Advice Please! (seasons)

[doggy182]

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Hi all,

It has been a while since I posted here but I know you guys give the best advice and I need some!

I am going on holiday in 12 days and Poppy came into season yesterday or maybe the day before. We are booked in a luxury cabin in the forest of dean and were planning lots of lovely long walks and picnics. Now I am really worried that we are not going to be able to go anywhere I don't want to leave her behind, it is a bit late to arrange something and the whole point of going there was to take Poppy. I don't know what to do! Will she have to stay in the whole time or can we walk her on the lead? Is there anything to stop her season? I am so upset that this will spoil the holiday

Any advice would be greatly appreciated,

Thanks

Carla and Pops x

 

[meddling]

Blue did this to me last year!

take some season knickers with you, so she doesn't drip around the cabin

Obviously don't walk in highly populated areas, and yes keep her on the lead unless you can see for at least a mile!!!

She will just be coming to the end of her very interesting time, but may still drip a bit...be kind to male dogs and try to avoid them, if she swells up a lot beware of her getting sore walking long distances.

Enjoy your holiday!

 

[rls22]

Oh no what a shame – just typical isn’t it.

If she is going to be on days 13-20 during the time that you are away it is very likely that she would be ‘ready’ at some point during the time you are away, which will mean it will restrict you a great deal.

Unfortunately, it will mean absolutely no off lead walks, as it will be an area you are unfamiliar with you won’t know where any dogs might be likely to appear from. It will also mean that it is not fair to be walking her in any areas where there are likely to be any other dogs – other than very early in the morning/late at night when there are unlikely to be any other dogs around.

Sorry it is not probably the advice you were hoping for – but you can never be too careful.

 

[mintobe]

hey I don't own whippets but have dogs and am hoping to get an Italian greyhound soon and people on here may disagree with me here but I don't see why this has to spoil your holiday at all.

I was in a pet shop the other day and saw these pant things for female dogs that are in heat, It protects the house from the obvious but if I was you I would still take her for all the walks you planned.

But keep the pants on her while she walks, maybe take a few pairs, and just be extra careful when your walking her and as long as she is good at coming back when called and is wearing the pants and there is no male dogs near by there is no reason why you couldn't still let her have a bit of extra supervised off lead time.

Either way she will still get the enjoyment from walking regardless of if you can let her off the lead, Also if you have a long pully lead she can get the best of both worlds i.e feel as thought she is off lead but you will have control.

As for it not being fair to other dogs I think that a little silly in my opinion, it is nature and natural and a dog does not get its feelings hurt if it can sense a female but not mate her.

I have a male and a female dog and it is my job as a dog owner to keep them under control despite there urges lol.

Anyhow relax enjoy your holiday have fun just be a little more careful.

Hope I didn't offend anyone it is just a personal opinion, everybody has a right to there own.

Hope you have a good time.

claire

 

[wilfred]

hey I don't own whippets but have dogs and am hoping to get an Italian greyhound soon and people on here may disagree with me here but I don't see why this has to spoil your holiday at all.I was in a pet shop the other day and saw these pant things for female dogs that are in heat, It protects the house from the obvious but if I was you I would still take her for all the walks you planned.

But keep the pants on her while she walks, maybe take a few pairs, and just be extra careful when your walking her and as long as she is good at coming back when called and is wearing the pants and there is no male dogs near by there is no reason why you couldn't still let her have a bit of extra supervised off lead time.

Either way she will still get the enjoyment from walking regardless of if you can let her off the lead, Also if you have a long pully lead she can get the best of both worlds i.e feel as thought she is off lead but you will have control.

As for it not being fair to other dogs I think that a little silly in my opinion, it is nature and natural and a dog does not get its feelings hurt if it can sense a female but not mate her.

I have a male and a female dog and it is my job as a dog owner to keep them under control despite there urges lol.

Anyhow relax enjoy your holiday have fun just be a little more careful.

Hope I didn't offend anyone it is just a personal opinion, everybody has a right to there own.

Hope you have a good time.

claire

I can appreciate that we all have our own viewpoints on all matters under the sun, and need to respect each other's opinions but would like to point out the following: some male dogs maybe don't get at all bothered (or less bothered than some others, anyway) when there is a bitch in season around, but some males get EXTREMELY bothered. I have a male Whippet, who is castrated and has never been used at stud - and he knows EXACTLY when my female Tibetan Terrier is at the most "vital" part of her season and is absolutely desperate to mate with her.

