How to Keep Your Dog From Getting Pregnant

Although most dogs will go into heat at around 6 months of age, the first heat cycle can vary greatly between individual dogs and breeds. The heat cycle lasts about 3 weeks, but can vary from 1 to 4 weeks, depending on the dog, and generally repeats itself every 6 to 7 months. At the beginning of the heat cycle you may notice a swelling of the vulva and the bitch bleeding from the vagina. She may also lick the area more than usual. She may stand still when you pet her, putting her tail high in the air, particularly during the middle of her cycle when she is likely the most fertile. Unless you want puppies, you will need to take some very intentional precautions to prevent an unwanted pregnancy.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Leash
• Doggie diapers
• A watchful eye

1. Take your dog to your veterinarian and have her spayed prior to the onset of her heat cycle. This is the best method to prevent pregnancy. Although you can have your dog spayed while she is in heat, it is a more expensive procedure, and because of the increased blood flow to the area, it contains greater risks to the animal.

2. Keep your dog indoors and separated from any males dogs you may have. Do not let her outdoors unattended for any reason. The scent released by a dog in heat has an overwhelmingly powerful effect on male dogs. Some males have been known to smell that scent from over 2 miles away. They will do almost anything to get to a bitch in heat including jumping over, digging under, breaking down, or mating through a fence.

3. Keep your dog on a short leash when you walk her, and keep your walks short and close to home. The dog’s scent may attract neighborhood males which could result in an uncomfortable or even potentially dangerous situation.

4. Diaper your dog. Pet stores carry specially designed pet diapers, both disposable and washable, for almost any size dog. As an alternative, you can buy toddler training panties and cut a hole for the tale. A panty liner or feminine napkin may also be inserted into the diaper or panty to help absorb the dog's flow. Although this has more to do with cleanliness than birth control, it will at least provide a hindrance to mating if you turn your back for a few moments.