So you look out your front window and there are male dogs all over your front yard. That should be hint number one that something is going on with your dog. Along with the behavior and symptoms she has been exhibiting the appearance of a large number of male dogs is usually a good indication that your dog is in heat. What are some of the other female dog heat symptoms?

In the weeks prior to her going into heat, you might notice that her mood has changed. She may be in a grumpier mood and not want to play as much. Your usually playful dog is now a moping unhappy animal. You might put this off as the dog isn't quite feeling well, but it actually means a lot more. Whether or not a dog suffers from PMS like women do has not actually been documented. But they surely do experience a change in mood. Again, like women the extent or intensity of the mood change will vary according to the dog.

Some dogs experience the symptoms of a phantom pregnancy. If you notice that her breasts are swollen and she seems to have gained a little weight she might be experiencing this phenomenon. Not all dogs will have this, but you should be on the look out for the symptom.

Probably the biggest indicator of a female dog heat symptoms presence is the existence of the other dogs in your area. Male dogs are excellent detectors of a female dog in heat. The scent is non-existent to us, but male dogs can tell from miles away that there is a female in the area that is ready to be bred. They will travel from miles around to find her.

Your female dog will also want to be outside a great deal more than usual. You may, in fact, have a hard time keeping her in the house. You should be very careful that she does not get outside during this time or you will most likely end up with a pregnant dog on your hands. Watch for these female dog heat symptoms to occur.

There may be swelling in her vulva. Again, this really depends on the dog. Not all dogs experience a detectable swelling while others swell quite noticeably. If you notice this symptom you should consider that your dog is in heat.

The most common and definitive symptom is bleeding. Your dog will be experiencing a bloody discharge that will gradually change from red to a tannish color when she is fertile and ready to be bred. The color will turn back to red and gradually diminish and disappear. This is an obvious symptom of what is going on with your dog, but some dogs are very fastidious and you might not see it at all.

If you are looking for female dog heat symptoms in your dog, you should begin starting to look for them when she is around six months of age. Some dogs go a little longer while others may start a little earlier. Whatever her cycle ends up being you should consider spaying the animal before her next cycle. Unless you intend on breeding your dog you do not want to have to worry about unwanted puppies and her getting loose or possibly hurt during her season.