As filthy as dogs are known to be, they can get considerably worse during the heat cycle. We’ve got you covered if you’re a pet owner wanting to keep your house tidy during this period. Here are 10 easy procedures to follow in order to maintain a clean home while your dog is in heat.
How to Tell If a Dog Is in Heat?
The estrus phase of a female dog’s reproductive cycle is known informally as “heat.” She goes through changes in behavior and look at this period as her body gets ready for mating. Some of the most typical indications that your dog is in heat are listed below:
These cycles will only occur in female dogs who have not been spayed. In order to prevent a female dog from physically cycling and reproducing, spaying requires the entire removal of the uterus and the ovaries.
Ask your veterinarian for help if your dog has been spayed and you believe she is exhibiting signs of being in heat. Ovarian remnant syndrome, which can result in hormonal abnormalities, is a possibility following initial spaying surgery since the ovaries might not have been entirely removed.
Dogs Are Messy While in Heat
The bloody fluid that dogs create during their period can soak onto their fur, your furniture, flooring, and anything else they may lay on.
Additionally, due to heightened hormone activity, dogs in heat will urinate more frequently, increasing their likelihood of having indoor accidents.
As they search for a partner, they grow restless and disturbed. If other dogs are nearby, they might gnaw and scratch at doors to get away and meet up with them.
There are actions owners may take to lessen the interruption even though heat seasons can be untidy and annoying.
How to Keep Your House Clean When a Dog Is in Heat – 10 Simple Tips
Help Her Clean Up
Cleaning her vulva on a daily basis is one of the finest methods to keep her clean and pleasant. A soft cloth or cotton pad soaked in warm water can be used for this. Wipe the area gently, taking care to avoid irritating the skin.
Due to the vulva’s sensitivity, it is crucial to be gentle and refrain from rubbing.
To avoid upsetting the pH balance of her genitals, refrain from using any human soaps or shampoos. This could irritate people and raise the possibility of infections like UTIs.
Cover Vulnerable Surfaces
It is preferable to completely restrict access if there are certain items in your home that you are particularly concerned about getting stains on (such as pricey furniture or a cherished set of bedding).
Put old towels or sheets or even tailored protective covers on the furniture to protect it. During her heat cycle, you might want to prevent her from entering your bedroom.
Use Enzyme Cleaners on Stains
Since they are safe to use around animals and are highly successful at eliminating stains and odors, enzyme cleaners are a popular solution for pet messes.
When utilizing enzyme cleansers on pet stains, there are a few things to remember.
First and foremost, it’s crucial to give the cleaner the time it needs to do the task at hand. By doing this, the stain will be sufficiently removed by the enzymes.
Second, it’s crucial to avoid using hot water to remove pet stains because doing so might actually cause the stain to solidify. Blood stains respond best to cold water.
Finally, you should try enzyme cleansers on a tiny area first to make sure your furniture or flooring won’t be harmed. When cleaning, keep dogs out of the way or look for cleaners that are safe for them. Even the most difficult pet stains may be removed safely and effectively when used properly with enzyme cleaners.
Keep Her in a Crate
It might be difficult to maintain comfort and calm around a dog in heat. If your dog is crate trained, keeping her in her crate will help you manage this period. This will provide her with a private place to unwind far from any potential suitors.
Given that your dog may be spending a lot of time inside, make sure the crate is big enough for her to stand up and turn around comfortably. The location of the crate in the house should be peaceful and low-traffic.
Your dog will need to go potty frequently, and if she’s feeling worried, she might also need more frequent potty breaks. You may assist your dog in passing through her heat cycle safely and comfortably with a little time and attention.
An excellent strategy to stop a messy dog in heat from running amok in the house while you are away is with a crate. Leave her in the crate only when you are gone; it would be cruel to keep her there throughout her period of menstruation.
Otherwise, confine her to spaces with floors made of easy-to-clean materials like laminate, vinyl, or tiles.