He can be in the same room with her during her less "vital" time and not care either way - but as soon as she's at the point where she would stand for a dog, he stops eating, cries and cries non-stop for the whole of that time (a week) until she's gone past the point of being ready for mating.

I have always owned dogs and bitches, but never had one before like this particular dog - and some dogs get less upset/affected than others. Neither would I let an in-season bitch off lead, unless I knew there was absolutely no likelihood of encountering other dogs. When in season, dogs are programmed by nature to mate and some of them will do everything in their power to make sure this happens.

I hope you are able to still enjoy your holiday but yes, I would say it will cause you some restrictions.

 

[rls22]

It may seem silly to you but I think it is irresponsible to be walking a bitch in full season in areas that are frequented by lots of dog walkers. I know it would make two of mine absolutely unbearable if they met an in season bitch on a walk, I also know if she were off lead they wouldn't think twice about mating her! A couple of the others however, would show little to no interest.

A pair of season knickers are going to be no deterrent what so ever to a dog if the bitch is ready and it takes just seconds for them to tie. Season knickers are intended to be worn in the home; to stop any unwanted mess NOT to disuade any would be admirers!! When walking in an uknown area who is to say where the next dog is going to appear from. Just not a risk worth taking in my opinion.

As an aside; whippets and extending leads are a recipe for disaster.

 

[wilfred]

It may seem silly to you but I think it is irresponsible to be walking a bitch in full season in areas that are frequented by lots of dog walkers. I know it would make two of mine absolutely unbearable if they met an in season bitch on a walk, I also know if she were off lead they wouldn't think twice about mating her! A couple of the others however, would show little to no interest. A pair of season knickers are going to be no deterrent what so ever to a dog if the bitch is ready and it takes just seconds for them to tie. Season knickers are intended to be worn in the home; to stop any unwanted mess NOT to disuade any would be admirers!! When walking in an uknown area who is to say where the next dog is going to appear from. Just not a risk worth taking in my opinion.

As an aside; whippets and extending leads are a recipe for disaster.

Yes; I do agree fully, on all counts. I tried to edit my post (WHY do I press send, then think of a better way to say what I've posted? LOL) - I was going to say, I never let my bitch off-lead during her season unless we are in an ENCLOSED space with no other dogs. I don't walk her at all if we are at all likely to meet other dogs, during her season; she stays at home and we play in the garden instead.

 

[Rachel]

Hi Carla and Poppy,

this happened to me many moons ago - worse still, we were going to stay in a caravan with another entire male dog!!!!

I had Bella injected (at the vets) to stop the season - it delays the season for a short period - can't remember too much about it - other than it worked re. the holiday, but Bella never had another proper season again and she was a young dog - she either slightly came into season, or had a bloodless season which meant she was suddenly ultra interesting without you even realising, her seasons were also very unpredicatable where they'd previously been regular. I've since heard that this is a common thing after this jab and can affect fertility in the bitch.

I presume this option still exists, but would say under no circumstances consider it! I think for a drug to have had this effect for all her life it must be a powerful one, and disastrous if you want to breed from your girlie.

I think I'd use the pants idea - not sure what they look like, but if they cover the vulva then she should be protected against male 'intruders' and not drip on the carpet to boot if she is still bleeding (do cabins have carpets???) and off lead exercise with caution.

Lucky Poppy! a luxury rural holiday sounds wonderful! I hope you both enjoy yourselves!

 

[mintobe]

Hi Carla and Poppy,
this happened to me many moons ago - worse still, we were going to stay in a caravan with another entire male dog!!!!

I had Bella injected (at the vets) to stop the season - it delays the season for a short period - can't remember too much about it - other than it worked re. the holiday, but Bella never had another proper season again and she was a young dog - she either slightly came into season, or had a bloodless season which meant she was suddenly ultra interesting without you even realising, her seasons were also very unpredicatable where they'd previously been regular. I've since heard that this is a common thing after this jab and can affect fertility in the bitch.

I presume this option still exists, but would say under no circumstances consider it! I think for a drug to have had this effect for all her life it must be a powerful one, and disastrous if you want to breed from your girlie.

I think I'd use the pants idea - not sure what they look like, but if they cover the vulva then she should be protected against male 'intruders' and not drip on the carpet to boot if she is still bleeding (do cabins have carpets???) and off lead exercise with caution.

