How To Keep Your House Clean When Your Dog Is In Heat - WikiHow

Home » How To Keep House Clean When Dog Is In Heat » How To Keep Your House Clean When Your Dog Is In Heat - WikiHow

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow 11 Effective Ways to Keep your House Clean When Your Dog Is in Heat PDF download Download Article Explore this Article IN THIS ARTICLE 1 Put your pup in doggy diapers. 2 Contain your dog in a room with hard floors. 3 Put covers on your furniture. 4 Line your dog’s bed with old towels or blankets. 5 Take your dog out to go potty more frequently. 6 Wipe your dog with a disposable wipes. 7 Bathe your dog if she still smells. 8 Keep your dog entertained to stop stress messes. 9 Use an enzymatic cleaner for blood and urine. 10 Eliminate odors with air fresheners. 11 Get your dog spayed if you don’t plan on breeding. + Show 8 more... - Show less... Other Sections Tips and Warnings Related Articles References Written by Lauren Novack | Edited by Hunter Rising

Last Updated: November 25, 2024 Fact Checked

PDF download Download Article X

This article was written by Lauren Novack and by wikiHow staff writer, Hunter Rising. Lauren Novack is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant at Behavior Vets NYC where she helps fearful, anxious, and aggressive pets and their owners. She has completed coursework for her MS in Applied Behavior Analysis at Hunter College. Lauren’s research explores the intersection between training practices and animal welfare. She currently serves on the Editorial Advisory Board for Daily Paws and has appeared on Fox & Friends, Rachael Ray, and various news outlets with her dog Grayson. There are 14 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 92,296 times.

Do you have an unfixed female dog at home that has started her heat cycle? Dogs can go into heat as early as 6 months old, and the cycle lasts for 3–4 weeks. If you want to keep your home tidy and make sure your furry friend is comfortable, it’s really easy to take care of her when she’s in heat. Keep reading to learn the best ways to prevent a mess and clean up after your dog!This article is based on an interview with our certified dog behavior consultant, Lauren Novack. Check out the full interview here.

Tips for Keeping a Clean House when Your Dog Is in Heat

  1. Put doggy diapers on your dog.
  2. Place slipcovers or old blankets over your furniture.
  3. Keep your dog in a confined area.
  4. Place old towels or blankets over your dog’s bed.
  5. Walk or let out your dog more often to go potty.
  6. Clean up messes with an enzymatic cleaner.

Steps

1

Put your pup in doggy diapers.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Doggy diapers absorb blood before it can make a mess. Doggy diapers absorb blood before it can make a mess. During the first few weeks your dog is in heat, she may dribble blood on your floors. You can either get reusable doggy diapers that you can wash in between uses, or disposable diapers to get rid of the mess right away. Just put the diaper on your dog’s hind end and change it as soon as it’s wet or soiled.[1]
    • Ensure that you get doggy diapers made for the size of your dog. Bigger breeds need large diapers so they don’t fit too tightly and toy breeds need small diapers that are snug so they don’t fall off.
    2. Advertisement
2

Contain your dog in a room with hard floors.

PDF download Download Article
  1. It’ll be easier to clean up messes from hard surfaces than carpet. It’ll be easier to clean up messes from hard surfaces than carpet. Choose a room that’s not too isolated so your dog still feels like she’s close to you. Anywhere like a kitchen, dining room, bathroom, or uncarpeted bedroom works great. Keep the door closed or put up a baby gate so your dog can’t get out and leave a mess.[2]
    • Put your dog in a crate with a solid bottom when you’re sleeping or away from home to help contain the mess.
3

Put covers on your furniture.

