
When do female Labs go into heat? A female Labrador Retriever can enter her first heat any time after turning nine months old. However, as every Lab is unique, this age can vary quite a bit. As long as your Lab is fully healthy and jumping around, an early or late first heat cycle isn’t of significant concern.
What is essential, however, is knowing when your Lab is on heat and how to handle it to prevent any unplanned pregnancies or miscarriages. Fortunately, managing a Lab on heat isn’t hard. But how do you do it? Let’s take a look!
Labrador Retriever Heat Cycle
Before you understand the signs of a heat cycle and what you can do about it, it’s essential to understand what happens during it. Although the actual “heat” part of the cycle can last between 18-21 days, the entire cycle consists of four stages, namely:
Stage 1 (Proestrus)
This part of the cycle can last up to 9 days. At this stage, you may start noticing blood discharge from your Lab along with an enlarged vulva and swollen teats.
Stage 2 (Estrus)
This stage lasts around nine days, during it the discharge of blood lessens and waters down to a lighter-pink shade in color. The vulva also softens (although still enlarged), and your canine is ready to get pregnant.
Stage 3 (Diestrus)
Your Lab gains a semblance of normality during this stage. It will no longer be as receptive as before to other males, and its hormones will return to normal. You can consider this period as similar to a “rest” for your Lab’s body. It can last 2-3 months or until her pregnancy is completed (depending on whatever occurred in the second stage).
Stage 4 (Anestrus)
This is the last stage of the heat cycle and is the time it takes after stage 3 for another stage 1 (or new cycle) to begin. It is usually around four months long (can vary a bit), and your Lab isn’t fertile or interested in males during this time. The size of its vulva will also return to normal.
How Do I Know When My Labrador Retriever Is In A Heat Cycle?

Female Labs require more care and attention than their male counterparts. A large part of this attention also goes into noting any significant change in behavior at any point after the 9-month mark. Of course, the Labrador Retriever heat cycle becomes much easier when you know what to watch out for.
Signs To Watch Out For
Swollen/Enlarged Teats and Vulva
The most obvious sign of a Labrador in heat is the size of its teats and vulva (another word for external genitalia). If you feel like your beloved canine might have entered its heat stage, take a look at its teats or vulva. The vulva of a Lab on heat can grow up to three or four times its standard size during heat!
Bleeding
Unlike humans, Labradors (or canines generally) do not bleed based on a monthly cycle. Instead, heating is a very “natural” part of their natural cycle and is a significant sign of an ongoing heat phase.
The bleeding marks the beginning of when your Lab has reached fertility, and although it can be profuse at times, with Labs, you may hardly notice it except a few spots popping up here and there.
Extreme Grooming
Labs, in general, are very clean canines. However, there is a stark difference in the amount of grooming on a heat cycle vs. the amount done typically. Usually, the excessive cleaning, especially of her privates, is an effort to clean up/cover the blood.
Generally, it would be best if you looked out for a change in grooming behavior before inspecting the teats or vulva to confirm your suspicions.
Change In Behavior
The influx of hormones can cause your Lab to behave differently from normal. Usually, this slight behavior change occurs a few days before any other signs of the heat cycle manifest. The changes can vary from increased excitement and sleep to restlessness and clinginess. It can also extend to atypical mannerisms, such as raising one leg to urinate (similar to male Labs).
Flagging/Humping
An increase in certain behaviors, such as flagging or humping, is also a sign of heat cycles.
For instance, a Lab on heat may expose her rear by moving her tail to the side to “flag” down any potential male suitors. It may also hump just about anything; this includes toys, other dogs, and even people.
A point to note, however, is that humping is also a sign of playful behavior in canines (especially puppies), so it should only ever be considered a sign of an ongoing heat cycle if it is accompanied by any of the other entries on the list.
Becoming Popular With Male Dogs
A Lab on its heat cycle attracts other males by releasing pheromones, which they can smell from more than a mile away (thanks to their sensitive noses), making her an overnight celebrity as the males will try to seek your Lab out in an attempt to woo it. These pheromones can also bring about a “heat” effect in male canines, although they do not go into cycles themselves.
How Long Will My Lab In Heat Bleed?
Generally, bigger canines tend to bleed more than smaller dogs. Fortunately, Labradors tend to be one of the few “bigger” canines that bleed minimally. The bleeding usually happens for 7-11 days, and you’ll hardly notice it except for a few drops here and there on the floor or bedding.
