How To Prepare For A Dog In Heat
How To Prepare For A Dog In Heat
If you have a female dog that hasn’t been spayed (the operation to remove reproductive organs), then she will go into ovulation which is referred to as “in heat”, where dogs can breed and become pregnant. If you are looking to avoid becoming a grandpawrent anytime soon, read on to find out how you can spot the signs and prepare during her cycle.
When do female dogs go into heat?
Some dogs can go into heat from as young as 6-8 months. Heat cycles vary depending on the dog’s age, breed and size. Small dog breeds can cycle every 3-4 months, medium and large breeds typically cycle every 6 months. Giant breeds may only cycle every 6-12 months. Bleeding can typically last around 7 days.
Signs of a dog in heat
There are often behavioral hints and physical symptoms of a dog in heat, which can include:
- swollen vulva and bloody vaginal discharge
- increased moodiness, growling at humans or picking fights with other dogs in the household, especially other unspayed female dogs
- decreased or increased interest in human interactions
- increased interest in roaming or getting out of the yard (to look for male dogs to mate with)
How to prepare for a dog in heat
If you have an unspayed female dog who is experiencing cycles, then you must prepare ahead of time to prevent unwanted pregnancies, messes, escapes or aggression.
- Track on your phone by recording the day your dog’s heat cycle started, and then set a reminder for 6 months in the future with a 1-week alert ahead of time so you know it is coming.
- Stock up on dog diapers or washable dog pants.
- For dogs that have a hard time around other animals, particularly during this phase, try using a calming collar and/or sprays or diffusers for the house to help combat any grouchy encounters.
- If you live in a household with other animals, make sure to allocate her own food bowl, water bowl and bedding in her space.
- If you plan to spay your dog, wait until one month after her heat cycle ends.
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