Well, you might not be planning on breeding your pug, but that doesn’t really scratch off the question, “when do pugs go into heat” off your list. It’s fundamental to understand what really happens during the 4 dog heat cycle. 
A female Pug’s heat will begin in her first cycle which normally occurs when the dog is age 4 and 6 months. But this may differ as some pugs may experience early cycles while others’ cycles might come up to 15 months late.
The most common menstruation cycle signs you should look out for include blood discharge, swollen vulva, and the female getting more attention from male pugs.
If you haven’t yet noticed some of these signs when the pug is over 15 months old, I’ll recommend you talk to your vet for a complete checkup.
Read Also: Early Pug pregnancy symptoms
When do pugs go into heat?
How Frequently Do Pugs Go Into Heat?
A Pugs menstrual cycle will happen about twice a year, generally every 5 to 8 months. When they go into heat during these durations their bodies notify them it’s time to mate.
Pug’s heat cycle tends to last up to 3 weeks that’s broken into four stages which we’ll discuss later in this article.
Unlike humans, Pug’s menstrual cycle runs for the rest of their lives. They don’t enter menopause, so expect your female pug to experience a heat cycle at every stage of her life.
Pugs are classified on the small-sized dog breeds which means their heat cycle comes in quite earlier compared to the larger breeds.
Signs That Your Pug Is In Heat
Once your Pug’s heat cycle crawls in, she’ll experience a plethora of hormonal changes. This will cause some behavioral changes as well as a physical transformation.
As a pug owner, it’s important to know most of these signs to help you note when your furry friend is in heat and track her cycle as well.
Although every dog is different the following are the most common signs that indicate your pug is in heat.
Physical
- Tiny Blood Discharge
- Swollen vulva
- Swollen Nipples
Behavioral
- Increased Urinating
- Nesting Behavior
- Running away every opportunity she has
- Urinating frequently
- Gets aroused when a male dog is present
- Excess Self Grooming
The 4 Heat Cycle Stages
Pugs just like other dogs have four distinct stages reproductive cycle stages. At each level, you’ll notice a different physical and behavioral transition.
Let’s learn what to expect from your pug on each stage.
Proestrus Stage
Essentially, the Proestrus is the first stage that pugs will start to show signs of being in heat. Most of the dogs experience this reproductive level for at least 9 days. However, this can prolong up to 27 days max.
At this stage you’ll notice some physical changes like blood discharge, vulva lips swelling. Also, the male dog will show interest but the female will develop an aggressive attitude towards the male pug.
I will recommend using these dog diapers to stop your pug from messing up your sofas and mats.
Estrus Stage
It’s at this stage when your pug will start to mate and produce puppies. The estrus stage might last between 4 and 24 days but most pugs experience this stage for 9 days only.
Its strongly advised not to breed young pugs when they just get their first heat cycle to allow their eggs to fully mature as well as the dog.
At this stage, you’ll notice the discharge is clear and the female pug will start to raise her tail in the presence of a male pug.
Diestrus Stage
This stage tends to last for up to 60 days. You’ll notice the female pug will lose interest in their male counterparts. This will be accompanied by some physical changes like vaginal discharge disappearing, vulva going back to normal size, loss of appetite.
In some scenarios, your pug may portray some false pregnancy traits such as Lethargy, Restlessness, Depression, Nesting, or aggression.
Make sure you read this article on early pug pregnancy signs
It’s at this stage you’ll notice your pug has a swollen belly and some enlarged mammary glands. The glands may lactate or not.
Anestrus Stage
The Anestrus is the final stage of the reproduction cycle. This stage lasts for an average of 4 months, at least for most dogs, but some breeds could take longer.
Your pug won’t exhibit any behavioral or physical changes at the anestrus stage.
By now the pug’s body will start to get ready for the next season.
Signs of Abnormal Heat Cycles
Well, pugs heat cycle might not always run clockwise and when that happens the dog will undergo some tough times.
The following are signs of an abnormal heat cycle.
Split Heats- It’s important to note that your pug might be having normal heat cycles, but sometimes she’ll experience a split heat cycle.
The cycle will have a spacing issue, this means the cycle will start then stop in the process for a day or several days in some cases then starts again. The reason behind the disruption is thought to be because of hormone changing levels.
Some pet owners may think their pug is having 2 heat cycles, nope, it’s just one heat cycle that’s disrupted that will continue later.
Silent Heats- This means the pug has gone through the estrus cycle but fails to show any of the distinctive signs. The pug will not show any physical or emotional signs when entering its cycle.
This is common with female pugs as they tend to enter the estrus stage that prepares them for mating yet no typical signs of attraction or hostility towards the male dog. If you can’t trace your pug’s heat cycle, avoid separating the female from the male dog.
Signs of Abnormal Heat Cycles
Well, pugs heat cycle might not always run clockwise and when that happens the dog will undergo some tough times.
The following are signs of an abnormal heat cycle.
Split Heats- It’s important to note that your pug might be having normal heat cycles, but sometimes she’ll experience a split heat cycle.
The cycle will have a spacing issue, this means the cycle will start then stop in the process for a day or several days in some cases then starts again. The reason behind the disruption is thought to be because of hormone changing levels.
Some pet owners may think their pug is having 2 heat cycles, nope, it’s just one heat cycle that’s disrupted that will continue later.
Silent Heats- This means the pug has gone through the estrus cycle but fails to show any of the distinctive signs. The pug will not show any physical or emotional signs when entering its cycle.
This is common with female pugs as they tend to enter the estrus stage that prepares them for mating yet no typical signs of attraction or hostility towards the male dog. If you can’t trace your pug’s heat cycle, avoid separating the female from the male dog.
How to Care for Your Pug in Heat
At this level, I believe we are on the same page about the pug’s heat cycle phases and duration. Let’s now delve into ways to get prepared ahead of the heat cycle.
Grab some Dog Diaper
A very efficient move to care for your pug while in heat is to pick the proper dog diapers. Some diapers won’t fit puppies so it’s important to get this suspender or simply a nice fitting bodysuit.
I will recommend this reusable diaper.
Put up Good Security
Nothing major to raise an alarm but it’s common for some female pugs to escape during their heat cycle. Others will show tense aggressive traits.
To curb this, simple tricks like locking her door gate will come in handy. Also, try to be more attentive and avoid playing with her especially when off the leash.
Keep Track of Her Heat Cycles
One of the best practices to help you keep track of the pug’s heat cycle is placing a mark on your smartphone calendar.
Record day 1 then activate a reminder for the next expected heat cycle.
This will simply give you time to get prepared before the next heat cycle comes.
This might interest you: Why does my pug smells like fish?
In a NutShell
One of the best pieces of advice I got from my vet was to get Buddha my pug spayed.
It literally prevented her from unwanted littering right from puppy level and ensured she still enjoy a healthy life.
Today I have shared everything you need to know about pugs in heat.
I hope you find the information useful and happy moments with your pug(s)