How Long do Pomeranians Bleed During Heat?

Last Updated on 29/06/2023 by Dochlaggie. Post first published on September 15, 2021.

It is essential to know how long Pomeranians bleed in heat because it can be alarming and worrisome for pet owners.

The heat or estrus cycle is the period of time when your Pomeranian is receptive to mating. It is usual for female dogs to bleed during heat, but time varies with every dog.

Pomeranians bleed for around 3 weeks and that’s the duration of their heat or estrus cycle.

As the cycle progresses, the discharge turns from red to pink to clear/watery. This shows that your Pom is ready to be impregnated.

Every year, many female dog owners find themselves unprepared for the onset of their canine’s heat cycle. The average duration of a female Pomeranian’s heat cycle is about three weeks long and is identified by vaginal bleeding, swollen vulva, increased urination, and restlessness.

Learn about what to expect during your Pomeranian’s time in “the season” with this article.

When Do Heat Cycles Start in Pomeranians?

From as young as 6 months old to the rest of her life, a female Pomeranian will experience heat cycles, roughly every 6 months.

However, the average age range for Pomeranian to enter her first heat cycle is 6 months to 9 months. If you’re planning on breeding your Pomeranian, your vet will be able to tell you when the Pom is mature enough to be bred.

Pomeranians in heat tend to show the following signs:

A large, red, and swollen vulva
Bleeding or discharge from the vulva
Licking the back and private parts more than usual
Weeing more than usual
Mammary glands may become swollen

The behavior changes when your Pom is in heat include:

Being over-friendly to other dogs
Roaming to find male dogs
Mounting and humping
Standing/moving the tail to one side when touched,
Becoming anxious and need more attention

How Long do Pomeranians Bleed During Heat

The Heat Cycle in Pomeranians

The Pomeranian heat/ estrus cycle has four stages:

Proestrus: This is the start of the heat period where your Pomeranian’s body is preparing to mate. She will start attracting intact males. The beginning of the heat cycle lasts between 7 and 10 days. During this time, the vulva begins to swell and your Pomeranian begins to bleed.

Estrus: This is the actual mating period of the heat cycle and lasts 5 to 10 days. At this point, bleeding may reduce or stop. Your Pomeranian is ready to mate during this time. You may notice your Pom urinate more often and mark spots within and outside your home.

Diestrus: This period lasts anywhere from 10 to 14 days. Your Pomeranian is either pregnant during this time or she is in a period of rest. Her vulva returns to normal size and the vaginal discharge disappears.

Anestrus: Anestrus is the uterine repair phase in which no sexual or hormonal behavior is present. It can last for anywhere from 90 to 150 days before the next proestrus stage begins.

How Long do Pomeranians Stay in Heat?

Heat usually lasts for about 3 weeks but can range between two and four. Early in the cycle, a female Pomeranian may not be receptive to male Pomeranians, although some are receptive through the entire cycle.

There’s a relatively small window when your Pomeranian girl is most fertile during the heat cycle. This window may begin about nine or ten days after she goes into heat and lasts about five days. However, Pomeranians can become pregnant until the end of their cycle.

A quick tip: Your Pomeranian might be licking her sanitary areas often while she’s in heat. Don’t worry, this is perfectly normal for dogs.

Does a Pomeranian Bleed the Whole Time in Heat?

Each heat will last for approximately 3 weeks, but your Pomeranian won’t bleed for the whole time.

Pomeranians in heat tend to bleed for approximately a week to 10 days. Some Poms bleed very heavily and others so lightly that it’s barely noticeable.

How Do you Know When the Pomeranian Heat is Over?

Hormonal changes will cause pronounced differences in your Pomeranian when she is on her period. These changes include a swollen vulva, bleeding, more frequent urination, and increased nervousness or alertness. A female Pom presents herself to male Poms by raising her rump and holding her tail off to the side.

You will know the heat cycle is over when all her vulva returns to its normal size and there’s no more bleeding or discharge. Just because your Pom stopped bleeding doesn’t mean her cycle is over. Another phase will follow where she becomes extra fertile and may produce an unnoticeable discharge.

Is This a Lifetime Thing?