PDF download Download Article
  1. The extra layer of protection from a slipcover prevents stains. The extra layer of protection from a slipcover prevents stains. If you don’t have a room with hard floors or just want to let your dog get cozy on the couch, you can find waterproof slipcovers for any piece of furniture so they don’t absorb any blood into the upholstery. Just slide the slipcover over the furniture before letting your dog on it. If your dog dribbles a little blood, then you can just take the slipcover off and wipe it off.[3]
    • If you have oddly-shaped furniture, you may have to order custom slipcovers from an upholsterer.
    • Instead of slipcovers, you could just lay out old blankets that you don’t mind getting dirty.
    2. Advertisement
4

Line your dog’s bed with old towels or blankets.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Washing towels or blankets is less work than cleaning the entire bed. Washing towels or blankets is less work than cleaning the entire bed. Look through your closets to see if you have any blankets or towels that you don’t use anymore. Lay the towels and blankets over your dog’s bed so it’s completely covered. All of the additional bedding will absorb odors and stains, plus your dog will feel extra comfortable.
    • Choose a dog bed with a washable cover since you can remove the cover and clean it separately from the bed.
5

Take your dog out to go potty more frequently.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Your dog will need to urinate more often once she’s in heat. Your dog will need to urinate more often once she’s in heat. A dog in heat releases pheromones and hormones that attracts males when she urinates, so she’s more likely to urine mark. If you notice your dog whining by the door or acting antsy, let her out in your yard or take her on a short walk around the block so she can relieve herself without making a mess.[4]
    • Avoid taking your dog to a dog park since male dogs will smell her pheromones and may try to mate with her.[5]
    2. Advertisement
6

Wipe your dog with a disposable wipes.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Spot-clean your dog when you notice odors or small messes. Spot-clean your dog when you notice odors or small messes. Your dog will usually do a pretty good job keeping herself clean, but there might be times when she gets a little messier. Get in the habit of checking up on your dog to see if she has anything in her fur around her genitals. Take a disposable dog wipe and gently clean off the mess.[6]
    • Your dog’s vulva will be more sensitive, so be sure you’re extra gentle as you wipe her hind end and between her legs.
7

Bathe your dog if she still smells.

PDF download Download Article
  1. A quick wash with dog shampoo keeps your dog smelling fresh. A quick wash with dog shampoo keeps your dog smelling fresh. Lead your pup into the tub and wet your dog’s fur with warm water. Lather dog shampoo into your pup’s fur, paying special attention to the area between her legs and her vulva. Gently rinse off all of the shampoo and dry your dog off with some old towels.
    • Bathing will mask any residual blood or urine odors, but be sure to keep your dog safe and separated from male dogs since they’ll still smell the hormones and pheromones.
    • Some dogs might be more temperamental when they’re in heat, so only give a bath if your dog seems willing. If your dog barks, nips, or shows any other signs of distress, stop what you’re doing.
    2. Advertisement
8

Keep your dog entertained to stop stress messes.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Your dog will need more attention to stop her from getting bored and naughty. Your dog will need more attention to stop her from getting bored and naughty. Since your dog wants to mate while she’s in heat, she might want to cuddle up or want more affection from you. Give your dog some extra love while she’s in heat by spending some time petting and playing with her. Otherwise, your dog might stress out and make a mess if she gets bored.[7]
    • Get a few new dog toys for your dog to chew on so she doesn’t chew on anything else in your home.
    • Your dog’s behavior may change, so try petting her for 3 seconds before stopping to see how she responds. If your pup is still acting lovey, then keep showing her affection. If she starts acting up or growling, let her be.[8]
9

Use an enzymatic cleaner for blood and urine.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Enzymatic cleaner breaks down the odors so your dog doesn’t mark there. Enzymatic cleaner breaks down the odors so your dog doesn’t mark there. Even if you wipe up messes with a paper towel, your dog will still be able to smell them and might try to go in the same spot again. Blot up as much of the mess as you can before you spray the enzymatic cleaner directly on the spot. After the cleaner soaks in, sop it up with a paper towel.[9]
    • Dogs that are in heat are more likely to urine mark to spread their hormones and pheromones.
    • Try to clean up messes as soon as you spot them so they’re less likely to leave stains.
    2. Advertisement
10

