Here's a breakdown:
* Average length: A typical heat cycle lasts about 2-3 weeks, but can vary from dog to dog and even from cycle to cycle.
* Stages: The cycle has four stages: proestrus, estrus, diestrus, and anestrus.
* Proestrus: This is the first stage, lasting 5-9 days, and characterized by a bloody vaginal discharge.
* Estrus: This is the "fertile" stage, lasting 5-9 days, where the discharge becomes clear or straw-colored. This is when a dog is receptive to mating.
* Diestrus: The stage after estrus, lasting 50-60 days, where the dog is not receptive to mating. This is also when pregnancy occurs if she has mated.
* Anestrus: This is the resting stage, lasting 4-5 months, where the dog is not cycling.
It's important to note that each dog is different and their heat cycle may vary in length and intensity. If you're concerned about your dog's heat cycle, it's best to consult with your veterinarian.