likelihood of complications. Similarly, the increased blood supply provides a more serious bleeding risk.

Even if the aggression does not remain, we should take our dog to the veterinarian after their heat cycle ends. This way, you can assess the option of spaying the dog. This will avoid the heat period in the future, preventing aggression, as well as unwanted pregnancies, certain hormone-mediated diseases and other negative health factors.

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