Clean Her Space Often
It’s crucial to keep a female dog’s living space tidy when she goes into heat. This necessitates routinely washing her toys, blankets, and bedding. By doing this, you can lessen the quantity of blood and discharge that is present around her, which can help shield her from infection.
Additionally, it will reduce the likelihood of scents coming from her place. Additionally, it’s critical to clean up any mishaps very away.
Put Down Old Towels
Your dog may probably have more accidents than usual while she’s on her period. Lay out used towels in key areas of the home to help absorb any spills.
The towels can be used to line her bed or crate, soak up any blood that could be present during the first few days of the cycle, and absorb any pee that might be missed during walks. The aroma of the towel will also provide your dog a sense of security and safety during this potentially stressful period.
The towels should be washed frequently because blood and discharge will soon sully them. To assist in soaking up any spills, you might also want to think about utilizing puppy or pee pads.
Use a Waterproof Bed
For any pet owner, a waterproof dog bed is a necessary piece of furniture. It offers your dog a cozy and secure place to sleep in addition to safeguarding your furniture from spills.
Make sure you get a waterproof bed that is covered in a sturdy, machine-washable fabric. Additionally, you should think about the bed’s dimensions to ensure that it can accommodate your dog’s size and weight.
These beds are built of strong, liquid-resistant materials like vinyl or PVC that are also simple to clean. Raised sides on them help contain messes as well.
Doggy Diapers
While giving your dog some much-needed relaxation and allowing them to wander about the house freely, diapers will help to contain the bleeding.
When selecting dog diapers, there are a few things to think about. The diaper must first fit properly and not irritate or chafe the baby. The second step is to pick an impermeable absorbent material. Finally, you must make sure that the diaper does not in any way limit your dog’s comfort or mobility. You may choose the ideal doggie diaper for your pet by adhering to these few rules.
Keep Her Away from Other Dogs
A dog in heat should ideally be kept away from other dogs. She shouldn’t visit the dog park or a daycare center during this period. Females may attempt to flee in order to find a mate, while men will do whatever to approach her. Therefore, when you can’t watch over your dog, it may be a good idea to kennel or confine her.
Keep her close to you and on a leash if you must take her outside so that you can manage her exposure to other dogs. She will attract the attention of male dogs, so choose to stroll in areas and at times where there are less dogs. Some nations forbid owners from taking their dogs out while they are in heat.
You can assist your dog feel less stressed and limit the possibility of an unintentional mating by keeping her away from other dogs.
Sanitary Cut
Maintaining cleanliness around your dog’s vulva while she is in heat will assist to reduce inflammation. This can be accomplished by giving her a clean cut. This is especially useful for dogs with long hair.
Shorten the hair near the vulva by cutting it short, but avoid shaving too close to the skin. This will maintain the area clear of trash and clean.
Additionally, you should routinely inspect the area for any indications of irritation or infection, and if you have any worries, speak with your veterinarian.
Benefits of Spaying Your Dog
There are numerous benefits to having your dog spayed if you don’t intend to reproduce her. Spaying your dog can have a good impact on your dog’s behavior in addition to the health benefits of preventing certain cancers and other disorders.
Most veterinarians strongly advise having your dog spayed if you don’t have any plans to breed it in a humane and safe manner.
of Spaying Your Dog
Your dog’s ovaries and uterus are removed during the spaying procedure. She will no longer be able to undergo heat cycles or give birth to puppies. Although spaying your dog may be the best option for some pet owners, there are some disadvantages as well.
As the hazards do differ based on the size and breed of your bitch, talk to your veterinarian about these worries.
Final Thoughts
There are several easy things you can do to help keep your home clean even though dogs in heat can be dirty. You can reduce the mess and stress of a heat cycle by using diapers, keeping her away from other dogs, and giving her a hygienic cut. And spaying your dog can have a lot of advantages even if you don’t intend to breed her.
Despite the inconvenience, keep in mind that a heat cycle is only a short-term solution. You can get through it with little stress for both you and your dog if you plan ahead and prepare.
Credit for the Featured Image: Ekaterina Vunder, Shutterstock
