How To Keep And Care For An Intact Dog

If you regularly read our magazine, you surely already know that we absolutely place our vote beside neutering. Beyond the fact that it has numerous health benefits, it also makes the keeping and care of the dog easier by having an effect on many behavioural patterns. However, we know that there are those for whom neutering their pet is unimaginable for some reason. (We’re not necessarily thinking about breeding animals here.)

advertisement

If we cannot convince you, we would at least like to make things easier for you and your surroundings as well. With the help of the following tips, keeping an intact dog will also be more manageable and safer.

If you have an intact dog, during the period of being in heat, you must thoroughly consider where and when you can go walking / Photo: welovedogz.hu

Intact females will go into heat: what happens then?

A female dog during heat becomes capable of mating, meaning they will be able to be fertilised and to become pregnant. Generally, females go into heat every six months, but this may vary depending on breed. Smaller breeds can go into heat up to three times a year, while large breeds only once.

The heat cycle usually lasts 2–3 weeks. To determine fertility more accurately, a blood test exists, called progesterone level measurement, which shows when the dog is ovulating. In addition, physical and behavioural signs also indicate that the dog is in heat. Such are, for example, a swollen vulva, leaking bloody discharge, frequent urination, constant licking, increased attraction to males, decreased appetite, restlessness, and increased attachment to their owner and family.

As heat makes keeping the surroundings tidy harder, it is worth using dog nappies or pads; these can help in catching the bloody discharge, and some are designed in a way to make penetration by male dogs impossible (though there is no full guarantee). Beyond that, they also provide protection against excessive licking, which can cause irritation in this sensitive area.

If you use nappies, change them regularly to prevent skin irritation or infection. Also always supervise your dog, as they may take them off and chew them.

How can unwanted reproduction be prevented

Ovulation happens during the oestrus phase of the heat cycle, meaning the dog is fertile at this time. Ovulation occurs 1–3 days after the start of oestrus. “Female dogs can only become pregnant during the estrus stage of their heat cycle. This window is usually a week or less.” explains veterinarian Dr Kelly Hood.

Dogs in heat emit pheromones that attract intact males. Pheromones are chemical substances dogs use for communication. “Male dogs that pick up the scent of a dog in heat will attempt to approach the female,” Then they can become very persistent. Dr Hood advises always supervising your female to avoid unwanted mating and pregnancy. Keep them away from male dogs, and always have them on a lead when walking.

Females during heat will do everything to attract the attention of males, who, if intact, will be receptive to this call / Photo: welovedogz.hu

Intact males can also become aggressive to mate – sometimes females too. As they tend to run away during this time, don’t let them go anywhere off-lead, and if you can, walk them in places where there are fewer dogs during these periods. Your garden should be securely fenced, and always walk them on a lead. This is mandatory anyway (at least, in Hungary), but even more so in such times.

Are intact males really more dominant?

Male dog aggression also depends on breed. Intact males often show dominant or territorial behaviours, such as mounting, roaming, and urine spraying. “They could become more aggressive, especially around other males or when a female in heat is nearby, if a dog is trained and has been well-socialized, it can diminish aggressive tendencies” explains Dr Hood. We recommend you seek the help of a professional trainer, who will provide excellent practical and theoretical advice in such cases too.

Can intact males and females live in the same household?

Dogs reach sexual maturity between 5 months and one year of age. Intact males are fertile all their lives and don’t have cycles, so they can fertilise a female in heat at any time. It is possible for an intact male and female to live in the same household, but only under strict supervision. You must count on having to strictly separate them during the heat period, as even a few minutes of meeting can result in a litter of puppies.

It’s also important to understand that not all females clearly show signs of heat – they may ovulate even before you notice that they’re fertile. This is why we must emphasise that if you definitely want to avoid unwanted litters or injury during a potential escape, neutering is the most effective long-term solution.

As the owner of an intact doggy, you need to be more careful in many respects / Photo: welovedogz.hu

The advantages and disadvantages of neutering

“The benefits of spay-neuter versus the risks involved are unique to each dog , their type, sex and breed, and the owner’s lifestyle, and should be discussed with a person’s veterinarian” explains Dr Jerry Klein, chief vet of the American Kennel Club.

If you decide in favour of neutering, Dr Klein does not recommend the general “6 months of age” guideline that many vets followed in the past. Instead, he advises timing it individually, especially with large breeds. It may also be helpful to consult the breeder. In any case, discuss with your vet when would be the most suitable time for neutering – taking into account the dog’s breed, sex, lifestyle, and health condition.

advertisement