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Ten Simple Tips to Keep Your Home Clean When a Dog is in Heat

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Dogs are notorious for their messy natures. When they’re in heat, it can make things even more difficult. We have your back if you are a pet owner who is trying to keep your home tidy during the heat. These are 10 easy steps that will help you clean your home while your dog is heating up.

The common name for the estrus stage in a female dog’s reproductive cycle is “heat”. As her body prepares to mate, she will experience changes in her behavior as well as her appearance. These are the top signs your dog might be in heat.

  • Swollen genitals
  • Bloody discharge
  • Receptive signs include a curled tail and a backward approach to males
  • Licking genitals often
  • Restlessness
  • Whining
  • Mounting other dogs
  • More frequent urination
  • Changes in mood
  • Food off

These reproductive cycles will only be available to female dogs who have not been spayed. Spaying is the complete removal and replacement of the uterus, ovaries, and sperm. This means that a female dog cannot reproduce and can not cycle again.

Your veterinarian should be contacted if your dog has been spayed and she is showing signs of being hot. Ovarian remnant syndrome is a condition where the initial spaying did not remove all of the ovaries. These remnants can cause hormonal changes.

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Warning: Dogs can be very messy in heat

Dogs can produce bloody discharge when they are hot. This can seep into their fur, onto furniture and floors, as well as onto any other surfaces they may be using.

Dogs in heat are also more likely to urinate more often due to higher hormone activity.

As they search for a partner, they become restless and anxious. They may chew on doors or scratch at them if they are near other dogs to find a mate.

Owners can minimize heat disruption by taking steps to reduce the chaos and inconvenience.

Ten Simple Tips to Keep Your Home Clean When a Dog is in Heat

1. Help her clean up

short-coated black and brown dog lying down on brown surface

Regularly cleaning her vulva is one of the best ways she can stay clean and comfortable. You can use a cotton pad or soft cloth soaked in warm water to clean the area. Be gentle and don’t irritate the skin.

The vulva is a delicate area so it is important not to scrub it.

To ensure that her genital pH balance is not disturbed, avoid using soaps or shampoos made from human hair. This can cause irritation and increase the likelihood of infections such as UTIs.

2. Cover Vulnerable Surfaces

grey scarf on the sofa

It’s best not to allow any items in your home that you don’t want to get stained (e.g. expensive furniture, sheets)

Use a sheet or towel to cover the furniture. Block her access to your bedroom during the heat cycle.

3. Stains can be cleaned with enzyme cleaners

person holding white ceramic mug

Because they are safe for pets and can remove stains and odors quickly, enzyme cleaners are a very popular choice.

There are some things you should remember when using enzyme cleaners to remove pet stains.

It is crucial that the cleaner be allowed to work for the entire time indicated on the label. This will allow enzymes to have sufficient time to remove the stain.

It is crucial to not use hot water for pet stain removal. This can cause the stain to become worse. Blood stains are best cleaned with cold water.

Enzyme cleaners should be tested in a small area to ensure that there is no damage to your floors or furniture. Some cleaners can be harmful to pets, so make sure you only use safe cleaners and keep them away from your floors while cleaning. Enzyme cleaners can be used safely and effectively to remove pet stains.

4. Keep her in a crate

It can be difficult to keep a dog calm and comfortable when they are in heat. If your dog is crate-trained, you can help her to stay in her crate. It will provide her with a safe place to unwind and be away from their potential mates.

You should ensure that the crate is big enough to allow your dog to stand and turn in. You should place the crate in a quiet area with low traffic.

Your dog will need to be let out often to relieve herself. She may also require additional toilet breaks if she feels anxious. You can help your dog safely and comfortably get through the heat cycle with patience and care.

Crates are a great way for a dog with heat to be contained and not run wild in your home. You should limit her time in the crate since she will be out for most of her heat period.

Instead, keep her in rooms with easy-to-clean floors like vinyl, tiles, or laminate.

5. Keep her space clean often

person holding blue textile near clear glass bottle

It is important to clean the living space of a female dog when she goes into heat. It is important to wash her bedding, toys, and blankets on a regular basis. This will reduce blood and discharge from her environment. It can also help prevent infections.