Once heat cycles begin, it may take a while for the cycle to become regular in Pomeranians. It’s a good idea to keep a record during these early days. Once the heat cycle becomes regular, the average is about every six months. Unlike humans, all female dog breeds experience heat throughout their lives, although the time between cycles will get longer.

If you do not spay your Pomeranian girl, she will go into heat again and again. So, be prepared for all that comes with owning a Pom in heat.

Heat Cycle Cleaning Tips for Pomeranians

The first thing that might be an indication your Pomeranian is in heat, is blood. Maybe there will be a spot on the bed or red sprinkles all over your carpets.

Your Pomeranian girl is in heat. It isn’t always pleasant for either of you. However, you can keep her clean. Here are a few tips to handle this:

Invest in a good dog diaper: Dog diapers may provide a solution for Pomeranians in heat. A heat diaper will keep your house and furniture clean while preventing the constant licking of any vaginal discharge. You can find disposable options or reusable ones with liners.

Designate a special blanket during the heat cycle: Let your Pomeranian use a designated blanket during this time. Place it wherever your Pom is about to cuddle up on the bed or couch. By the end of the cycle, only one blanket will need washing.

Dog wipes: Dog wipes are perfect easy solutions for wiping away bloody discharge while your Pomeranian is in heat. Keep disposable wipes on hand so you can rapidly swipe across furniture, dog toys, and hard floors.

Restrict your Pom: If you are planning not to keep her covered with a doggy diaper, you can keep her contained in a room. This usually means restricting your Pomeranian to easy-to-clean areas without carpeted floors or upholstered furniture. Also, you can use a crate to help keep the rest of your house clean.

Keep Female Pomeranian Dogs in Heat Safe

If your Pomeranian is in heat and you do not want her to get pregnant, you should be very careful to keep her away from intact male dogs during this time. Heat is very intense and instinctive for male dogs. They will break through fences and kennels to get together as it’s a strong impulse.

Remember that male dogs can also become quite aggressive when they sense a nearby dog in heat. So, you may have to be extra vigilant in preventing any accidents or mishaps, especially avoid other dogs, walks, and dog parks.

How to Keep your Pomeranian in Heat Comfortable

Taking care of a female Pomeranian in heat is easy, especially with little planning and knowledge. Your Pomeranian will experience some personality changes along with the physical changes her body is going through.

Pay your Pom extra attention: Pomeranians tend to get quite snuggly during this time. So, set aside some extra time for lots of cuddles and attention. By giving your Pom attention and care, you can keep your girl calm.

Choose the right amount of activity: Based on your Pom’s behavior and stamina, it is important to choose the right amount of activity to keep your Pomeranian comfortable.

Keep an eye on her diet and appetite: Appetite changes are common when female Pomeranians are in heat. While the majority of Poms will experience a loss of appetite, some may experience an increase in appetite. Whether your Pomeranian has a small appetite or is hungrier than usual, always feed her nutritious food with the right balance of protein, fiber, vitamins, and other nutrients. Make sure she’s eating well and drinking plenty of water.

Give her chew toys: Offer a safe chew toy so that your Pom can nudge up against. This too will provide a sense of security to your dog.

Do not yell or scold your dog: NEVER scold your Pomeranian if she happens to make a bloody mess. Just be compassionate and calmly reassure her while you clean it up.

Give extra potty breaks: Provide extra potty breaks as there is a lot going on down there. Your Pom girl may feel the urge to relieve herself more often.
Heavy vaginal bleeding needs investiagting by your vet.

While there is a little added work involved when female Pomeranians are in heat, your little furry girl is definitely worth the extra care.

Spaying your Pomeranian

Having your female Pomeranian spayed means she will not go into heat or pregnancy at all. If your Pom goes into heat before you have her spayed, consult with your vet about the best timing for the surgery.

If you are not interested in breeding, it is best to spay before the first Pom’s heat cycle ever happens. However, the procedure can be done once the first heat has finished.

Wrapping up

It’s important to understand that all dogs will bleed during their heat cycle regardless of breed or size. Owners need to know the symptoms and what they can do about it when their dog starts a bloody discharge to ensure their pet is safe and happy.

Try to be compassionate and understanding with your female Pomeranian dog. She might not be eager to be touched and her skin might be dry and sensitive. Be sure to pay attention to your Pom’s private areas to ensure they are staying sanitary when Pomeranian is on her period.