Is it normal for a dog to pant when in heat?

No worries! Panting is a normal symptom when a dog is in heat. Panting is also a sign that your furry friend may be experiencing a bit of discomfort and stress, which is pretty normal when their hormones are going haywire. This can also be caused by anxiety or excitement.

How do I know if my dog is in heat?

There are several signs that you can look for to see if your dog is in heat. 

We’ll list the ones that are easy to spot. This way, you can immediately take action to alleviate your dog’s reaction to hormonal changes. 

Swollen vulva

One of the common signs that your dog is in heat is that their vulva is a bit swollen.

“Is this normal or should I be worried?”

The swelling of your dog’s vulva is its body’s way of making mating easier. 

Male dogs can easily spot a female dog’s vulva when swollen, making it more appealing. This also makes it easier for male dogs to mate since they have a larger target than when a female dog’s vulva is at its normal size.

Urinating a lot

One of the ways dogs communicate and learn about their surroundings is through scent. When a female dog is in heat, they also use scent to “announce” to the immediate male dogs that she’s ready for mating.

It’s like their way of posting on their Facebook page that they’re single and ready to mingle!

Female dogs also urinate to mark their territory and keep other female canines away from their potential mates.

Because of this, you need to watch out for your dog's hydration needs. It’d be wise to give them smart water dispensers to help regulate their body temperature and avoid dehydration.

Moving their tail to the side

This is another way for your dog to show other canines she’s ready to mate. When your dog’s tail is on one side, it can show its vulva to potential mates.

This phenomenon is also called “tail flagging.”

Some pet owners worry when they see this, thinking their furry friend’s tail might be injured. If your dog does this, it’s not a cause for concern.

Vaginal discharge and bleeding

Bleeding in female dogs when in heat resembles a human’s period. However, in canines, bleeding signifies the initial stage of their heat cycle.

This means that when your dog is bleeding, it’s their body’s way of preparing for mating. Their uterine lining sheds during this time, which creates an environment that can help embryos grow.

What do I do if my dog is in heat?

You can do a few things to make your dog’s heating cycle easier and safer for them.

• Keep them indoors during this period to avoid accidental mating and unwanted pregnancies.

• When taking your furry friend on a walk, make sure they wear a strong harness to keep them from running away. 

• Make them wear diapers to lessen the exposure of their vulva. Doggy diapers can also help keep their discharge and bleeding more manageable.