When a female dog is coming into heat, inexperienced owners usually handle this situation in one of two ways.
One is to flee in panic about what to do, whether they should take time off from work, how to, when to… The second approach is to ignore the fact and treat their dog as they usually do.
As a part of our series for female dog owners, in this article, you are going to learn what to do with a female dog when she is in heat and how to handle this situation in a calm manner.
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- Never let your dog out in the yard alone – Protecting your dog from male dogs and unwanted pregnancy is the most important thing to do when your dog is in heat. It doesn’t matter whether or not you plan to breed your dog this time. When our own dog comes into heat, we are tempted to let her into the yard and just keep an eye on her through the
window, especially if it’s cold outside. However, this technique won’t work if a male dog suddenly appears nearby or if our dog jumps over the fence. Go out into the yard with your dog when she’s in heat. Depending on her activity, you might even consider using a leash.
- Never let your dog out in the yard alone – Protecting your dog from male dogs and unwanted pregnancy is the most important thing to do when your dog is in heat. It doesn’t matter whether or not you plan to breed your dog this time. When our own dog comes into heat, we are tempted to let her into the yard and just keep an eye on her through the
window, especially if it’s cold outside. However, this technique won’t work if a male dog suddenly appears nearby or if our dog jumps over the fence. Go out into the yard with your dog when she’s in heat. Depending on her activity, you might even consider using a leash.
2. Extra attention – When a dog is in heat, the changes are not only physical, but mental as well. If you want to ensure that your dog feels comfortable when in heat, you will need to pay her more attention than usual. Playing, brushing, talking to her or going for a walk are just a few examples. Have that extra time available for your dog during heat, and she will feel much calmer and more confident.
3. No training or dog shows – Events in which other dogs are involved should always be avoided. The scent that female dogs produces is very annoying to male dogs and will distract them from completing their tasks in the show. Most male owners become angry (a very reasonable response, if you ask us) if 
someone disrespects this “law” and appears in a dog show with a bitch in heat. You may ask event organizers if you can obtain a refund if your dog comes suddenly into heat right before the event. Serious event holders grant a full or partial refund if a dog comes into heat or becomes ill.
4. Hide the trail back home from male dogs – If you are walking outdoors with your dog in heat, it would be wise to break up the trail leading back home. This is best done by putting your dog in a car and driving to the walking spot, so male dogs won’t be able to track your dog to your house. This tracking is especially annoying if you have a yard.
5. Use doggie pants – One of the most common heat symptoms in dogs
is a bloody discharge from the vulva. This may be very annoying if you have a new carpet. If your dog allows you to put dog diapers or pants on her, you may use them, and the problem is solved. They may also help to mask the odor outdoors and prevent males from following your dog back to your house. However, doggie pants won’t stop your dog from mating, so do not let male dogs approach during walks.