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With more and more vets advocating for spaying after a female has experienced a heat cycle or two, most owners are now learning how to live alongside a bitch in season. Heat cycles are a natural part of life for female dogs, but they can also feel messy, confusing and a bit overwhelming for new pet parents.
This article covers the four most common methods of keeping things clean in the home, and talks you through all of the pros and cons of each so you can make an informed decision. The right solution for you will depend on your dog, your expectations and your budget.
First, let's dive in to what you can expect during a female dogs' heat cycle. Female dogs experience a distinct hormonal cycle that brings them into heat once or twice each year.
This initial stage lasts about nine days. The female dog develops signs including a swollen vulva and there is a bloody discharge. She may also pee more and be quite excitable, though won't tolerate a male dog mounting her.
For the following 9 days or so, the vulva remains enlarged but the discharge becomes more straw colored. At this point, the bitch is fertile and will allow male dogs to mate with her. She may experience some behavior changes- acting a bit more energetic or restless.
The bleeding in the pro-estrus phase is the 'messiest' time, although some dogs can keep themselves clean by licking the area. How much female dogs bleed is highly variable.
The length of the dog heat cycle is also very much dependent on the individual.
When female dogs bleed, owners want to know how they can contain the mess and maintain proper hygiene. Thankfully, nowadays we have lots of options available, including dog diapers and pads.
Reusable dog diapers are a hugely popular choice among owners, as they cover the vulva, keeping any messy leakage contained. They're well tolerated and will keep your dog comfortable while worn. They're also super absorbent, meaning it is easy to maintain the hygiene around your home and you won't be surprised by any messes on furniture or flooring
Another real benefit of these, is that they act as a physical barrier to unwanted male attention at their back end. They can buy you a little extra time as you quickly ensure your female dog is kept well away from the male. However, even with a diaper on, never leave your female dog unattended around a male.
For younger female dogs, it is a good idea to choose adjustable dog diapers as the dog's weight and size can change as they age. A flexible tape measure can be used to check waist size, ensuring the correct female dog diapers are purchased and that they fit snugly.
For younger female dogs, it is a good idea to choose adjustable dog diapers as the dog's weight and size can change as they age. A flexible tape measure can be used to check waist size, ensuring the correct female dog diapers are purchased and that they fit snugly.
An eco-friendly solution, the soiled diaper can be easily cleaned in the washing machine, allowing you to use it again and again. Disposable ones have a much more negative impact on the environment, ending up in landfill for decades.
Changing your dog's diaper when it gets soiled is important to prevent skin irritation, bad smells and bacteria build up.This usually means a few times a day, or immediately if she has soiled it. Explore the Potty Buddy range, to see if these would be a good option for you.
Male and female dogs can use these! While male dogs don't go into heat, they work well to protect from urine and stool leakage in the house if a male dog struggle with incontinence.
These diapers are more often associated with urinary incontinence and senior dogs, but they can play a role here too. They are certainly less environmentally friendly than the material alternatives, but they tend to be more affordable and may be easier to get hold of.
Many owners appreciate how convenient this sort of diaper is, and how there is no need to wash them. They can be especially handy while travelling, if you have no access to clothes washing facilities.
However, female dog diapers are generally less comfortable and they can irritate the bitch, even when bought in the right size. The crinkly noise may be irritating for them and, in my experience, these are more likely to be chewed off or wriggled out of. You should supervise your dog while they're wearing a diaper to prevent them from tearing it off or ingesting pieces of it.
While many owners will use this type of diaper to keep their home clean when caught off guard with the first season, most switch to re-usable for the long-term.
These insert pads are not a standalone product, rather an 'add on' if you are using dog heat diapers but find that you need a bit of extra help.
Pads act as liners to increase absorbency of liquid for heavy flow but are not effective on their own without a diaper. Large dog breeds can bleed more and are usually the target marker here.
For dogs with a lighter flow, they can even be inserted inside dog shorts or pants, as a less bulky option. This tends to work best for extra small dogs who do not bleed much.
This 'shorts and pad insert' combo can be nice for a pup who dislikes the feel of heavy diapers and who only bleeds a small amount.
For heavy bleeders, wearing a pad alongside a diaper can help them last longer and make them more leak proof.
It is important to state that not all female dogs wear dog diapers or dog period pads during their heat cycle. Some dogs in heat will not bleed much or will groom themselves to the point that they do not leak.
Keep in mind that this means no 'extra protection'. Diapers for dogs in heat can reduce the risk of unwanted mating by covering the dog's private area.
While most people assume that puppy pads are solely used for potty training, we often use potty pads in this scenario. The female will need to pass urine more often, and even with the best potty training in the world, this can lead to indoor accidents. Enter- puppy pads!
These pads are typically placed near sleeping spots or in larger crates, to enable your bitch to access them quickly.
Be aware that when no protection is used, there are some potential risks to consider, including:
Staining on furniture from the bloody discharge
Indoor urine accidents and messes
Male dog attraction, and potentially mating
Over-licking of the vulva, which can lead to irritation for some pets
| Situation | Best Option |
|---|---|
| Active dogs, moving around the house | Reusable dog diapers |
| Dogs in first heat, owner unprepared | Disposable diapers |
| Travel | Disposable dog diaper |
| Heavy bleeder or large breed dogs | Reusable dog diapers + period pad insert |
| Smaller dogs, light to moderate flow | Sanitary shorts + period pad insert |
| Dogs with light flow, have outdoor access | No diapers + pee pads |
| Budget-conscious long term | Reusable pads or diapers |
Diapers have the potential to cause skin irritation and infections, when not used appropriately. As the owner, you've got to be on top of things to keep your pet happy and healthy.
Diapers must be changed every few hours, and you can gently clean your dog's vulva using cotton balls and warm water at each change. Before re-applying the diapers, dry the vulva well with a clean paper towel.
Monitor your dog's vulva for any signs of irritation such as redness, swelling, bad smell or discharge. Do also check your dogs' tail and nearby skin, to ensure there is no skin inflammation.
Pet parents should never punish dogs for indoor puddles of wee- when in heat, females experience hormonal changes that mean they need to urinate a lot more often, making it really difficult for them to avoid toileting inside entirely.
If you're concerned your female is licking excessively, her vulva looks sore, or she is bleeding for a prolonged amount of time, do not hesitate to contact a veterinary professional.
The best solution for you and your dog depends on your dog's flow, her temperament, and your lifestyle. There is no right or wrong answer here.
Fabric dog diapers are undoubtedly a favorite among owners and most female dogs in heat will tolerate them well. They're also cost effective in the long run and a good option for the environment.
Potty Buddy reusable pads and diapers are a great solution for the vast majority, offering comfort and affordability, while keeping your home hygienic.
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