How to Care for Dogs During the Heat Cycle

Spay your dog if you are not planning to breed her. Spaying your dog prevents uterine cancer, pyometra, unplanned pregnancies and numerous other health concerns. It can also help you avoid the stress of coming home to a pack of potentially aggressive male dogs waiting outside of your house. Most vets will spay a dog in heat, so contact your vet immediately.

Keep your dog inside. Dogs in heat attract male dogs from miles away, which can pose a danger to both you and your dog. Males attracted by females in estrus can become aggressive quickly. When your dog must go outside, put a dog diaper on her. This will help prevent her smell from spreading and attracting male dogs.

Keep your dog away from other dogs. If you are planning to breed your dog, now is not the time to do it. Female dogs are most likely to get pregnant at the end of the heat cycle, when she is no longer bleeding but is instead secreting a light fluid. Allowing her to be around male dogs before she is sexually receptive can result in fights and injury to your dog.

Spend extra time with your dog. Females in heat often become restless and anxious. Your dog will need lots of extra attention to avoid becoming destructive as a result of her anxiety.

Consult with your vet about breeding your dog. Toward the end of your dog's heat cycle, schedule a time to talk with your vet about the potential risks and benefits of pregnancy. You need to ensure your dog is healthy enough to become pregnant and give birth to a litter.