Ways to deal with dog heat cycles?

Question

Hi, our small dog has been deemed an anestesia risk, so no spaying is possible.

I've had every dog I ever owned fixed, so this is a first for me!

How often do toy breeds normally come into heat? Do the doggie britches work, is one brand better than the other? Any other suggestions to cope with a heat cycle and keep the housekeeping down to a dull roar I'd appreciate hearing them, thanks to all in advance!

Sure, she only weighs 8 lbs, the vet is afraid to put her under (and I don't want to lose her!)

We live in the country with a fenced yard, I'd be on the lookout for the fellas so we're all good there!

Ok, you've all convinced me, get a second opinion, and we will call ahead and get another vet that's more comfortable with it. I will leave her until a year old to give her as much growth as possible... what can I say, we love the little stinker! :) Thanks to all.

Answer 1

I would find another vet that knows how to properly use anesthesias. If your b*tch gets pyeometria it can kill her and she will need to go under anesthesia in order to save her if caught soon enough - also she is way more likely to get mammary cancer which would lead to her needing surgery as well. I know a lot of less than eight pound dogs that have gone under anesthesia without issue. I understand that you usually spay/neuter but I would personally try to locate a vet that is more competent. B*tches come in season usually twice a year and they stay in for about three weeks total - some longer, some shorter. Wearing doggie britches won't keep the household any different than if she didn't it just will make it so you don't have to clean up drops of bloody fluid that will discharge from her. Given small dogs tend to have a long life she is likely to require surgery at some point in time and it would be a good idea to know and have a relationship with a vet that knows how to administer anesthesias to small dogs anyway so unless you want to have to deal with the often serious issues leaving her intact would leave her open to, and have to have surgically intervention when she is at an even higher risk (emergently or old), I would think taking some time to locate someone able to competently do surgery on small toys would be a good idea. The only real things you have to deal with in a toy with seasons is her possibly getting bred and that killing her or pyeometria occuring after a season, false pregnancies, and your other dogs not handling it well. You can keep her confined to a specific area in the house that maybe the other dogs or any other dog can't have access to but the health risks will still be a high potential. Good luck.

Answer 2

Dog's heat cycles (which are their fertile periods and are not the same as a menstrual cycle even though they do bleed) occur for the first time between ages 6-9 months. If you spay before 6 months, you won't have deal with a heat cycle and the possibility of your dog bleeding all over your house, breaking loose to hang out with males or accidentally getting pregnant. Spaying is the healthiest thing to do - it prevents many reproductive diseases, including cancer.

Answer 3

With a smaller dog you are probably looking at about every six months. I know people that buy the doggie britches and then use sanitary napkins made for humans. You can also make a "diaper" at home that will fit your dog nicely. How clean they are varies greatly. Some dogs stay so clean you will not even have to use anything. I would suggest covering your furniture when she is in season. Also, be extra careful during these times to make sure she never gets pregnant. Good luck!

Answer 4

I think you need a new vet if her size makes her an anesthesia risk. That doesn't make sense. Some rescue agencies neuter and spay puppies at 8 weeks of age and you can bet they don't all weigh 8 pounds buy then.

Answer 5

Dogs estrus cycle is usually twice a year. May I ask why your dog is considered an anesthesia risk?? Doggie britches work I guess. You need to change the lining often.

Answer 6

Small dogs generally come into heat every 6 months. And yes, the dog diapers work to contain the mess, but they will not keep males away. She won't be bleeding for the whole 3 weeks, but you need to be really, really careful not to let any males near her for the 3 weeks she's in heat.

Probably one brand is as good as another - choose the one that fits her best.

Answer 7

yeah u might wanna get a second opinion cuz yeah but fyi not sure about other dogs but when my dogs goes in season shes an A$$H*le and shes moody and miserable, constantly whining and during Metestrus shes really anti social she's a Maltese mix and she goes in about twice a year

Answer 8

what makes her deemed an anestesia risk. Is it just her wieght??
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Answer 9

Have her spayed......best way to deal with it..