Is your new Frenchie having some mood swings and appetite changes lately?

Well, it might have something to do with their upcoming period.

Yes, dogs get periods like humans, but luckily for them, they get to have it only twice a year, unlike a human’s monthly cycle.

If this is your first female French Bulldog, then you’ve come to the right place!

The first question on your mind might be, when do French Bulldogs get their period?

The most likely answer is when they’re around six to nine months of age.

Stick around if you want to learn more about your French Bulldog’s heat cycle.

What Age Do French Bulldogs Get Their First Heat?

Periods aren’t the same for every French Bulldog out there.

While the general age is six to nine months for their first heat, it can differ based on their hormones.

Some Frenchies can go through an irregular cycle until they’ve reached a year or two.

You might initially feel overwhelmed with the general messiness of it all, but you can always choose to spay your French Bulldog if you don’t plan on going through the breeding route.

How Long Do French Bulldogs Bleed During Their Period?

There’s a long window of the bleeding time when it comes to dogs.

French Bulldogs can bleed for around seven to ten days, which is during a portion of the proestrus stage.

This can mainly depend on the dog’s age and size.

French Bulldogs go into their heat cycle every six to seven months, so it might not prove much of a hassle.

How Do You Know When Your French Bulldog Is Menstruating?

You might want to initially prepare for your French Bulldog’s first heat.

There are several signs you could look out for.

One of the most obvious ones will be a change in how they’re acting.

They can either be more attached to you or seek more love or just simply seem sad and off-mood.

You could also keep an eye on her eating habits, she might develop an increased appetite.

There’s also a chance that your Frenchie will not feel like eating.

When it comes to the more physical signs, it can depend on the phases of their heat cycle.

What Is a French Bulldog’s Heat Cycle Like?

The French Bulldog’s heat cycle consists of four stages.

The first one is the proestrus and the following are called the estrus, diestrus, and, finally, the anestrus stage.

These phases differ in how your Frenchie will act, specifically to their male counterparts, and bleed.

1. Proestrus Stage

If you have male dogs around the house, you might notice your female Frenchie trying to ward them off.

At this stage, their hormones are at their highest levels.

When it comes to French Bulldogs, they don’t have long tails, so it would be difficult to identify this stage.

That’s because other breeds usually have their tails tucked in the proestrus stage to avoid breeding.

Nevertheless, signs of hostility toward the opposite sex could be another telltale sign of the proestrus stage.

The main signs of this phase are a swollen vulva and red discharge appearing.

It’s crucial to note that the proestrus stage doesn’t entail a fertility period, but only a preparation for it.

The stage should last around four days to three weeks or so.

2. Estrus Stage

During this stage, your Frenchie might be more willing to mate with other males.

That’s because they’ve started their fertile state.

This period can last around four days to a little over three weeks.

The vulva begins to deflate more and blood is less apparent in the French Bulldog’s discharge.

As that’s happening, the hormonal levels, mainly estrogen and progesterone are also decreasing.

If a male mates with a female during this time, the chances of pregnancy are high.

If you’re trying to breed, this would be the perfect time since sperm can survive in the female’s reproductive organ for up to a week in the estrus stage.

3. Diestrus Stage

The diestrus stage is when things start to die down.

Your French Bulldog’s hormone levels are lower, specifically estrogen.

By mid-diestrus, progesterone levels are higher, even if the dog isn’t pregnant.

If the French Bulldog is pregnant, then this phase will be more prolonged, going on until the puppies are birthed.

The diestrus stage normally lasts a long time, coming in at two months.

4. Anestrus Stage

The anestrus stage is the longest of all.

This period is characterized by a lack of discharge.

The vulva should now be back to its normal state.

The uterus will rest and prepare for the proestrus stage once more.

This stage can last up to four months, but in some Frenchies, it can last more.

The anestrus stage can also be identified as the resting stage.

How to Care for Your French Bulldog During That Time of the Month

The heat cycle is a natural part of your Frenchie’s life.

Since they might be under some discomfort, providing the necessary tender love and care is preferred.

Here are some tips to help you out:

• Maintain her hygiene. During her bleeding stage, you can try to put diapers on for her to avoid bloodstains around the house.
• Make sure she’s leashed. On your walks, surrounding male dogs might act out and your Frenchie might run their way, especially during the estrus stage.
• Expect increased urination. French Bulldogs are known to pee a lot more during their heat intervals. Try to keep an area specifically where she can pee in your home.

To Conclude

Knowing when your French Bulldog will get her period is a great step to providing enough care to keep them prepared and comfortable.

If they’re under some pain, being near them can make them feel much more secure.

Make sure you get the needed supplies to keep the process running smoothly and neatly.

Remember, this is part of being a female dog owner.

That being said, there’s always the other option to spay your Frenchie if you don’t plan on breeding.