Eliminate odors with air fresheners.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Air fresheners can help mask the scent your dog gives off. Air fresheners can help mask the scent your dog gives off. While a doggy diaper helps trap most of the odors, you may still notice the smell when your dog is in heat. Try using an essential oil diffuser with lavender or chamomile to help conceal the scent of your dog.[10]
    • You can also apply a small dab of menthol oil to the end of your dog’s tail to help mask the scent.[11]
    • Avoid using pennyroyal, pine, tea tree, or wintergreen oils since they’re toxic to dogs.[12]
    • Keep your diffuser in a different room than your dog since the vapors could harm her lungs.[13]
11

Get your dog spayed if you don’t plan on breeding.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Spaying your dog will stop your dog from going into heat. Spaying your dog will stop your dog from going into heat. Your dog will go into heat once or twice a year depending on the breed unless you have her spayed. If you don’t want the hassle of cleaning up after your dog or the surprise of taking care of a litter of puppies, schedule an appointment with your vet to have her spayed.[14]
    • Wait until your dog isn’t in heat to get her spayed.
    • Spaying your dog also keeps your dog from getting serious health problems as she gets older, such as uterine infections and breast cancer.[15]
    • Give your dog a clean and quiet place to recover, and take good care of her while she heals.
    2. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search Add New Question Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Tips

  • If you have a male dog, ask someone you know to take care of him while your female dog is in heat so they stay separated.[16] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

You Might Also Like

Help a Dog in HeatHow to Comfort a Dog in Heat & What to Do When They're on Their Period Calm a Male Dog when a Female Is in HeatHow to Relax a Male Dog When He Smells a Female in Heat Deal With a Female Cat in HeatHow toDeal With a Female Cat in Heat Relieve Dog Period CrampsHow to Help a Dog Having Period Cramps (Plus, How to Spot Them) Clean up Dog UrineHow toClean up Dog Urine Tell if Your Dog Is in HeatHow toTell if Your Dog Is in Heat Calm a Cat in HeatHow toCalm a Cat in Heat Eliminate Dog SmellHow toEliminate Dog Smell Diaper Your Dog with Disposable Dog DiapersHow to Use Disposable Dog Diapers: Putting Them On & Choosing a Brand Calm a Sexually Excited DogHow toCalm a Sexually Excited Dog Care for a Dog After SpayingCaring for Your Dog After She's Spayed Know if Your Female Dog Is Ready to Breed7 Signs That Your Dog Is in Heat (And How Old She Needs to Be to Breed) Train a Dog to Pee OutsideHow toTrain a Dog to Pee Outside Remove the Smell of Cat or Dog Urine from Upholstery3 Best Methods for Getting the Smell of Pet Pee out of Your Couch Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ Lauren Novack. Certified Dog Behavior Consultant. Expert Interview
  2. ↑ https://www.foundanimals.org/how-long-does-a-dog-stay-in-heat-and-other-dog-period-questions-answered/
  3. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/are-any-dogs-hypoallergenic
  4. ↑ https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/how-potty-train-your-dog-or-puppy
  5. ↑ Lauren Baker, DVM, PhD. Veterinarian. Expert Interview
  6. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/mess-free-ways-keep-dogs-clean-baths/
  7. ↑ https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-bond-for-life-pets/pets-as-coworkers/pets-and-mental-health
  8. ↑ Lauren Novack. Certified Dog Behavior Consultant. Expert Interview
  9. ↑ https://humanepro.org/sites/default/files/documents/LivingIntactFemaleDog.pdf
More References (7)
  1. ↑ https://www.foundanimals.org/essential-oils-toxic-pets/
  2. ↑ https://www.aspcapro.org/resource/are-essential-oils-dangerous-pets
  3. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/are-essential-oils-safe-for-dogs/
  4. ↑ https://www.aspca.org/news/essentials-essential-oils-around-pets
  5. ↑ Sheri Williams. Certified Dog Trainer. Expert Interview
  6. ↑ https://www.avma.org/resources/pet-owners/petcare/spaying-and-neutering
  7. ↑ Lauren Novack. Certified Dog Behavior Consultant. Expert Interview

