HANDLING A DOG IN HEAT (AKA PUPPIES IN PANTIES)

KoKo the Cavalier - not happy being photographed in her diaper!

Years ago, almost all dogs who were not going to be bred were spayed or neutered at an early age. For that reason, it was only breeders that had to deal with heat cycles and puppy panties. However, that has changed in recent years as many studies have proven that it may be better to allow your dog to fully mature before having her spayed. As a result we are frequently asked how to handle a dog's first heat. Here are some considerations and products to help you survive your girls first heat. 

• TIMING - Plan ahead. Have supplies on hand. These breeds will have their first heat as early as 5 months and before 9 months. The average puppy will have start her first heat at 6 months. While the first heat cycle can actually last several weeks, the bleeding is usually only 9-12 days. Remember that individual dogs, just like individual people, vary. You do not need to panic about a longer bleeding cycle unless the bleeding seems incredibly heavy or last more than a month.
• THINKING AHEAD - When deciding what products to have on hand think about whether or not your dog will only be having one heat cycle before they are spayed or whether you intend to breed your dog and will have to deal with ongoing heat cycles for several years. This decision should dictate what you purchase. For example, there is no need to purchase sets of re-usable panties for one heat cycle - just get disposable diapers and consider one panty in case she wiggles out of (or tries to chew up) her disposable. 
• CHANGES - Women are not the only ones with physical and behavior changes related to hormonal shifts, our puppies can also experience any of the following: 
  • Bleeding - Intensity of bleeding may vary greatly. Also, some females will keep themselves really clean while others won't. Either is normal.
  • Personality Changes - Some females may become more affectionate or clingy with their owners. Others may seem to be a little short tempered or even nervous. Either is perfectly normal.
  • Tail Tucking - We often associate tail tucking with a dog who is in trouble or sad. During a heat cycle, females often tuck their tale to protect their swollen vulva so don't assume the tucked tail means she's gotten herself in to trouble. 
  • Appetite Changes - Another variance. Some dogs eat more and others eat less. What's important is that you don't make changes to your dog's diet during this time, or pick up a bad habit you will regret later. For example, many owners will report "picky eating" around 7-8 months old where a dog will no longer eat her food from her bowl and only wants table scraps. Nine times out of ten, I learn that the owner was worried when she wasn't eating and started hand feeding her table scraps during her first heat. We have never had a puppy starve herself so don't fall victim to this trap. Hormonally driven appetite changes alone are nothing to worry about - you can consult your vet if your dog does not drink water and refuses food for more than 24 hours. 
  • Potty Habits - Marking is often associated with intact male dogs but females often urinate more often while in heat. During this time their urine contains urine contains pheromones and hormones which signal her reproductive state to other dogs. Try to be forgiving if accidents occur during this time but offer more trips outside to try and prevent problems before they begin. This is a natural instinct in your dog that will go away after her cycle is over. 
• ​KNOW THE STAGES - While male dogs may be more attracted to females in heat, females are are only interested in mating during a small window of time. While you should be on guard and protect your female from unwanted pregnancy during her entire cycles (males are relentless), knowing the signs of when she can become pregnant are important. Your dog is generally fertile about 9 days AFTER she begins bleeding (but again, this varies). The physical signs to watch for are a decrease in blood (it lightens and changes color) and the decrease in tail tucking. In fact. the easiest way to determine when a female is fertile is to watch the tail which will go from tucked to high and out of the way (often even moving to one side) which is her way of flirting and inviting the male to enter. Even if the bleeding has stopped it is important to remember that your dog remains fertile for several days. Wait for her vulva to return to it's pre-heat size before assuming the coast is clear. 
• HAVE YOUR SUPPLIES - You don't need all of these supplies. Consider how many heat cycles your dog may have and purchase accordingly. 
  • DISPOSABLE DIAPERS (32 Count) - These breeds will require either the x-small or small based on the circumference of their waist. Our smaller Cavaliers and Bichons took x-small on their first heat and small on their 2nd. Refer to the sizing guide and size up if ordering at 6 months so they will fit later. 
  • ROCCO & ROXIE STAIN REMOVER - Don't take our word for it, read the reviews. This is the best pet related stain remover on the market and it removes blood and the smell of hormones from your home (you may not smell them but your neighbor's dog does). 
  • WASHABLE DOG DIAPERS - We have lots of dogs we we often use washable dog diapers. We've found this set at Amazon reasonably priced, stands up well in the washer and a small fits our standard size Cavaliers and Bichons perfectly. Oh, we also like the cute colors. If your dog is older or on the upper range of standard size you may want to size up to a medium. Refer to the chart and know that the velcro allows a lot of sizing fluctuation. 
  • PANTY LINERS - This $5 can extend your washable dog diapers and save you tons of laundry. Simply place an unscented panty liner in the washable panty and change between potty breaks. We've found this to be the best combination of washable and disposable!
  • UNSCENTED WIPES - Scented wipes or those with cleansing agents can irritate your dog. These wipes are all natural (saline) and a great for between diaper clean-ups as well as keeping their eyes clean. We have a pack of these everywhere. 
  • CALMING AID - We think calming chews are a good thing to have on hand for storms, fireworks or travel that might make your dog anxious. This brand features organic ingredients and can also work to help calm an anxious girl during heat if needed. 
  • NUTRITIONAL GEL -  For those who really worry when their girl won't eat, have some of this nutritional gel on hand. While it's really for puppies we've found it useful to have available for our finicky females, weaning puppies or dogs adapting to new situations who may need nutritional support. 
  • A note on scents - When choosing products, avoid scents. Dogs are incredibly sensitive to smell. Some people make suggestions of scented diapers / panty liners or putting menthol on the tail of a dog to keep other dogs away without considering how these strong smells impact their dog. Don't add stress to this situation with unnecessary smells. Keep her clean and heavily scented products aren't needed. 
• PERSONAL TIPS: Here are a few final words on your dog's first heat that we share with our Guardian Homes and our puppy owners: 
  • Don't freak out - it's totally natural and your anxiety will only increase hers.
  • Still provide her plenty of exercise. It's a myth that she can't go on walks while in heat; however, NEVER let a dog off leash at this time (they can run away in search of a mate) and avoid dog parks or other areas where you may knowingly encounter an excited male. 
  • Have her wear a diaper a few times BEFORE her heat ever begins. It will be less stressful if she's worn one before and you'll know if you have the sizing correct. 
  • A missed cycle could be a sign of illness - talk to your vet.

Good luck surviving her first heat. We promise that when you're prepared it's nothing to fear. If you have additional suggestions or products that you would like to see included in this post, please leave us a comment. And please make sure to follow us on Facebook for more helpful tips on everything Cavalier, Cavachon and Cavapoo. 
 
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