Stop Unwanted Litters: Recognize the Signs of Heat in Female Dogs and Cats

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!