I have an 8 month old beagle who will be going into heat. When can I expect her to start, how long will it last, and what can I expect while she is in heat? She and my other boy beagle stay in a dog pin outside during the day, but are with us at night and sleep in the bed. It's going to be hard to keep them separated and it's going to be sad for me when she can no longer sleep in the bed with us. Any advice/suggestions? Thanks!
2007-06-29 05:56:43 · 7 answers · asked by ? 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
well here is a thought how about getting her spayed . I mean we honestly do have enough unwanted puppies ,dogs and kitten and cats in this country's shelters . Please do consider spaying her .
2007-06-29 06:15:55 · answer #1 · answered by Kate T. 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
All dogs are different, but *generally* they go into heat about once every 6-8 months, starting from around a year old. It could last a week, but some dogs last up to a month. Just depends really. The other poster was right - you will be able to see parts getting swollen.
My dog is actually very similar to a human. The first few days she's very lethargic, and seems to be sad or depressed. We usually give her some ibuprofen to make her feel better, and that seems to help. After about 4 days though, she's better, and it's just more of an inconvenience for her. I think at first she's embarrassed, but you never know.
I can't help you with the male beagle, because I think nature is going to take over, but maybe you can put her in a bathroom instead of in a dog pen? Or, if you have a crate/kennel, that might work too.
They do make doggie diapers, but in my experience, they're hard to find and incredibly expensive. Plus, who wants to wash them? What I do is buy baby diapers. Just go by the weight on the package - they're pretty accurate. It might take you a few tries, but cut a slit in the diaper for her tail, then mark another diaper as a "template." It's the same thing, but it'll cost you about $6 for 30 or so diapers. If the sides don't quite close, use some medical tape to keep them together.
If you do the diaper thing, she can still sleep on the bed with you, and be inside. I doubt they'd be much of a deterrant for the male, but you might be surprised.
Also, there will be accidents. If you have carpet, pour some hydrogen peroxide on the blood spot. Let it bubble up, then dab it with a cotton ball. It'll disappear, and it won't stain your carpet. It's easy and cheap, and works really well. You probably won't have any huge spots, but if you do, at least you're not spending a fortune on carpet cleaner.
Another thing - your dog will bleed, but it's not the same as a human period. There won't be too much blood, so it'll be manageable. We still had diapers left over when my dog was finished.
Good luck - and be sure to pamper that pooch!
2007-06-29 06:49:09 · answer #2 · answered by Casey 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
There are diapers made especially for dos in heat. Its pretty cute actually. You can tell she will start soon, when her "area" becomes swollen, and red. Pretty soon, blood will start flowing out. If the other dog is a male, keep them separated for he will try to mate with her, however she may be a bit aggressive to him. It will last for a few weeks (about 2). She will be her normal self, but just walking around in a doggy diaper. You can buy them at any pet store, and they have the pads that go with them. She may sleep a lot, but that is just from the feeling of bloating, and the cramps. If she wears the diaper, she can still sleep in the bed with you. Just make sure she doesn't take it off and ruin your sheets.
2007-06-29 06:06:32 · answer #3 · answered by Puerto Pan Mami 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
She will bleed constantly. You can buy disposable diapers at the pet store.
You can also get a cloth diaper that takes "pads". Here's a tip, buy the cloth diaper at the petstore, but go to the regular store and buy unscented mini-pads in the feminine products aisle. You'll save about $4 per package.
Y'all should get her fixed though. I've gotten emails from rescues just today looking for homes for 3 different Beagles!!! You can get Beagles every day of the week at the shelter - even pure-bred ones!
Good luck. :)
2007-06-29 06:08:43 · answer #4 · answered by searching_please 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Do you plan to breed her? If not, get her fixed. This is a problem you will have every 6 months if you don't. Besides the fact it decreases her chances of breast cancer & ovarian cancer. Most dogs go into heat at 6-8 months of age, so she will be starting soon. Some dogs are good at keeping themselves clean when in heat, others aren't. If she's not, your going to have to keep her confined to a room that she cannot damage with the blood.
2007-06-29 06:07:30 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
The best advice is to get her fixed! There are more than enough dogs in the world as it is, just have her fixed to prevent more animals that might not have a home.
2007-06-29 07:42:19 · answer #6 · answered by Alysianne D 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
NEVER GIVE ANY ANIMAL IBUPROFEN! IT IS TOXIC TO THEM!!! also, please have your dog spayed. beagles are a dime a dozen.
2007-06-29 06:59:01 · answer #7 · answered by bob © 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