Caring for a Bitch in Season

Willow is currently having her first season, and she’s pretty sad about it.

If you look online, most sources will tell you that dogs should have their first season at around six months. At eighteen months, Willow is three times that age. Generally, giant breeds may come into season later, but at just 10kg, that hardly applies to her.

But the truth is, just like with humans, it varies from dog to dog. I know a dog that didn’t have their first season until over two years old. It just so happened, typically, that Willow’s came the same week she’s been entered into her first agility shows, sadly meaning she has to withdraw. Unfortunately in the UK, bitches in season still aren’t allowed to compete (despite the fact that they can in many other countries!)

All of my personal dogs are females, all of them had seasons, and although they are all spayed now, I kept them intact long enough to fully develop. However, it’s been about four years since I last dealt with an in-season pup, so I wanted to do a little research to ensure I was doing everything right.

To my dismay, a Google search of “how to care for a b*tch in season” only yielded answers such as:

1) don’t walk them

2) put pants on them

3) don’t let them up on the furniture

4) mop up after them

5) ensure they don’t get pregnant

Which is a fair enough list, but site after site just provided ways of making it more convenient for owners, but not ways to actually help the dog feel more comfortable. So, instead, I’ve written my own list.

1) before she comes into season, condition your dog to wearing pants. Ensure they are comfortable wearing them, and are happy to have them on. When they are in season, it’ll be stressful enough for them without having to deal with wearing novel items.

2) do not have the pants on her at all times. She will need to be able to clean herself, and move completely freely during the day, too.

3) find somewhere you can exercise your dog. If she isn’t up for walks, that’s okay, but don’t stop all her normal routine if you don’t have to. Find a quieter spot, maybe a private field if you can, so she can still move around. Movement can help alleviate period cramps, and make us feel better, so I imagine it’ll be the same for our dogs.

4) online sources say that she won’t be in any pain. I imagine a man originally wrote this. Periods hurt. They are uncomfortable, make you feel grouchy, tired and can upset your digestive system. If she wants cuddles, give her cuddles. Willow is extremely cuddly and clingy at the moment, so I’m being as affectionate as I can be to help her feel happier.

5) chamomile tea helps for period pain and gastro issues, and is dog-safe. Add a little to their meals or leave cool tea out for them to drink. If it helps, it helps. If it doesn’t, it doesn’t. I’d rather try it on the chance it’ll help alleviate any of her discomfort.

6) heat can also help reduce period pain, so a warm hot water bottle, wrapped in a blanket, can be placed on her tummy. Ensure you watch your dog’s behaviour to see if they like it or not. If they don’t, stop right away. Ensure it doesn’t get too hot for them.

7) it’s up to you, but I’m not going to tell my dog to get off the furniture when she’s not feeling totally well and is in need of cuddles. Just put old towels or blankets down, and let them snuggle up as close as they need to. Don’t make her feel like she’s being punished.

8 ) ensure she’s getting enough to eat. Some dogs lose their appetite when in season, but their body is using up a lot of energy, so it’s important she consumes enough calories. Just like how we sometimes need chocolate on our periods, she may require a little extra tasty food to boost her mood and energy levels (but obviously not chocolate!)

9) watch her behaviour. I get more snippy when I’m on my period, and dogs can be the same. Hormone surges may increase the likelihood of guarding food or spaces, make them overall more grouchy and less responsive to training. That is okay. Manage other household dogs around her, ensure they don’t get on her nerves, give her space when she needs it and don’t tell her off if she seems more short-tempered.

10) be patient. Blood can be cleaned, grouchiness will end, however annoying it is for you, it’s much worse for her. Be compassionate, kind and listen to what she wants. Make these few weeks as easy for her as possible. A bad experience when she’s in season can cause lasting effects, as tensions are high, so create a calm and pleasant environment for her.