If your female dog is in heat, she may be restless, agitated, or uncomfortable. You can help her by keeping things quiet, giving her extra attention, taking care of her cleanliness, and keeping her away from male dogs. The AKC and VCA Animal Hospitals say that being kind with her right now is good for her mental and physical well-being.
Quick Summary
- Provide them with a quiet, cozy place to sleep, complete with nice bedding.
- Give them more things to think about and love.
- Use wipes or diapers for dogs to keep things clean.
- Keep her away from male dogs so she doesn’t get pregnant.
- Talk to your vet about spaying if you don’t want to have any more cycles.
Table of Contents
1. Create a comfortable space
When a dog is in heat, it could grow restless and look for a safe, peaceful spot. The American Kennel Club (AKC) believes that being in a place you know and feel safe might help lessen anxiety during hormone changes.
Advice:
- Create a peaceful area with a soft bed or cage.
- Add a fan or cooling mat to keep the temperature under control.
- Don’t take her to locations that are too loud, with youngsters, or with other dogs.
2. Show them extra love and care
Hormonal changes can make your dog want to be around you more. PetMD states that being more comfortable physically can help you deal with stress and mood swings.
Advice:
- Let her cuddle and pet you for longer.
- Massage your stiff muscles gently to help them relax.
- Use puzzle feeders and toys that you can play with.
Read more :How to Stop a Dog from Barking in Their Kennel at Night
3. Keep everything tidy
When female dogs are in heat, they develop a discharge from their vaginas. Good hygiene keeps things clean, stops smells and discomfort, and stops stains.
Tip:
- Every day, use unscented pet wipes to clean her back end.
- If your dog has discharge, use disposable or washable dog diapers.
- To avoid getting upset, change diapers often.
4. Working out and taking your mind off problems
She needs to rest, but doing light activities can assist her mind and body to stay in balance. VCA Hospitals say that you shouldn’t conduct strenuous activity when it’s hot to avoid stress.
Advice:
- Leashed walks in peaceful areas for brief amounts of time.
- Don’t go near busy streets or dog parks.
- Give them safe things to gnaw on to keep their brains busy.
5. Keep male dogs away from you
The scent of a female dog in heat can bring males from kilometers away. Limiting interaction keeps stress and unplanned pregnancies from happening.
Advice:
- When it’s terribly hot outside, keep her indoors.
- When you’re outside, always use a secure leash.
- Avoid areas where male dogs can roam freely.
You might like this : How to Train Your Dog to Sit and Stay — and Have Fun Doing It!
6. Consider having your dog spayed
Spaying inhibits future heat cycles and lessens the incidence of certain malignancies, including pyometra. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) strongly recommends it for dogs that won’t be breeding.
- Ask your vet when to do it (typically after the first heat or as instructed).
- Find out how to care for yourself following surgery.
- Learn about the health benefits and hazards before you make a choice.
7. Call your vet
A trip to the vet makes sure there are no hidden health problems and gives you guidance on how to take care of your pet.
- Call your vet if your dog seems fatigued, isn’t eating, or has too much swelling.
- If she seems uncomfortable, ask how you can help with the discomfort.
- Talk about spaying and long-term health of the reproductive system.
8. A scientific comprehension of the cycle of heat
The heat cycle (estrus) of a female dog lasts about 2 to 4 weeks, and the optimal time for her to get pregnant is between days 10 and 14. Hormones can influence your mood, appetite, and even the fragrance of your body.
- Keep track of the cycle so you can guess when the next heat will occur.
- Find out when each phase is happening: proestrus, estrus, diestrus, and anestrus.
- Use an app or a calendar to keep track of your heat.
9. Make sure your home is calm and quiet
Stress can make behavioral problems worse. When things are calm around her, she can relax.
Tip:
- Lower the volume on things like the TV or vacuum cleaner that are overly loud.
- During this period, don’t let too many people come over.
- Keep doing the same things.
10. Use natural calming remedies that your vet says are safe
Some herbal and pheromone-based products could help her relax. Always talk to your vet before you use it.
Advice:
- Use pheromone sprays or diffusers that make dogs feel calm.
- Give them bedding that smells like lavender or chamomile (both of which are suitable for pets).
- Don’t feed your pet any human medicines without first getting authorization from a vet.
Table for quick reference: How to Make a Dog Feel Better When It’s Hot
| How to Handle It | Another Tip |
| Be at ease | A calm place with soft beds |
| Put in a mat to cool down | |
| Love | Hugs and massages |
| Puzzles that are toys | |
| Being clean | Dog diapers and wipes |
| Change your clothes often | |
| Work out | Short walks |
| Avoid crowded places | |
| Safety | Stay inside |
| Keep the leash safe when you’re outside |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How long does a dog stay in heat?
It usually lasts 2 to 4 weeks, with the most productive days being 10 to 14. - Is it alright to take my dog for a stroll when it’s hot?
Yes, but the walks should be short, on a leash, and in peaceful settings. - Is it okay to bathe my dog when it’s hot?
Yes, but only for a short time and using a moderate dog shampoo so they don’t get stressed out. - How can I know if my dog is in heat?
A swelling vulva, discharge, frequent urination, and changes in behavior are all common indicators. - Is my dog hurt when she’s in heat?
Some people might feel a little uneasy. You may help by being gentle with your pet and following your vet’s recommendations
Karim Kaifi is an experienced pet owner and writer. He shares practical, research-backed advice based on over 10 years of caring for cats and dogs.