Lucky Poppy! a luxury rural holiday sounds wonderful! I hope you both enjoy yourselves!

I am glad im not by myself on the pants idea lol , I think I offended people and I really didn't mean to at all all I was trying to say is don't stress don't let it ruin your holiday, have a good time, and don't let the fact there could be male dogs about stop you from walking the same walks you planned.

As long as your sensible and watch out for other dogs you should be fine, I took my bitch for a walk once when in heat and I let her off and was watching with extreme caution around for other dogs. Everything went fine and she didn't get even close to being caught and we did see male dogs and put her straight on the leed and they were fine.

But like I said you could keep her on the lead if you don't feel comfortable and are still worried, she will still love it, as for a whippet on a pully lead i have a friend who has her whippet on one and she does fine, but its obviously a personal choice , I am just trying to suggest things to help

I still think the pants are a good idea because a male cant get through pants whilst he is trying to get on her if you excuse the crudeness, so as long as the vital parts are covered I don't see how she would get caught, dogs are really intelligent but they are not capable of taking off pants or penetrating pants.

Anyhow if you keep her on the lead they wouldn't get a chance.

Again just my advice hope you have a great holiday and hope we have all helped in some way.

 

[doggy182]

Thank you so much for all of your advice. I really appreciate it. I think I overreacted a bit when I thought the holiday was ruined! I think there will be lots of nice quiet places for us to walk. Poppy is used to walking on an extension lead so we can keep her on lead. We will stick to quieter places which I prefer anyway and hopefully will still be able to enjoy some outdoor time. Who knows it might rain the whole time and we will stay in playing board games!

I like the idea of the season pants, even though the cabin has wood/tile floors it would be better to keep the mess to a minimum. Where can I get them from? I think Pops may try to eat them off though...

I don't intend to breed from Poppy and have recently been thinking about getting her spayed but just wasn't sure about it. I guess its just one of those things and I wouldn't be without her.

Thanks again

 

[doggy182]

Thank you so much for all of your advice. I really appreciate it. I think I overreacted a bit when I thought the holiday was ruined! I think there will be lots of nice quiet places for us to walk. Poppy is used to walking on an extension lead so we can keep her on lead. We will stick to quieter places which I prefer anyway and hopefully will still be able to enjoy some outdoor time. Who knows it might rain the whole time and we will stay in playing board games!

I like the idea of the season pants, even though the cabin has wood/tile floors it would be better to keep the mess to a minimum. Where can I get them from? I think Pops may try to eat them off though...

I don't intend to breed from Poppy and have recently been thinking about getting her spayed but just wasn't sure about it. I guess its just one of those things and I wouldn't be without her.

Thanks again

 

[mintobe]

Thank you so much for all of your advice. I really appreciate it. I think I overreacted a bit when I thought the holiday was ruined! I think there will be lots of nice quiet places for us to walk. Poppy is used to walking on an extension lead so we can keep her on lead. We will stick to quieter places which I prefer anyway and hopefully will still be able to enjoy some outdoor time. Who knows it might rain the whole time and we will stay in playing board games! I like the idea of the season pants, even though the cabin has wood/tile floors it would be better to keep the mess to a minimum. Where can I get them from? I think Pops may try to eat them off though...

I don't intend to breed from Poppy and have recently been thinking about getting her spayed but just wasn't sure about it. I guess its just one of those things and I wouldn't be without her.

Thanks again

Hey don't worry everyone panics about there dog coming into season and walking them, and its natural for you to be disappointed especially when you have centred your holiday around walking the dog.

It sounds like you have got it sorted just remember to have fun lol, I am going on a doggy break myself, my mum got me it as a surprise for my birthday as she knew ive been wanting to go away with my dogs for ages its a few days in a lake district hotel which is dog friendly and we will be going on long walks and there are dog friendly pups everywhere too i cant wait, you will have so much fun and staying in a log cabin sounds beautiful.

I have had my female dog spayed and my male dog neutered so if you don't want to breed I would defiantly consider it, I had a nervous bitch and I don't really know how, maybe because it settled her hormones but it made her much calmer and less nervous.

I have posted a link below for season pants it just an e bay link but it will give you an idea of what your looking for.

again enjoy yourself

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Mikki-Hygiene-Pants-...7833ef3ff824c17

 

[jok]

Season pants are intended from protecting your furniture / carpets from getting blood spots on them - they are not intended for wearing out on walks!!

