Pomeranian Heat Cycle Explained

Last Updated on 23/05/2024 by Denise Leo. Post first published on May 23, 2024.

Written by Denise Leo, a renowned expert in Pomeranian breeding, in collaboration with our resident veterinarian, Dr. Muqeet Mushtaq. Dr. Mushtaq, a graduate of the University of Animal and Veterinary Sciences (2019) and holder of an MSc (Hons.) in Animal Breeding & Genetics from the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (2021), brings valuable expertise to this partnership.

Understanding the Pomeranian heat cycle is important; it’s crucial if you have a female Pomeranian who has not been desexed. These little dogs, known for their small size and big personalities, require special care during this time. Being aware of what to expect and how to handle your dog’s first heat will provide you with peace of mind and ensure your pet’s well-being.

The heat cycle, or estrus, is a natural and normal part of your Pomeranian’s reproductive process. To care for your pet properly, familiarize yourself with the stages and signs of heat.

Additionally, seeking the advice of your veterinarian can help you navigate this period with confidence and ensure your Pomeranian remains healthy and comfortable.

Understanding the Pomeranian Heat Cycle: What Every Owner Needs to Know

Understanding small dogs’ estrous cycle is crucial for providing the best care, especially toy breeds like Pomeranians. The Pomeranian breed, known for its vibrant personality and fluffy coat, has unique needs during its heat cycle.

Typically, a Pomeranian experiences their first heat between six to twelve months of age, though the average age range can vary among individual dogs. This phase, marked by significant hormonal changes, includes symptoms such as vaginal discharge and bleeding.

As a responsible owner or dog breeder, it’s important to recognize these signs and provide the special care needed during this time. Regular exercise and supervised outdoor activities are essential to keep your Pomeranian healthy, but extra precautions must be taken to avoid contact with intact male dogs.

By understanding the specifics of the Pomeranian heat cycle, you can ensure your Pomeranian remains happy and healthy throughout this natural process.

Female Pomeranian in Heat Symptoms

Pomeranians do have a bloody discharge. Although the discharge isn’t as pronounced as in bigger breeds, some physical and behavioral changes will also occur due to fluctuating hormones.

Your Female Pomeranian may have a small amount of discharge, and it’s common for owners to put a doggie diaper on their pet. This helps avoid constantly having to clean the furniture, mop the floor, and wash the cushions if there’s any blood or discharge.

First Pomeranian Heat

You want your pet Pomeranian spayed before her initial pom cycle, as this could happen as early as five months of age.

However, the normal range for a first heat is between six and nine months. In rarer cases, she may be late in blossoming and can be one year old or older before it happens. Sometimes, your Pom exhibits signs before her cycle.

These signs can happen one day to a week before the Pomeranian breeding cycle kicks in. If you have no idea what to look for, it’s easy to miss them:

A full or slightly swollen vulva.
Enlarged mammary glands.
You would likely know your Pom has a flat, pink belly. However, her teats may swell and appear darker-colored when in heat.

Full Pomeranian Breeding Cycle

Once your Pom is completely in heat, the signs are very obvious:

A vulva can swell up to three times its regular size.
Teats are visible.
A pale pink discharge at the start of the heat. As the cycle progresses, this discharge darkens to a deep red color, and then the color of the discharge lightens, and her vulva will appear very swollen. This is usually where the Pom’s ability to be impregnated is at its highest point.
When her bleeding has ceased, she can remain in heat for up to a week, so you need to take precautions to avoid a pregnancy that’s not planned.

Pomeranian Heat Cycle Behavioural Changes:

She may start humping because it’s a strong urge, and then she’ll hump inanimate objects or other dogs.
Your Pom may lick all over herself at times. This is known as self-grooming.
Your dog may demonstrate nesting-type behaviors. These may include gathering toys, food, and other things she finds and putting them away in a safe area.
Your Pom may crave extra attention or may have the desire to be alone in isolation. Studies haven’t officially verified that a dog does or doesn’t feel pain and/or discomfort during this time. However, scientists know that when the uterus lining is shed, it contracts (similar to the way it does in female humans), so they theorize that there would probably be some discomfort. Apart from nesting, this could be why your Pomeranian in heat wants to rest and be on her own more than usual and is also less playful.

How Long is a Pomeranian in Heat?

How long does a Pomeranian stay in heat? A female Pomeranian’s heat cycle usually lasts about three weeks.

How Often Do Pomeranians Go Into Heat?

You can’t say with certainty that dogs go through heat cycles twice annually because the actual Pomeranian breeding cycle length can vary enormously. On average, it will last for three weeks.

However, it may last between two and four weeks and still be regarded as normal. The Pomeranian breeding cycle occurs between 5.5 and 8 months and can happen twice or thrice per year.

If your Pom’s first cycle is in January and her second one is in July, the next one after that would be the following January if the cycles occurred every six months.

