Ensure that you get doggy diapers made for the size of your dog. Bigger breeds need large diapers so they don’t fit too tightly and toy breeds need small diapers that are snug so they don’t fall off.
Put your dog in a crate with a solid bottom when you’re sleeping or away from home to help contain the mess.
If you have oddly-shaped furniture, you may have to order custom slipcovers from an upholsterer. Instead of slipcovers, you could just lay out old blankets that you don’t mind getting dirty.
Choose a dog bed with a washable cover since you can remove the cover and clean it separately from the bed.
Avoid taking your dog to a dog park since male dogs will smell her pheromones and may try to mate with her.
Your dog’s vulva will be more sensitive, so be sure you’re extra gentle as you wipe her hind end and between her legs.
Bathing will mask any residual blood or urine odors, but be sure to keep your dog safe and separated from male dogs since they’ll still smell the hormones and pheromones. Some dogs might be more temperamental when they’re in heat, so only give a bath if your dog seems willing. If your dog barks, nips, or shows any other signs of distress, stop what you’re doing.
Get a few new dog toys for your dog to chew on so she doesn’t chew on anything else in your home. Your dog’s behavior may change, so try petting her for 3 seconds before stopping to see how she responds. If your pup is still acting lovey, then keep showing her affection. If she starts acting up or growling, let her be.
Dogs that are in heat are more likely to urine mark to spread their hormones and pheromones. Try to clean up messes as soon as you spot them so they’re less likely to leave stains.
You can also apply a small dab of menthol oil to the end of your dog’s tail to help mask the scent. [10] X Research source Avoid using pennyroyal, pine, tea tree, or wintergreen oils since they’re toxic to dogs. [11] X Research source Keep your diffuser in a different room than your dog since the vapors could harm her lungs. [12] X Research source
Wait until your dog isn’t in heat to get her spayed. Spaying your dog also keeps your dog from getting serious health problems as she gets older, such as uterine infections and breast cancer. [13] X Research source Give your dog a clean and quiet place to recover, and take good care of her while she heals.
