How to Protect Furniture When a Dog Is in Heat

Female dogs that are not spayed come into heat for the first time between 5 and 24 months of age, according to Holly Nash, DVM, MS from the Veterinary Services Department of Drs. Foster & Smith, Inc. Heat cycles last about 21 to 28 days, and the female will bleed some or most of that time. Most females come into heat every six to seven months, although larger breeds may only come in every 10 to 11 months.

Things You'll Need

  • Boy's or men̵7;s briefs
  • Sanitary napkins
  • Old blankets or quilts

Instructions

    • 1

      Measure your female dog's waist, just in front of the hips. Use this measurement to determine the correct size of briefs to purchase. (Most manufacturers will put the waist measurements on the package.) Boys' sizes range from about 23 to 34 inches, while men's sizes start at about 28 inches.

    • 2

      Place a sanitary napkin in the crotch of the underwear. You may be able to use a ̶0;light̶1; pad, depending on your female̵7;s cycle. Change the pad as needed, depending on the amount of discharge, but no less than twice per day.

    • 3

      Put the underwear on the dog backward so her tail can come out through the flap in the underwear.

    • 4

      Cover couches and chairs with old blankets or quilts as an extra layer of protection.