I take my girl out when she's in season - but to a very quiet place where no one is about. Walking in a commercial area, with dozens of other walkers about is a completely different kettle of fish.

Pants would have absolutely ZERO effect in deterring a male dog wanting to mate a bitch - the smell to them carries far further than a layer of cotton can prevent.

I know what certain male dogs can be like around in season bitches and i personally would not want to consider trapsing through densely populated walking areas with a bitch who is ready to be mated.

As for another poster saying 'as long as the vital parts are covered' - well in my mind that's just ridiculous. Pants can be pushed aside easily - and even if you did get there before a tie occurred, its hardly pleasant or fair for the dog or bitch.

Season pants aren't meant to be worn as a form of contraception!!

 

[Lal]

I am glad im not by myself on the pants idea lol , I think I offended people and I really didn't mean to at all all I was trying to say is don't stress don't let it ruin your holiday, have a good time, and don't let the fact there could be male dogs about stop you from walking the same walks you planned.

As long as your sensible and watch out for other dogs you should be fine, I took my bitch for a walk once when in heat and I let her off and was watching with extreme caution around for other dogs. Everything went fine and she didn't get even close to being caught and we did see male dogs and put her straight on the leed and they were fine.

But like I said you could keep her on the lead if you don't feel comfortable and are still worried, she will still love it, as for a whippet on a pully lead i have a friend who has her whippet on one and she does fine, but its obviously a personal choice , I am just trying to suggest things to help

I still think the pants are a good idea because a male cant get through pants whilst he is trying to get on her if you excuse the crudeness, so as long as the vital parts are covered I don't see how she would get caught, dogs are really intelligent but they are not capable of taking off pants or penetrating pants.

Anyhow if you keep her on the lead they wouldn't get a chance.

Again just my advice hope you have a great holiday and hope we have all helped in some way.

Sorry, but I don't think that is a risk worth taking. Some bitches in season can be just as determined to find a mate as any male and in that situation may behave out of character and run off in search of the nearest willing partner (w00t)

 

[oakmoorehill]

It would take my males about 2 seconds to take a pair of pants of a bitch.

I would never walk a bitch in season for walks were lots of other dogs are being walked and most certainly never off lead unless we were in a secure enclosed area were only my dogs walk.

I have a mixed pack of entire dog and bitches and my males are not bothered when my bitches come into season they are kept seperate at all times during the seasons but I have no whining and they all eat but should we encounter on in season bitch on our walks or at a show then they react completely differently

My mum's bitch had not had a season when they went away in their caravan the vet gave her some tablets to give her if she came into season but I think she had to have them at the first sign of the season starting.

 

[doggy182]

Hello,

Thank you for all of your advice. I spoke to my vet this morning and unfortunately the injection to prevent a season must be done before they start. The lady did say that there is an injection that they can do if we are worried that Poppy has been mounted. I think I am going to get some of the pants so that we don't have to worry about mess in the cabin. I don't want to miss out on the walks but I will keep Pops on the lead and try to find some quiet places to wander in the woods.

A friend at work said that she used to give her dog tablets to stop the scent. Does anyone know anything about these? Even though I would still keep Pops on lead and stay in quieter areas it may help if we did come across anyone else.

Thanks again

 

[k4tie-d]

i was told by a lady years ago about a spray that your could get which masks the smell, she swore by it, i can not for the life of me remember what it was called, maybe someone else knows?

hope you have a nice holiday though xx

 

[eve]

I believe that there is one called Bitch spray http://www.bactonature.com/bitchspraytest.html .

My girls are all speyed so I have no experience of its effectiveness but perhaps someone else on the forum may know.

 

[twinkletoes dylan]

my lurcher bitch has just finished her season and I walk in very rural areas so I do walk her at the start and finish of her season where I know there is a slim likelihood of meeting other dog walkers and always late so I miss the few around however for the first time in 3 seasons we had a problem, we were in the middle of nowhere when a frantic drooling collie appeared and zeroed in on us and I spent 20 minutes fending him off with my frightened dog over my shoulder until the panting red owner found us, she had got out of her car about 2 miles away the dog peed put his nose in the air and took off, he had never been a stud and never run off before - so be very careful they will act completely out of character when the instinct takes them.

Keep her on the lead outside at all times so you can be sure she has not been caught and you will have a lovely holiday :thumbsup: