While every dog is different, female canines typically go into heat as young as four months to as old as two years, usually once every six to eight months. During this time, your dog will look for a mate as she enters the fertile phase of her cycle, ready to produce puppies of her own.
Even though this is a natural process, many dog owners feel perplexed or even a little annoyed when their dog goes into heat as her behavior suddenly changes. You might dread this time so much that you are desperate to know the answer to the question, How long are dogs in heat? which can certainly vary.
What’s most important, however, isn’t how long your canine will stay in heat, but rather, understanding how to provide the extra care she needs during these times.
1. Don’t let your dog go outside alone.
The more you let your female dog in heat go outside, the greater the chance a mate will find her. And, well, you can predict what will happen next.
2. Let her get more rest.
Although it’s still important to let your dog exercise, letting her get more rest while she’s in the heat is important too. Typically, female dogs are more tired during this time.
3. Keep your canine on a leash.
When going on walks, which your dog in heat will still need during this time, it’s important to always keep her on a leash. This stands true even if your dog is generally well-trained.
4. Have your dog wear special diapers or pants.
Especially for those who have carpet, it’s important to provide your canine special dog diapers or pants while she’s in heat as she may secrete bloody discharge from her vulva. These garments may also help mask her smell, detracting male dogs.
5. Give her more love and attention.
While in heat, your dog won’t just exhibit physical changes but also mental and emotional. Spending more time with her, grooming her more often, giving her more treats, and playing with her more can all help keep her happy during this time.
6. Place menthol on the tip of her tail.
When your female dog releases pheromones while she’s in heat, this is what helps her attract a mate, even from miles away. However, it’s said that by placing some menthol on the top of your pup’s tail, this will help cover that scent if and when she’s around other dogs.
7. Spay your furry friend.
According to the Humane Society, spaying or neutering your pet can reduce pet homelessness, curb bad behavior, improve your pet’s health, and generally help you save more money in the long run. Although some may argue that it’s not natural to spay your pet, it can be the best decision in the eyes of many dog owners.
Conclusion
Although it’s only natural when your female dog goes into heat, as her owner, you can help the experience easier for her. If worse comes to worst, spaying your dog if you don’t plan on breeding her can keep your pet out of the heat. In the end, deciding whether or not to spay your canine is a personal decision that you’ll have to consider.
