Pet owners react quickly to any signs of distress from their beloved companion. The moment they get a sense that something’s wrong, they spring into action right away and try to find a solution. Unfortunately, not every problem your pet goes through will be something you can resolve.
For instance, dogs in heat may experience some degree of discomfort. What kind of discomfort is it? That’s the question we are aiming to address in this article.
Stay tuned if you wish to learn more about the experience your dog may have while they are in heat. Find out if period cramps are something that they must also deal with by continuing with the rest of this article.
Do Dogs Get Period Cramps?
Period cramps can vary in terms of how painful and uncomfortable they are.
Sometimes, the pain caused by that kind of cramping is manageable, but it can sustain for a while. After some time, the pain can wear you down.
Other occurrences of period cramps feel like intense spasms of pain that last for short intervals. As the intense pain spreads throughout your lower body, even moving around can turn into a struggle.
That kind of pain is not believed to be exclusive to humans. Even our dogs may be familiar with it.
Although it has not been confirmed, it is believed that female dogs are also susceptible to experiencing period cramps. Researchers have found that dogs have menstrual cycles that are similar to what women experience. Because of that, there is a belief that they are also familiar with the pain and discomfort that comes from cramping.
The menstrual cycles for female dogs and women are not completely similar.
Women go through period cramping because their uterine walls are contracting. The cause of cramping for dogs is something different. The cramping has more to do with the hormonal changes they experience while they are in heat.
How Do Dogs Feel on Their Period?
Female dogs act differently while they’re on their period.
First off, you will likely notice a change in their behavior. When dogs are going through their period, they tend to become more anxious. It may seem like they’re always on guard whenever you try to interact with them.
Dogs in heat also look distracted and restless. They may not pay as much attention to you. They may also have a tough time sitting still so they will pace around your living room or yard instead.
You may also notice that your dog is uncomfortable during this time. That’s likely due to the cramping and other painful sensations they are currently experiencing.
The biggest behavioral change you may notice in your dog while they’re in heat is how they act towards others. To be more specific, female dogs become more receptive towards their male counterparts while they are in heat.
Your dog may even signal interest in mating with a potential partner. She may do so by raising her rear and displaying other signals. Female dogs also release pheromones during this time.
It’s a rarer occurrence, but some dogs are also known to become more aggressive while on their period. The increased aggression is likely their reaction to the painful cramping.
One more thing to watch out for is the sound of your dog is crying. Those crying noises can mean two different things. They can indicate that your dog is in pain, but they may also be mating calls that your dog is sending out.
What Are the Symptoms of a Dog in Heat?
Periods can take a toll on dogs just as they do on humans. But, how can you tell if your dog is currently going through her heat phase? Thankfully, there are more than a few symptoms that you can watch out for.
The behavioral changes we highlighted in the previous section are all symptoms of a dog in heat. Before you get mad at your pet for acting strangely, it’s important to realize that they may just be coping with changes they don’t fully understand.
Physical symptoms will also emerge if your dog is going through her period.
Among those physical symptoms is frequent urination. If your dog is going to the backyard more often than usual, you now know why.
You may also find a bloody discharge somewhere on the floor or your dog’s bed. It’s a good idea to search for traces of blood if you want to confirm that your pet is in heat.
A female dog will also have a swollen vulva while she’s on her period.
One more thing to watch out for is panting. Dogs usually pant because they want to cool down. Panting is a way to release the heat from their body.
However, panting can also be a sign that your dog is in pain. A dog who is panting while resting is likely experiencing discomfort of some kind. The discomfort could very well be caused by the period cramps.
How Do You Comfort a Dog in Heat?
All the signs are pointing to your pet dog being in heat. So, what can you do for her? How can you help your pet manage the symptoms of their period?
Detailed below are some of the ways you can make an otherwise trying time easier for your pet.
Take Your Dog to the Veterinarian
It’s easy to assume that the behavioral and physical changes your dog is displaying are all caused by her period. That could very well be true, but if it’s happening for the first time, it’s still a good idea to consult with a veterinarian.
Your veterinarian can confirm that your dog is on her period or spot a problem that needs to be addressed. If the veterinarian does find that your dog is on her period, they can also prescribe some medication that will ease your pet’s pain.
Spend More Time with Your Dog
Your dog is in a significant amount of discomfort and she doesn’t really understand how to deal with it. During that time, you can be helpful just by being close by.
Spend more time with your pet and snuggle up with her if she’s up for it. While you’re at it, feel free to offer some soothing pets so your canine companion can feel even more at ease.
Spoil Your Dog
Giving your dog too many treats is usually not recommended. Still, you can make an exception if she’s on her period.
If your dog will feel better after receiving some treats, go ahead and provide them. Anything that can help them endure the pain is welcome.
Ease Up on Exercising
Exercise should be a part of every dog’s routine, but there’s a time and place for it. Don’t force your dog to exercise if you know she’s already in pain. Ease up on the exercise for now and make up for it when your dog is feeling better.