As the guardian of the beautiful Poppet, I’ve come to understand her rhythms with quiet attentiveness. One of the most important cycles in her life is her heat cycle—also known as the oestrus cycle. It’s a natural, hormonal process that happens every 18 to 20 weeks, and I’ve learned to recognize the signs, support her gently, and educate others with clarity and care.

What I’ve Learned About the Canine Oestrus Cycle

Unlike human menstrual cycles, which typically occur every 28 days, Poppet’s cycle unfolds over several months and includes four distinct phase

Because Poppet cycles every 18 to 20 weeks, I’ve learned to anticipate her seasons with a visual planner and gentle observation. In contrast, humans menstruate monthly, shedding the uterine lining if pregnancy doesn’t occur. Dogs don’t menstruate in the same way—what looks like bleeding during proestrus is a sign of rising estrogen, not the shedding of the uterine lining.

🧠 Hormonal Insights & Emotional Observations

Each phase of Poppet’s cycle brings subtle shifts in her hormones and mood:

• Oestrogen rises during proestrus, preparing her body for ovulation.

• Progesterone dominates in dioestrus, whether or not she becomes pregnant.

• These hormonal changes influence her behaviour—sometimes she becomes more affectionate and clingier, other times she seeks solitude and quiet. I’ve learned to respond with empathy, adjusting our routines to match her emotional needs.

• During dioestrus, she may even show signs of false pregnancy—nesting, carrying toys like puppies, or producing milk. It’s surprising, but completely normal.

🌺 How I Know Poppet Is Coming Into Season

Each time Poppet enters proestrus, I notice a few gentle shifts:

• Her vulva swells noticeably

• She begins to have a bloody or pinkish discharge

• She urinates more frequently, often in small amounts

• She may tuck her tail or later flag it when she’s receptive

• Her behaviour changes—sometimes she’s clingy, other times restless

• She licks her genitals more often to stay clean

• She starts humping anything and everything.

• Male dogs become very interested in her—even before she’s receptive

When she moves into oestrus, her discharge turns a pale straw colour, and she becomes more open to interaction. She may stand still for male dogs and lift her tail to the side—clear signs that ovulation is underway.

📅 First Season & Long-Term Tracking

For families preparing for their girl’s first season, it’s helpful to know that it may arrive anywhere between 6 to 24 months, depending on breed and size. I recommend tracking each cycle in a visual planner or journal, noting dates, symptoms, and mood shifts. I’ve even created poetic prompts to help families connect emotionally to their dog’s rhythm—because this isn’t just biology, it’s stewardship.

🛏️ Comfort & Safety Tips

During Poppet’s season, I adjust our home and routines to support her:

• I set up a quiet, cozy space with soft bedding and gentle lighting

• I use doggy nappies indoors and keep washable throws on her favorite spots

• I clean her gently and often, using warm water and a soft cloth

• I avoid dog parks and keep her on a leash during walks, ensuring she’s safe from unwanted attention

• Our fencing is secure, and I stay close—her safety is my priority

🐾 Breeding Considerations

If families are considering breeding, timing matters. Ovulation typically occurs 2–3 days into oestrus, but sperm can survive several days—so conception can happen even after mating. I always encourage families to approach breeding with emotional attunement and ethical care. In my own program, I prioritize legacy-minded practices, gentle stewardship, and deep respect for each dog’s well being.

🧺 Practical Tools for Families

To help families feel confident and prepared, I offer:

• A heat cycle calendar with space to track dates, symptoms, and emotional notes

• A checklist for each phase—what to expect, how to support, and when to reach out