At Chrysidis Pet Care, I regularly care for dogs at different stages of their lives — including dogs who arrive while in, or just coming out of, their heat cycle. If you’re a dog owner dealing with a dog in heat for the first time, it can feel overwhelming, but with the right knowledge and calm management, your dog can stay safe, comfortable, and stress-free.

Here’s what you need to know, based on real experience caring for dogs like Snowy, who recently stayed with me just after finishing her heat cycle.

1. Understand the Heat Cycle

A female dog’s heat (oestrus) cycle generally lasts 2–3 weeks, with the most noticeable signs occurring in the first 7–10 days, including:

Swelling of the vulva Bleeding or spotting Urinating more often Increased interest from male dogs Mild behaviour changes (clinginess or restlessness)

Even after bleeding stops, a dog may still be fertile for several days, so management is very important.

2. Keep Your Dog Safe From Unwanted Attention

During and shortly after heat, male dogs can be very persistent — even from a distance. At Chrysidis Pet Care, I take extra precautions such as:

Solo walks in quiet areas Avoiding busy parks Always keeping female dogs on a secure lead Ensuring the home environment is calm and controlled

This protects both your dog and others from unwanted stress or accidents.

3. Watch for Behavioural Changes

A dog in or coming out of heat may be:

More tired More cuddly and affectionate Less hungry A little more alert or unsettled

These are normal. At my home, I always offer:

A quiet space to rest Extra reassurance Gentle exercise A stable routine with plenty of breaks

This helps the dog settle quickly and feel safe.

4. Maintain Hygiene and Comfort

During early heat, bleeding can occur. Later in the cycle, dogs may still clean themselves more often.

To keep your dog comfortable, you can use:

Dog nappies Extra soft bedding Frequent toilet breaks Gentle cleaning with pet-safe wipes

When caring for visiting dogs, I also wash bedding and ensure the environment stays fresh and hygienic.

5. Avoid Strenuous Activity

During or shortly after heat, it’s best to avoid:

Long, strenuous walks Dog parks High-energy play with unfamiliar dogs

Light play with resident dogs (like Holy) and gentle walks are much safer until hormones settle.

6. Monitor for Complications

Most dogs go through heat without issues, but keep an eye out for:

Excessive discharge Foul smell Lethargy Lack of appetite Signs of pain

If anything feels off, contact your vet for advice.

7. Keep Communication Open With Your Dog Sitter

If your dog attends daycare or boarding while in heat:

Always inform the carer (like Robert did for Snowy) Mention when bleeding started and stopped Share any behaviour changes Provide extra pads or cleaning wipes if needed

At Chrysidis Pet Care, this helps me plan walks, interactions, and rest time safely.

Final Thoughts

A dog in heat needs a little extra attention, patience, and understanding — but with the right care, she can continue to enjoy her routine safely and comfortably.

At Chrysidis Pet Care, I provide calm, crate-free care tailored to each dog’s needs, including those navigating their heat cycle. Whether it’s a full boarding stay or regular day care, your dog will feel secure, loved, and supported.

If you ever have questions about your dog’s heat cycle or are unsure how to manage it, I’m always here to help.