When Do Labradors Go Into Heat Cycle?
Female Labs get their initial heat cycle generally between 9-12 months old. However, since every Labrador is unique, the period can vary.
While some Labs may take their time and go into their first cycle at two years old, others may experience it as early as six months. As long as your beloved canine is running around happy and healthy, its first cycle’s age isn’t a concern.
What Are The Different Heat Cycles?
Your Lab won’t always experience the standard heat cycle. It can also experience a:
Silent Heat
A heat cycle where your Lab doesn’t show obvious symptoms.
Absent Heat
It is when your Lab misses its cycle, i.e., it doesn’t go into heat.
Prolonged Heat
Your Lab might experience a cycle that lasts longer than average.
Shortened Or Prolonged Heat Interval
The Anestrus stage (or interval between two heat cycles) might become too small (less than four months) or too long (larger than 15 months).
How To Handle Different Heat Scenarios
Handling Silent Heat or Absent Heat
If your Lab experiences a silent heat or misses a cycle, monitor for any underlying health issues. Consulting with a veterinarian is recommended to ensure your Lab’s reproductive health is in order.
Health Concerns During Heat
While Labradors are generally robust, it’s important to be aware of potential health concerns during the heat cycle. Any signs of excessive bleeding, unusual behavior, or lumps around the teats should prompt a visit to the vet for a thorough examination.
Tips For Dogs In Heat?

Here’s what you can do to help your Labrador during heat:
Stay Away From Male Dogs
This includes any males you have at home and keeping a check for stranger danger on your lawns. Also, use a leash while on walks.
Give Your Lab Loads Of Entertainment
Entertain them with puzzles, toys, cuddles, or anything to occupy their brains!
Show Them Extra Love
Give your Lab loads of pets and cuddles to let her know you’re there for her.
Proper Diet And Care
Ensure she’s getting all her nutrients and give her lots of water to drink. If she prefers a particular food, consider including it to limit hunger. Also, allow her a day off from exercise if she isn’t too keen.
Calm Environment
Your Lab will be prone to stress during this time, so keep her clear from any loud noise or deterrents.
Sanitary Pads For Dogs In Heat
You can use dog diapers to prevent any blood stains in the house, and the heating pad will give your Lab much-needed relief from its swollen vulva.
Should I Spay My Lab Before The First Heat?
While you can spay your Lab before its first heat, it isn’t recommended. Studies show that sexual hormones are vital in a canine’s development, and spaying/neutering before an ideal age can expose your Lab to problems such as urinary incontinence, cancers, and joint disorders.
How Often Can A Labrador Go Into Heat?
Labs generally go into heat every six months since the beginning of their first cycle. This amounts to twice a year. However, every Labrador is different, and this period can vary depending on factors like:
Age
As Labradors age, their heat cycles may change. Older Labs may experience less frequent or irregular heat cycles. Adjusting their care routine to accommodate these changes, including additional veterinary check-ups, can ensure their well-being.
Pregnancy
A Lab does not go into another heat cycle as long as it is pregnant. The gestation period of a healthy Labrador is between 60 – 62 days (variable).
Environmental Considerations
Seasonal changes can impact a Labrador’s heat cycle. Labradors may have more pronounced heat cycles during certain times of the year. Understanding these environmental influences can help anticipate and manage your Lab’s heat cycles effectively.
What To Watch Out For While Your Lab Is In Heat?
Heavy Bleeding
Rush to a vet if your Lab bleeds heavily or if the bleeding lasts more than 30-40 days.
Lumps
Your Lab may get very obvious lumps around its teats before or after a cycle. While it may just be an overgrowth of cells, there’s also a chance of it being breast cancer. Hence, a qualified medical professional should check such lumps.
Irregular Cycles
If you notice that your Lab is having irregular cycles, they should be checked by a vet.
Injections/Pills For Contraception
Secondary measures to prevent pregnancies, such as morning-after pills/hormonal injections, can leave a terrible mark on your Lab’s health.
Summary
A female Labrador Retriever can begin her first heat cycle anywhere between 9 – 12 months old. However, this period varies from Lab to Lab, with some beginning as early as six months old, whereas others can take up to 2 years! The actual “heat” part of this cycle only lasts 18-21 days, during which you must give your Lab much-needed care and attention. So, when do female Labs go into heat? Now you know!