There is a lot of debate surrounding whether or not dogs pee more when they are in heat. Some people say that there is no difference, while others swear that their dog pees twice as much when they are in heat. So, which is it? Do dogs pee more when in heat? Let’s investigate this further so that you can decide for yourself.
Do Dogs Pee More When in Heat?
It’s true, many female dogs pee more when they’re in heat. You may notice her needing to urinate more often than usual, or even developing a marking behavior. This is when a dog urinates in very small amounts on different objects around the yard or out on a walk.
This can last for a week and a half to two weeks, depending on the length of her heat cycle. You may notice an increased need to urinate during part of the estrus, or throughout its whole cycle.
Sometimes this behavior may lead to accidents in the home or marking on objects inside, especially if the dog isn’t properly house trained or quite young. This can be frustrating, but it’s important to remember that the behavior is normal and will eventually go away.
Do All Female Dogs Pee More When in Heat?
No, not all dogs pee more when they are in heat. In fact, some female dogs don’t seem to have any major symptoms at all! They may urinate slightly more than normal, but that’s about it. If your dog doesn’t seem to be exhibiting any of the typical signs of being in heat, there’s a good chance she won’t have an increase in peeing either.
What Are Other Signs of a Dog in Heat?
If you’re wondering if your dog is in heat, there are a few other signs to look for. The first one is obvious: bleeding. Normally, this happens when the female dog is in estrus and lasts anywhere from three to seventeen days or so, depending on the length of her cycle.
Another sign that may occur during part or all of a dog’s heat cycle is swollen genitals. This happens when the blood vessels in and around the vagina become enlarged and congested with blood. You may also see discharge, which can be anything from clear and watery to thick and brownish-red.
If your dog is exhibiting any of these signs, she is definitely in heat. If she urinates more than normal during this time, it is likely due to an increased need for hydration as well as a hormonal discharge to attract mates.
Why Is My Dog in Heat Peeing So Much?
There are a few reasons why your dog may be urinating excessively during its heat cycle. By knowing all of the possible causes, you can better understand your dog and help to make her more comfortable. Here are some of the most common causes:
Pressure on the Bladder
The most common reason is that the uterus is enlarging as it prepares for ovulation and fertilization. This increased pressure on the bladder causes the dog to urinate more often. Other reasons include hormonal changes, which can affect how much a dog drinks and urinates, and anxiety or excitement caused by the heat cycle. Some of these hormonal changes include a higher sex drive, which may cause your dog to be more restless and active.
She’s Attracting Mates
Marking is a way for dogs to communicate with other animals and even people through scent. It’s believed that when an intact female dog pees, she’s actually trying to attract suitors by leaving behind pheromones or sexual scents. This would explain why certain dogs try to mark and pee on anything wherever they go, putting out the signal loud and clear.
She Has a Urinary Tract Infection
Another possible explanation for increased urination is a urinary tract infection. This can be painful and cause dogs to urinate more frequently as well as in greater amounts than normal. If your dog seems to be having other symptoms such as straining to urinate, licking her genitals excessively, or vomiting, she may have an infection and should see a vet as soon as possible. Try to collect a urine sample beforehand so that the vet can test it for bacteria.
Lifestyle Changes
If your dog has experienced a major change such as moving to a new home or losing a family member, it can lead to stress, anxiety, and excitement. This may cause your dog to pee more than normal while she adjusts to her new surroundings or situation.
She May Be Pregnant
If your dog has mated during her heat cycle, she may be pregnant. The hormones involved with pregnancy can cause increased urination and thirst in some dogs. If you suspect that this is the case, take her to a vet as soon as possible so they can perform an ultrasound or x-ray to confirm if there are puppies on the way.
By knowing the most common reasons why a dog may be peeing more during its heat cycle, you can better understand what is happening to your pet and take steps to make her more comfortable. If the increased urination continues for an extended period of time or if your dog experiences any other symptoms, it’s important to take her to a vet so they can rule out any possible health problems.
What to Do if My Dog in Heat Is Peeing a Lot?
If your dog is experiencing excessive urination during her heat cycle, be sure to give her plenty of water and take her on more frequent potty breaks. This behavior is perfectly natural, so just making sure you keep your pup hydrated is a great way to make sure she is comfortable.
Keep in mind that if she’s drinking a lot of water, this may be the cause of the frequent urination, not estrus. If this is the case, try to restrict her water to a timeframe, such as from first thing in the morning to early or mid-evening.
This will help to prevent the need for potty breaks during the night or accidents.
Don’t shame or punish her for peeing. Even if you’re working on housetraining your dog, this isn’t the time to scold her for potty accidents. She’s doing what comes naturally, so any punishment may only make the issue worse and could even cause your dog to become fearful of you or increase the frequency of urination.
An option that can stop excessive peeing, if it’s due to the estrus cycle, is to spay your dog. This will halt the production of hormones that are causing the problem. It can also be beneficial for other health reasons, such as reducing the risk of certain types of cancer.
Many people spay their dogs to prevent unwanted litters from being born. Spaying your dog is a personal decision, and the pros and cons should be considered before making this choice for your pet. Talk with your vet about what would be best for you and your canine companion.
Spaying your dog is a major decision, but if she’s experiencing these problems, it may be something to consider. Talk to your vet about the best course of action for your pet.