Do Male Dogs Go Into Heat?

Do male dogs go into heat? In short: No. "In heat," or estrus specifically refers to the time in the female dog's reproductive cycle where she becomes receptive to mating with males. According to the American Kennel Club, male dogs don't go into heat; instead, they're capable of mating year-round once they become fertile at about 6 months old.

A dog's breed and size plays a role in when she first goes into heat, but generally speaking most dogs will reach sexual maturity at around 6 months — some dogs can go into heat as early as four months, while large and giant breeds may take up to two years before their first heat cycle. A heat cycle occurs every six to eight months and lasts approximately three weeks. While in heat, a female dog is especially attractive to male dogs and will experience a swollen vulva, vaginal bleeding and more frequent urination.

While male dogs do not go into heat, when female dogs go into heat it can have a major impact on them.

When a female dog is in heat, she releases a pheromone called Methyl p-hydroxybenzoate that has shown to sexually arouse male dogs that pick up that scent. That's by design, of course — but it can stir up a lot of chaos for you and your canine companion. If an intact male dog catches the scent of a nearby female in heat, she will become his entire focus. Male dogs may stop eating, increase their marking, become increasingly aggressive and obsess over tracking down the female dog in heat throughout the duration of her cycle.

If you have an intact male dog who lives near an intact female dog, it's important to keep him as far from her as possible when she's in heat if you are not looking to breed with your dog. Be sure to take your male dog out for lots of independent exercise and activity and keep him distracted as best as you can. Certain pheromone sprays can also be helpful during these times, particularly if there's some distance between the two dogs to start. Be sure to speak to your veterinarian before using any of these sprays.