That means she has two cycles each year. When calculating the time between cycles, you start from the first day until the first day of the second cycle.

Ability to Conceive During her Pomeranian Heat Cycle

It’s strongly advised to avoid using a female Pomeranian for breeding younger than two years of age. However, the AKC will accept litters from female Pomeranians between 8 months and 12 years.

The vital thing to be aware of is that a female Pom will emit a specific scent that male dogs quickly take notice of…and not only those near. Neutered males are believed to sniff out the female’s unique scent from as far away as 4.82 km.

Because of this, it’s crucial to protect your female Pom from all male dogs. Never have a play date with an un-neutered male dog.

It would be best to avoid all dog parks and other places where male dogs may be found. Each time your pet urinates, a small amount of blood is also excreted, which contains a heavy scent that can linger for a longer time.

Remember this whenever you take your dog outside to attend to her toilet needs. A male dog could wander the area, anticipating your dog’s next visit. Never underestimate the urges and desires of a dog who hasn’t been neutered, regardless of size or breed.

If you’re outside with your dog and a male approaches, pick her up and return her to your home or car. Your dog should have a fenced-in, safe backyard to play in and exercise. If she is taken anywhere else, always have her on a leash and harness.

Split Pomeranian Heat

This problem isn’t uncommon; it generally happens to younger Poms or much older dogs. When it does happen, you may think she’s going through her cycle, but it will only have 4-5 days and then stop.

In 3-4 weeks, she has a full-blown heat cycle. It’s rare for the Pom to conceive during the first false heat. In most cases, medical intervention isn’t needed if a split heat only happens once or twice.

However, if the problem persists, take her to the vet for a full check-up so the vet can rule out hypothyroidism and other conditions.

Red flags – Finding Lumps During or After the End of a Pomeranian Heat Cycle

Suppose you see lumps appear on your Pom’s nipple area during a pom cycle or after it has finished (in the dog’s mammary area around her teats). In that case, it’s a strong indication of the existence of mammary gland hyperplasia. This is where there’s too much growth of mammary epithelial cells.

These cells are benign cancers. In breast cancer, the cells are malignant. There’s only one way to decide if the lumps are cancerous or non-cancerous: to operate and remove all lumps so they can be examined.

As an example, your Pom may have five lumps removed and tested. One may be malignant, and the other four are benign. Since 50% of tumors in Pomeranians are diagnosed as malignant, you must pay attention to any lumps that may appear on your Pomeranian’s nipples at any time, especially after a cycle, because that’s when they’re the most obvious.

Post-Pomeranian Heat Behavior

In an ideal world, you should give your Pom whatever she wants (apart from letting her mate). If she becomes moody and wants to be left alone, leave her alone. Many owners love having a doggie bed in a quiet corner where people are active.

She’ll be happy she has human company but isn’t close enough to be annoyed. If she demonstrates nesting behaviors, let her collect her toys.

Male Pomeranian in Heat

Male Pomeranians do not have a heat cycle.

Pomeranian Menopause

Dogs don’t stop having their cycles when they become seniors. The length and duration may be shorter or longer. If a Pom isn’t spayed, she’ll stay fertile for most of her life.

Desexing or Spaying your Female Pomeranian

Unless you intend to use your female Pomeranian for breeding, she must be desexed before her first season. Spaying your Pomeranian will prevent her female dog menses from happening.

Some people say spaying isn’t wise, but numerous benefits can help your dog live longer. Spaying reduces the risk of ovarian and breast cancers, and the sooner you get her spayed, the greater her chances are that cancer won’t occur.

Your female Pomeranian shouldn’t be spayed during or soon after her female dog’s menstrual cycle. It must happen around six weeks from the last day of a Pomeranian heat cycle.

Caring, responsible Pomeranian owners will have this procedure done before the start of their Pomeranian’s first heat, and research has shown that spaying your Pom can stop future health problems from happening.

Final Thoughts

Understanding your Pomeranian’s first heat cycle is crucial for ensuring its health and well-being. As a small dog breed, Pomeranians have unique needs that differ from those of larger dogs. During their first heat cycle, which typically occurs at an early age, you may notice signs such as swelling of the vulva and playful behavior.

It’s important to adjust their exercise needs during this time. While Pomeranians are generally active and playful, they may exhibit lower activity levels due to hormonal changes. Sensitive dogs like Pomeranians require careful monitoring to prevent any health issues, including potential weight gain. Maintaining a balanced diet and moderate exercise is essential to support their overall health.

As a proud owner of a Pomeranian puppy, being attentive to these changes will help you navigate your first heat cycle smoothly. Remember, small breeds like Pomeranians thrive with the right care and attention, ensuring they remain happy and healthy.

Disclaimer: The Content is not a substitute for professional veterinarian advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian with any questions you may have regarding your dog’s medical condition. Never disregard professional advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on ANY website.

References and Further Reading:

[1] Denise Leo “The Pomeranian Handbook”.