A HANDY GUIDE TO TAKING CARE OF A DOG IN HEAT (AKA PUPPIES IN PANTIES)

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

In the past, almost all dogs that weren't going to be bred were neutered or spayed at a young age. Because of this trend, only breeders had to deal with the issues of heat cycles. That has changed recently, though, as numerous studies have demonstrated that waiting until your dog is fully sexually mature before having her spayed or him neutered may be preferable. As a result, we get lots of questions about how to manage a dog's first heat. Here are some ideas and items to help you make it through your girl's first heat.

1. TIMING- Store up supplies NOW. Before the age of nine months and as early as five months, Cavalier females will experience their first heat. Six months is average. Even though the initial heat cycle can last for several weeks, the bleeding typically lasts only 9 to 12 days. Bear in mind that every dog is unique, just like every person. Unless the bleeding seems incredibly heavy or lasts longer than a month, you do not need to be alarmed.
2. PLANNING AHEAD-Consider whether your dog will only experience one heat cycle before being spayed, or whether you plan to breed your dog and will have to deal with ongoing heat cycles for several years when choosing the products to keep on hand. What you buy should be determined by this choice. Disposable diapers (link below) make the most sense for those only enduring one heat cycle. 
3. CHANGES-Our pups may go through any of the following physical and behavioral changes brought on by hormonal changes, just like women do:

• Bleeding - The level of bleeding can differ significantly. Also, some females keep themselves exceptionally clean, others don't. Either is acceptable or "normal."
• Personality Changes - Some females might exhibit increased affection or clinginess. Others might come off as a little irritable or even anxious. Again, behavior changes are also "normal." 
• Tail Tucking - Tail tucking is frequently associated with a canine that is stressed or depressed. Don't make those presumptions about a female with a tucked tail,  females frequently do this to protect their swollen vulva.
• Appetite Variations - Another big variance here. Avoid changing your dog's diet at this time or developing a bad habit that you'll later suffer for (i.e. hand feeding a picky eater). Many owners will note "picky eating" in their dogs around the 7-8 month mark. In nine out of ten cases, the owner begins hand-feeding the animal table scraps during her first heat because they were concerned when she wasn't eating. Don't fall for this trap; we have never seen a puppy starve. Hormonally induced appetite changes are not a cause for concern; however, if your dog has been refusing food and water for more than 24 hours, you should contact your veterinarian.
• Potty Habits - Marking is commonly linked with intact male dogs; however, female dogs frequently urinate more frequently while in heat and often like to spread their scent in multiple locations so that make dogs can locate her. This is an innate instinct  and it will disappear once her cycle is finished. Try to be understanding if mishaps happen during this time, but encourage more outdoor activities to stop issues before they start.

 
IDENTIFY THE STAGES- Males may be more drawn to females when they are in heat, but females only want to mate for a brief period. Keep your female isolated from any intact males during her entire cycle. About nine days after she starts bleeding, your dog usually becomes fertile (but again, this varies). She is still fertile for a few days, even after the bleeding has ended. Before thinking the situation is safe, wait until her vulva shrinks to its pre-heat size.
 
SHOP FOR YOUR SUPPLIES - Not all of these items are necessary. When making purchases, consider how many heat cycles your female will experience.

• DISPOSABLE DIAPERS (32 Count)-Depending on their waist size, Cavaliers will need either the x-small or small. On their first and second heats, our dogs are usually an x-small. If ordering at six months, check the sizing chart and purchase one size larger so they will fit later.
• ROCCO and ROXIE STAIN REMOVER- Highly rated and effective. This is the best pet stain remover available, and it cleans your house of blood stains and hormone odors (you may not notice them, but your neighbor's dog does).
• WASHABLE DOG DIAPERS - We frequently use washable dog diapers because we have several dogs. We discovered this set on Amazon for a fair price, and small suits our Cavaliers. It also holds up well in the washer. And we adore the colors. You might want to size up to a medium if your female is older or larger than average. Consult the chart and be aware that the Velcro permits considerable sizing variation.
• PANTY LINERS - For $5, you can buy more washable dog diapers and reduce the amount of washing you do. Simply put an unscented panty cover in the washable potty and swap it out when it's time to use the restroom. This washable/disposable combination is what we've discovered to work best!
• UNSCENTED WIPES - Wipes with scents or cleaning agents may upset your CKCS as they are cleaning more frequently. These all-natural (saline) wipes are also excellent for keeping your Cavalier's eyes clean between heat cycles.
• CALMING AID - We believes having calming chews on board is always a good idea in case storms, fireworks, or travel cause your canine to become anxious. This product uses organic ingredients and can also work to settle a nervous girl during periods.
• NUTRITIONAL GEL - Have some nutritional gel on board if you're one of those worried parents whose girl won't eat. We've found it helpful for our finicky females, weaning puppies, or dogs adapting to new circumstances that may need nutritional support, even though it's really for puppies.
• A note on scents - Avoid scented options when making product selections. Dogs have incredibly keen senses of scent. Some people advise using scented wipes, panty liners, or applying menthol to a dog's tail to deter other dogs without considering how these overpowering odors affect their own dog. Keep her clean and avoid using fragrance-heavy items on her. Avoid adding unneeded smells to the situation!

 
PERSONAL TIPS - Final thoughts on your dog's first heat that we would like to share with our Guardian Homes and Owners are as follows:

• Don't freak out. If you are anxious, she is anxious. It's completely normal.
• Continue to give her a lot of movement. It's a myth that she can't go for walks while in heat, but you should never let a dog off the leash because they might run off searching for a mate. You should also avoid dog parks and other places where you might unintentionally run into an intact male.
• Make her wear a diaper several times before the onset of her menstruation. If she has worn one before, it will be less problematic for you, and you will know if you have the sizing right.
• Consult your vet if a cycle is skipped, which might indicate illness.

We hope you make it through her first heat cycle with ease. We assure you that there is nothing to worry about if you are prepared. Please comment if you have any extra ideas or products you'd like to see in this post. Also, don't forget to follow us on Facebook for additional helpful advice on Cavaliers, 

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