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All unaltered (not-spayed) female dogs, including corgis, will go through heat cycles in their life.

This period can be quite stressful for both you and your dog, so it is important to know what to expect and how to be prepared.

This guide will cover everything you need to know about your corgi’s heat cycle. 

Get informed, be prepared, and make the best health decisions for your corgi! 

What does “going into heat” mean?

A dog’s reproductive cycle is known as estrous.

Estrous, much like menstruation, is the process where the female reproductive organs prepare for reproduction.

When a dog goes through estrous, her body produces a sharp rise and fall of estrogen, signaling the ovaries to release eggs and prepare for fertilization.

This spike of estrogen also causes a rise in the body temperature of the dog, leading to the phrase “going into heat.”

When a dog first goes into heat, she has reached sexual maturity and is now capable of reproduction.

How do I know if my Corgi is in heat?

When your dog is ‘in heat’, you will likely notice the following:

• Frequent urination 
• Swollen vulva
• Blood-tinged discharge

Along with the above symptoms, you should also be on the lookout for personality changes. For example, your corgi in heat might become extremely cuddly and affectionate, or even shy, nervous, grumpy, etc.  

These are all common side effects associated with hormone fluctuations, and should subside once her hormones levels return to ‘normal’.

At what age do corgis go into heat?

Corgis – like all “unfixed” female dogs – will go into their first heat once they reach sexual maturity.

This typically occurs around the age of 9-11 months old for both Pembroke Welsh Corgis and Cardigans Welsh Corgis. 

Some corgis may come into heat sooner than 9 months, while others may take longer than 11 months.

It’s always a good idea to discuss heat cycles with your dog’s breeder, as your dog’s rate of reaching sexual maturity is heavily influenced by her pedigree.

For example, if your dog’s mother and grandmother were ‘late bloomers’, your dog will likely be a ‘late bloomer’ as well.

How often do corgis come into heat? 

Typically, a healthy adult corgi will go through an estrus cycle every 6 months, or twice per year. These cycles typically last anywhere between 2-4 weeks. 

Oh no! My corgi has gone into heat. What do I do? 

First, take a deep breath.

Seeing a few spots of blood on the floor can be scary, but there’s really nothing to worry about. This is a natural process that typically requires very little human assistance.

Still, to make you (and your corgi) less stressed, here are some things you can do to make the next heat cycle a more comfortable experience. 

• Buy dog diapers: Amazon carries fantastic doggy diapers for dogs in heat. These diapers can help prevent bloody messes or accidents in the home. Corgis tend to be especially crafty at escaping diapers, so you can also try a surgical recovery suit for added protection.
• Use a ‘special’ blanket: Prevent stains by covering the furniture or bed with a blanket or towel. These blankets can go a long way in managing a heat cycle.
• Give extra potty breaks: A corgi in heat might need to relieve herself more often. Be sure to let her out frequently.
• Supervision: Male dogs can smell the change in hormones. To avoid an accidental pregnancy, don’t leave your corgi outside or anywhere near male dogs unsupervised. 
• Provide a safe space: Give your dog a designated safe space where she can separate herself from the busy world and relax. This safe space should also be supervised to prevent accidents.

Should I wait to spay/neuter my corgi puppy? 

Many veterinarians and responsible breeders alike recommend waiting until your corgi reaches full physical and sexual maturity before spaying/neutering.

Even though a dog has reached sexual maturity at their first heat cycle, they still have yet to reach physical maturity.

Physical maturity in corgis typically occurs around 18-24 months of age.

Because of this, they should (ideally) remain intact until 24 months.

This means that you should expect to go through a few heat cycles prior to having your corgi spayed.

Why is it important to wait?

Well, for a few reasons.

Even though a puppy can be spayed as young as 8 weeks, sterilizing a corgi too early has the potential to lead to poor health outcomes.

According to a research study conducted by UC Davis, early sterilization leads to an increased risk for bone cancer, abnormal bone growth, urinary incontinence, and hip dysplasia. 

If you would like to learn more about the right time to spay or neuter your dog, check out this article.

So, the takeaway?

Early spaying is not without risk.  

Final Thoughts  

Understanding the corgi heat cycle is an important part of pet ownership. Every unaltered female will go through it.

Luckily, heat cycles don’t have to be a scary ordeal.

Take some time to plan ahead. Purchase some diapers and blankets to prevent accidents. Set aside a safe area for your pup to relax and avoid encounters with male dogs.

Armed with up-to-date knowledge and the right products, dealing with your corgi in heat will be a breeze!