How to Clean a Female Dog in Heat

Easy
5 - 30 Minutes
1 Day

Introduction

Female dogs often go into their first heat cycle while they are still puppies. Many veterinarians will recommend spaying your dog early so she doesn’t ever have to go into a heat cycle. Exceptions would be for large breed dogs who often go through at least one heat cycle before spaying, so their bodies are allowed to grow properly before cutting off the hormones responsible for both heat and growth. Another exception would be a to-be mother. If you are breeding your dog, she may go into several heat cycles. Keeping her clean will help her smell good, feel good, and keep her private areas sanitary. 

Dog's Perspective

She might be a tad irritated. She might be agitated. Your dog in heat might be a bit uncomfortable and potentially more tired than usual. You might find her curiosity leads her to lick often. Just keep an eye on her and keep her as clean as you can. 

The Spot Clean Method

Most Recommended
2 Votes
Spray
Towel
Step
1
Wipes and cloth
Gather several dog wet wipes or two wet and warm washcloths to spot clean your female dog.
Step
2
Body and face
Starting with her face, wipe any areas needing cleaned. Always start with her face and do not use a wipe or cloth used on other parts of her body on the face. After her face is clean, wipe other areas of her body except for her sanitary areas.
Step
3
Sanitary areas
Using a clean wipe or cloth, place your girl pup on her side or back and wipe between her back legs downward toward her bottom. You might notice spotting or bleeding at this time. Just try to keep it out of her fur and wipe the area clean.
Step
4
Spray
To keep her private area clean while she’s in heat, keep a spray bottle of water on hand for a quick spray and wipe down. Always use a clean cloth or a fresh wet wipe for this wiping process.
Step
5
Dry
Pat her wet areas down with a dry towel. Understand she may be a tad sensitive or her sanitary areas might be dry and irritated from licking. A gentle pat with a dry towel will help keep the area from becoming agitated.
Recommend grooming method?

The Bath Time Method

Effective
1 Vote
Shampoo
Towel
Step
1
Prepare
Gather all the tools and bathing supplies you’ll need to get your female dog clean. This may include dog shampoo, towels, and a cup for clean water rinsing.
Step
2
Calm
Ensure your little girl is calm and ready for a bath. This is an odd time for her, and she may be irritated or moody. Consider only cleaning her private parts as needed if she’s agitated.
Step
3
Wet and wash
Slowly and carefully add your dog to the bathwater and wet her down. Use a mild dog shampoo to wash her body.
Step
4
Washcloth
Use a washcloth to wash her sanitary area. Don’t worry if you see a small amount of blood. This is normal while she is in heat.
Step
5
Rinse
Rinse the shampoo out of your dog’s coat and off her skin. Be careful of her private sanitary area as it may be an area that is sensitive and possibly irritated.
Step
6
Dry
Remove your dog from the bath water and dry her carefully and gently with a fluffy towel. Keep an eye on her over the days to come as she wraps up her heat cycle. She may need spot cleaning or another bath during this time.
Recommend grooming method?

Caution & Considerations

  • Always use a mild and gentle dog shampoo and never a human shampoo for bathing your dog. 
  • A dog in heat might be irritated or agitated easily. 
  • Pay close attention to her actions and body language. She will tell you if she wants to be bothered.
  • Your dog might be licking her sanitary areas often while she’s in heat. This is normal. 
  • Excessive licking could cause dryness and irritation. 
  • If you are not choosing to keep her covered with a heat diaper, you can keep her contained in a room or crate to help keep the rest of your house clean. 
  • Dog wipes are perfect easy solutions for wiping away discharge while she is in heat. 
  • If you do not spay your dog, she will go into heat again, so be prepared for all that comes with owning a dog in heat. 
  • Spaying your dog will prevent future heat cycles. 
  • You should not have to bathe your dog more often while she is in heat thanat any other time. But be sure to pay attention to her private areas to ensure they are staying sanitary during her cycle.

Conclusion

Your little girl is in heat. It isn't always pleasant for either of you, but you can keep her clean and fresh with a simple bath or just by keeping her private areas wiped. Try to be compassionate and understanding with her. She might not be eager to be touched, and her skin might be dry and itchy. It's easy to care for your little one as she embarks on a new path in her life while in heat.

Success Stories and Grooming Questions

Grooming Questions & Answers

Question
Storm
Shepherd Husky
1 Year
-1 found helpful
Question
-1 found helpful
Storm
Shepherd Husky
1 Year

Is it ok to use regular baby wipes as she is bleeding i want to keep her clean

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Question
arya
American Eskimo
7 Months
1 found helpful
Question
1 found helpful
arya
American Eskimo
7 Months

She started her period today. i don't know what to do..I'm a little scared. Is there a spray i can use to clean her?

Can you use lavender
Essential oil to cover the smell?

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