Today, I want to discuss an important topic that relates to responsible pet ownership. This post comes after a quite shocking interaction I had today. Well, it shocked me as I know better and I hope that the person I spoke to learned something today and will make better choices in future.
I was in a local park that has an enclosed dog area. I had an intact male with me and another dog who is a neutered female. Now normally intact males are solo walked with us for a few reasons but this is one of them. The only reason I have these two together is because they work well together and I generally do a leaded walk or go to this enclosed area. There's less chance of bumping into a female in season and should you the situation can be managed better. Although the enclosed area this situation could have ended up very differently.
There were two dogs in there and I asked if it was ok to come in as one of mine was an intact male. Now, I asked this as I know that some males don’t get on with intact males. Also I would like to think that should a dog be questionable as to her cycle, the owner would act responsibly. As I was in there and the dogs were saying hi, I could see that my male had become quite interested in the beautiful girl. She was a pretty little staffie. Call it gut instinct, canine pro intuition or what ever, I had a look and this girl had swollen lady bits. I quickly put my boy on a lead and I asked the owner is she in season to which he replied yes.
The fact that I said he was intact before entering was the point that the owner should have spoken up. OK he could have missed this point. It could have been an accident. Didn’t hear me too well. In his defence he was very sweet and although I had put leads back on he insisted that I stay and he left. So no ill will towards the gentleman. What you don’t know, you don’t know. So let's use this as a learning opportunity.
But keep reading to hear why this “accident” shouldn’t have even got to this point. This was hugely dangerous and could have not only resulted in a pregnancy but also could have caused a fight between 4 dogs.
So why is it crucial to avoid walking a dog that is in season (in heat) in a public park?
This issue is often overlooked, but it's an important consideration for the well-being of both your own dog and other pets in the community. First and foremost, a female dog in season emits pheromones that can attract male dogs from a significant distance, approximately 3 miles! The boys brains leave their heads and travel to their balls. They suddenly turn from the well trained and obedient dogs that you know, almost into teenage boys with their first chance of seeing a naked lady! Feel free to change the sexes as needed but you get the drift. It’s a natural behaviour. They cant help it. It’s as natural as peeing, pooping or sleeping.
This can lead to unwanted attention, potentially causing aggressive or disruptive behaviour among male dogs. It can also cause arguments between females or previously good buddies! In a public park setting, this can create unnecessary stress and conflict between dogs, posing a risk to their safety and the safety of their owners. Moreover, allowing a female dog in heat to walk in a park can lead to unplanned and uncontrolled breeding. This can contribute to the growing population of stray and unwanted dogs, placing a burden on animal shelters and increasing the risk of neglected or abandoned animals. Responsible pet ownership includes taking proactive measures to prevent unplanned litters, and avoiding public areas with a dog in season is an important part of that responsibility. In addition, walking a dog in season in a park can create discomfort and distress for the female dog herself. The presence of male dogs can cause undue stress and anxiety, as well as potential physical harm if aggressive behaviour occurs. It's important to prioritize your pet's well-being and ensure that she can go through her heat cycle without unnecessary interference or exposure to potential hazards. To address these concerns, dog owners need to be mindful of their pet's reproductive cycle and take appropriate precautions. When a female dog is in season, it's best to restrict her walks to private, controlled areas where interaction with other dogs can be avoided temporarily. A leaded street walk. Or some at home enrichment and playing in the garden. By doing so, pet owners can help ensure the safety and welfare of their own dog as well as the well-being of other pets in the community. Ultimately, responsible pet ownership involves making thoughtful and considerate choices that prioritize the safety and happiness of our animal companions. By being mindful of the impact of a dog in season on the broader pet community, we can work together to create a more harmonious and safe environment for all pets and their owners.
P.s The female is most fertile when the bleeding has stopped. on average its appx 10 days after the bleeding has stopped that your dog can resume normal activities.
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