How Can I Comfort My Lab When in Heat?

by Bailey Edwards
(Greenfield)

My Lab, Dalila, is getting ready to be bred, and I want to know how to comfort her during the time before she's bred. This includes possibly pre-making a nest, oatmeal baths, etc.

Pretty much ANYTHING on comforting her.

Got any advice?



Vet Suggestion Comforting Dog in Heat


Hello Bailey,

Your lab should not need much in the way of comfort care while she is in heat. This is a natural process and the basics of good husbandry (e.g., feeding her well, ensuring she has access to clean water, providing her with comfortable shelter and good hygiene) should be enough. The bleeding associated with a dog’s heat cycle can create quite a big mess, however. Some owners find they need put a “doggy diaper” on their dogs while they are in the house, removing the diaper when the pet needs to go outside to urinate or defecate, of course.

You should try keep her schedule as close to normal as possible, with the exception of making sure that she has no way of coming into contact with intact male dogs that you don’t intend on breeding her with.

If you have not already spoken with your veterinarian about the medical care your dog needs before, during, and after pregnancy, now is a good time to do so.



Regards,

Jennifer Coates, DVM