Heat, gestation and delivery of a bitch are stages of her life in which she requires much more care from her human companions. our site knows that during your dog's heat period you may have doubts about how to proceed, what is best for her or if it is possible to carry out the same activities as always, even the simplest ones, such as giving her a bath.
If you've ever wondered if bathing a dog in heat is bad, here we'll clear up that concern.
The heat in the bitch
The onset of the first heat in female dogs varies somewhat from breed to breed, but usually occurs between 6 and 8 months of ageHowever, this does not mean that the bitch is ready to be a mother, which is why many veterinarians recommend not mating her during this first heat and wait until the animal is two years old, when your pet has already reached its full potential. physical and mental development.
There is a maximum of one or two heats a year, during which your bitch will be at the ideal time to reproduce, so she will seek to attract the attention of males around her in any way. If you don't want her to get pregnant, you'll have to double your vigilance towards her.
Oestrus is accompanied by some symptoms, such as excessive displays of affection, swelling of the vulva, minor bleeding and hygiene of the longer genital area. This behavior is normal and should be patiently assumed by the family.
Can the bitch be bathed during heat?
When this unusual behavior occurs, many people make assumptions about what will be best for the dog, such as what type of food to give her or if it is possible to bathe her, for example. Regarding the latter, that you cannot bathe the bitch during heat is just a myth: there is no problem if you do it, especially if the animal is dirty or the bleeding has been profuse. You just have to be much more careful not to stress the dog unnecessarily, as she will be much more sensitive.
When bathing your dog in heat, you can use the usual shampoo and conditioner, if you use this product. In this way, it is not necessary to get new cosmetics, since, as we mentioned, the heat does not prevent your bathroom or produce any type of alteration to select new products. Of course, if your dog tends to be more upset during heat and even somewhat aggressive, create a relaxed environment first so that she appears as calm as possible possible and reward her when she succeeds so that she associates the bathroom with a positive stimulus. On the other hand, when drying it, keep in mind that, due to bleeding, it will stain the towel you use. In this way, select one that will only be used by her.
After a good bath, you can brush her as usual and put a dog panty or diaper on her, to prevent her from dirtying the house with blood. Don't forget to remove it so she can relieve herself
Also, we recommend…
With your doubts cleared as to whether bathing a female dog in heat is bad, we recommend that, if you don't want her to have puppies, you sterilize her when the vet tells you it is appropriate. In this way you will not only avoid her and you the nervousness and stress produced by periods of heat, but you will also be protecting her from future illnesses, psychological pregnancies and you will avoid an unwanted litter.
