Can You Bathe A Bitch In Heat?
First of all, you need to make sure the female is at this stage, which she goes through a few times a year. A female first comes into heat when she is between 9 and 12 months old. Here we answer the question of whether you can bathe a bitch in heat.
Then find out everything you need to know about this topic.
All about bitches in heat
Bitches usually first come into heat when they are between 9 and 12 months old. You are then in heat twice a year. The heat consists of four phases: proestrus, estrus, metestrus and anestrus.
The first phase lasts between nine and fifteen days and is characterized by the discharge of a red-brown liquid.
In the second phase, which also lasts about nine days, the vulva is red and swollen.
The metestrus phase can last up to 80 days if the bitch is pregnant. In fact, at this stage, she may have a false pregnancy.
The anestrus is the longest, it is the resting phase. This can take between 15 and 265 days. Some breeds are only in heat once a year.
How do I know if my bitch is in heat?
There are many factors that indicate the bitch’s heat:
- Changes in mood. Obviously, while a bitch is in heat, hormonal changes occur that can affect behavior.
- Swollen nipples. When the bitch is in heat, her breasts will swell and they may be painful to the touch.
- Obsessive interest from males. If you see a lot of dogs sneaking around your bitch, it is better you go home if you don’t want any offspring. This is an unmistakable sign that your bitch is in heat.
- Bleeding. Vaginal bleeding is a clear indication that the bitch is in heat.
Now you know the process and how to identify it. It is now time to answer the question. Can you bathe a bitch in heat?
Can you bathe a bitch in heat?
The answer is very clear: yes. You can of course bathe your bitch in heat as long as you take some precautions.
Bathing will be necessary in case of bleeding to make the animal feel better. Regular hygiene is very important!
However, try to avoid stress while doing this. Do not give the female dog a hectic bath or force her to do so. Use positive reinforcement that always works.
You can use your usual shampoo, but be especially careful when washing your private parts.
Regulate the temperature of the water so that it is warm and constant. Water that is too cold or too warm can cause a heat or cold shock in your body and make you feel unwell.
Use a clean towel to dry your furry friend, as their private parts are sensitive and they could easily get an infection. The material should be very soft so that it feels comfortable.
On the flip side, you should also keep in mind that bitches in heat lose more hair, so it’s very important to brush them before and after the bath.
Follow these tips and you will have no problem bathing your bitch in heat.
