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As spring approaches, the Regina Humane Society continues to see an influx of pets entering the shelter, particularly canines. Unwanted litters of puppies and kittens contribute to overcrowding and the overwhelming need for responsible pet ownership. While ensuring your pet is spayed or neutered is the most effective way to prevent unwanted litters, recognizing when your unspayed female dog or cat is in heat and taking the necessary steps to prevent unwanted pregnancies is critical.

Understanding the signs of heat in your pet can help you keep them safe and avoid the challenges that come with managing an unspayed pet. Here’s what to look for in both dogs and cats:

Signs Your Female Dog Is in Heat:

1. Increased Urination: Female dogs in heat may urinate more frequently and may start marking their territory more than usual.
2. Swollen Genitalia: One of the most obvious signs of heat in dogs is swelling in the genital area. You may also notice a reddish or pinkish discharge.
3. Behavioral Changes: Dogs in heat can become more restless, agitated, or anxious. Some may also show increased affection or become more protective of their space.
4. Attracting Male Dogs: If your dog is in heat, male dogs may begin to show increased interest in her. You may notice male dogs trying to get closer, and in some cases, may even attempt to mount her.
5. Changes in Appetite: Some dogs may experience a decrease or increase in their appetite while in heat.
6. Excessive Licking: Female dogs in heat may lick their genital area more frequently than usual due to the discharge.

Signs Your Female Cat Is in Heat:

1. Increased Vocalization: Cats in heat often become much more vocal, with loud yowling or meowing. This behavior is their way of attracting male cats.
2. More Affectionate: Female cats in heat often become unusually affectionate, rubbing up against furniture, people, and other animals in an attempt to signal their readiness to mate.
3. Positioning for Mating: Cats in heat may display the mating posture—known as lordosis—where they lower their front half to the ground, raise their hindquarters, and often roll around.
4. Urine Marking: Female cats in heat may spray urine, which can have a strong, distinctive odor. This is a way to signal their availability to male cats.
5. Restlessness or Agitation: Cats in heat can become more restless, pacing, or seeking out a mate. You may also notice them trying to escape the house more frequently.
6. Loss of Appetite: Some cats may eat less or refuse food altogether while they are in heat.

Why It’s Important to Address Heat Cycles

Unspayed dogs and cats in heat are more likely to escape or act out of character, trying to find a mate. This can lead to dangerous situations, including getting lost or injured. Most importantly, these heat cycles contribute to the larger issue of pet overpopulation. Without proper care and responsible pet ownership, unwanted litters continue to be born, filling shelters with more animals than can be cared for.

By recognizing these signs early, pet owners can take appropriate actions, especially keeping them indoors, to prevent unplanned pregnancies. Spaying your pet is the most effective way to ensure that your female dog or cat does not contribute to the pet overpopulation problem.

By staying informed and proactive, we can help reduce the number of unwanted litters and ensure that every pet has a loving home. Let’s work together to make this spring a season of responsible pet ownership!

Welcome Home – A Guide to Thriving with Your New Dog

Bringing a new dog home is a thrilling adventure. The first few days can be a whirlwind of excitement, adjustments, and maybe even a few “what have I done?” moments. Don’t worry; this is completely normal. The key is patience – with yourself and your new four-legged friend. Even the most confident dogs need time to adjust to their new surroundings.

Your new dog doesn’t realize they just hit the jackpot. To them, everything is new, strange, and possibly a little terrifying. Like humans, dogs handle stress differently. Some will stroll in like they own the place, while others might need a bit of gentle encouragement (and possibly some bribery in the form of treats). Here are some things that might be stressful for them during those first few days:

• New sights, sounds, and smells (your fridge is suddenly fascinating!)
• Meeting new people and possibly other pets
• Adjusting to a new routine

Tips for a Smooth Transition

Set yourself, and your pup, up for success with these strategies:

Stay Close – Try not to leave your new dog alone for the first 48 hours. Think of it as an orientation period where they’re learning the ropes.

Create a Safe Haven – Set up a cozy retreat, like a covered crate with soft bedding in a quiet area. This gives your dog a “chill zone” to observe from a safe distance. It’s like their VIP lounge!

Potty Training 101 – Take them outside frequently and throw in a mini celebration, a treat, when they get it right.

Strategic Gates and Pick-Up Duty – Use baby gates to block off no-go zones, and do a quick sweep to remove any rugs, shoes, or other tempting chewables. If you don’t want it slobbered on, put it away!

Toys, Glorious Toys – Stock up on chew toys and puzzles. Pro tip: Freeze some for extra entertainment. A busy dog is a happy (and less destructive) dog.

Treat Stash – Keep jars of treats around the house so you can reinforce good behavior in real time. Bonus: They’re also handy for trading when your pup decides your sock is their new favorite toy.

Building Trust: The Art of Becoming Your Dog’s BFF

Dogs thrive on predictability and they like knowing what to expect from their humans. The more consistent you are, the faster they’ll settle in.

If Your Dog is Barking Like a Canine Karaoke Machine:

• Identify what’s triggering them and minimize exposure.
• Drown out scary noises with calming music, white noise, or the soothing sounds of your favorite TV show.
• Cover windows if they’re barking at the outside world’s endless drama.
• Breathe. Some behaviors fade as they get used to their new home.

Ask for Help!

Even the most seasoned dog lovers sometimes need backup. If you’re struggling, reach out to a certified behavior professional. The RHS offers a number of behaviour training classes that might be just the solution you are looking for.

Bringing home a new dog is an adventure filled with wagging tails, learning curves, and unconditional love. Stay patient, keep a sense of humor, and remember—you’re not alone in this journey. You’ve got this!

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