This will reduce the likelihood of unpleasant odors from her home. It is important to immediately clean up any accidents.

6. Get rid of old towels

blue and black bath towel

Your dog is likely to have more accidents during her heat cycle than usual. You can place old towels around the house to absorb any mess.

You can use the towels to cover your dog’s bed or crate, absorb urine from walks, and absorb any blood that might have been present in the first few days. The towel will also help your dog feel secure and safe during stressful times.

You should wash your towels often to avoid a buildup of blood and other fluids. To absorb any accidents, you might also consider puppy pads or pee pads.

7. Use a waterproof bed

For dog owners who have heat, a waterproof bed is an essential piece of equipment. It protects your furniture from damage and provides a safe, comfortable place for your dog.

Make sure you choose a waterproof bed made of durable and washable fabric. Also, consider the size of your bed. You will need it to be large enough for your dog.

These beds are made of durable materials such as vinyl or PVC. They are easy to clean and resist liquids. These beds also have raised sides to help contain spillages.

8. Doggy Diapers

Adult German Shepherd Lying on Ground

Doggy diapers are a great way to help your female dog during the heat. Dogs that are in heat will bleed for about a week. They tend to eat less and not their food.

Diapers can help keep bleeding under control and provide rest for your dog, without restricting their movement.

When choosing diapers to give your dog, there are several things you should consider. You must ensure that the diaper fits comfortably and doesn’t chafe or rub. You should also choose an absorbent material that won’t leak. Finally, ensure that your dog is free to move and feels comfortable in the diaper. These are just a few guidelines to help you choose the right doggy diaper.

9. Keep her away from other dogs

two brown and white dogs running dirt road during daytime

A dog that is in heat should be kept away from other dogs. She shouldn’t go to dog daycare or the park while she is in heat. Males might try to reach her, and females could try to escape in order to find a partner. It is a good idea to keep your dog in a kennel, or even a crate, if you are unable to supervise it.

You can keep your dog safe outdoors by keeping it on a leash. She will be feigned by male dogs, so she may choose to walk with other dogs or in certain places. In some countries, it is illegal to walk in public places with a dog.

You can reduce stress and prevent accidental mating by keeping your dog from other dogs.

10. Sanitary Cut

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To prevent your dog from getting irritated while she is heating up, keep the area around her neck and vulvae clean. This can be done by giving your dog a sanitary haircut. This is especially helpful for long-haired breeds.

Cut the hair at the vulva to make it shorter, but don’t shave too close. This will keep the area free from debris and clean.

Also, you should inspect the area for signs of irritation and infection. Consult your veterinarian if there are any concerns.

Spaying your dog is good for you

Even if you don’t intend to breed your dog there are good reasons to have her spayed. Spaying your dog can have positive effects on your dog’s behavior and prevent certain cancerous diseases.

  • You won’t have the hassle and mess of a heat cycle
  • It is used to manage the pet population
  • Reducing the risk of mammary cancer
  • Reducing the risk of ovarian and uterine cancer
  • This may reduce the desire to wander, which could help lower the chance of an accident.
  • Spaying your dog will help to keep her calm and relaxed. She won’t experience the hormonal fluctuations that are associated with heat cycles.

Most veterinarians recommend that you have your dog spayed if you do not intend to breed your dog ethically and safely.

Spaying your dog can have its drawbacks

Spaying your dog will result in her having her ovaries and uterus removed. She can’t have heat cycles anymore or make puppies. Spaying your dog is not the best option for all pet owners.

  • This procedure requires surgery and carries some risk
  • This could make your dog more likely to gain.
  • Spaying your dog early before she reaches sexual maturity can increase the likelihood of her developing urinary incontinence.
  • It is irreversible

These concerns should be discussed with your vet. The risks will vary depending on how big and what breed your dog is.

Last Thoughts

You can help your dog in heat and avoid making it messy. There are simple steps that you can take to keep your home tidy. You can reduce the stress and mess that comes with a heat cycle by using diapers, keeping your dog away from other dogs, and giving your dog a clean cut. Spaying your dog can have many benefits, even if you don’t plan to breed her.

Although a heat cycle is unpleasant, it is temporary. You can make it through the heat cycle with little stress for your dog and yourself by planning ahead.

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