About This Article

Lauren Novack Written by: Lauren Novack Certified Dog Behavior Consultant This article was written by Lauren Novack and by wikiHow staff writer, Hunter Rising. Lauren Novack is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant at Behavior Vets NYC where she helps fearful, anxious, and aggressive pets and their owners. She has completed coursework for her MS in Applied Behavior Analysis at Hunter College. Lauren’s research explores the intersection between training practices and animal welfare. She currently serves on the Editorial Advisory Board for Daily Paws and has appeared on Fox & Friends, Rachael Ray, and various news outlets with her dog Grayson. This article has been viewed 92,296 times. 46 votes - 93% Co-authors: 6 Updated: November 25, 2024 Views: 92,296 Categories: Cleaning Up After Dogs In other languages Portuguese Spanish
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 92,296 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Mike Cir

    Mike Cir

    Aug 5, 2022

    "It's my first female. She's a rescue, I wasn't prepared for the funk! I just bleached the house..." more
Share your story If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Lauren Novack Written by: Lauren Novack Certified Dog Behavior Consultant Co-authors: 6 Updated: November 25, 2024 Views: 92,296 93% of readers found this article helpful. 46 votes - 93% Click a star to add your vote Mike Cir

Mike Cir

Aug 5, 2022

"It's my first female. She's a rescue, I wasn't prepared for the funk! I just bleached the house..." more Share yours!

Quizzes & Games

Do I Smell Bad QuizDo I Smell Bad QuizTake QuizWhen Will I Get My First Period QuizWhen Will I Get My First Period QuizTake QuizWhat Dog Breed Am I QuizWhat Dog Breed Am I QuizTake QuizHow Disgusting Am I QuizHow Disgusting Am I QuizTake QuizWhat Pet Should I Get QuizWhat Pet Should I Get QuizTake QuizHow Well Can I Read Dog Body Language QuizHow Well Can I Read Dog Body Language QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

Help a Dog in HeatHow to Comfort a Dog in Heat & What to Do When They're on Their PeriodCalm a Male Dog when a Female Is in HeatHow to Relax a Male Dog When He Smells a Female in HeatDeal With a Female Cat in HeatHow toDeal With a Female Cat in HeatRelieve Dog Period CrampsHow to Help a Dog Having Period Cramps (Plus, How to Spot Them)

Featured Articles

Remove Shorts from Search Results on YouTubeHow toRemove Shorts from Search Results on YouTubeWhat Are the Korean Animal Face Types? (And Which Type Do You Have?)What Are the Korean Animal Face Types? (And Which Type Do You Have?)Being the Little Spoon While Cuddling: Is It Better Than the Big Spoon?Being the Little Spoon While Cuddling: Is It Better Than the Big Spoon?115+ Funny “Get Well Soon” Messages to Make Someone Laugh115+ Funny “Get Well Soon” Messages to Make Someone Laugh110+ “Fun Facts” for Interviews, Introductions, & Icebreakers110+ “Fun Facts” for Interviews, Introductions, & IcebreakersHow Long Would You Survive In A Zombie Apocalypse?How Long Would You Survive In A Zombie Apocalypse?

Trending Articles

Which Fictional Character Would Crush On You?Which Fictional Character Would Crush On You?Who Is Secretly Crushing On Me Right Now QuizWho Is Secretly Crushing On Me Right Now QuizAttractiveness Score QuizAttractiveness Score QuizIs My Crush Pretending Not to Like Me QuizIs My Crush Pretending Not to Like Me QuizHypersexuality TestHypersexuality TestWhat Are the Gay Male Body Types (And Which Do You Have?)What Are the Gay Male Body Types (And Which Do You Have?)

Featured Articles

Roast Someone in a Rap Battle (Plus the Best Bars of All Time)How to Roast Someone in a Rap Battle (Plus the Best Bars of All Time)What Turns a Girl On? 31 Things to Try on Your PartnerWhat Turns a Girl On? 31 Things to Try on Your PartnerLove AnalyzerLove AnalyzerSending Your Sweetie a Love Note? Here are 200+ Romantic IdeasSending Your Sweetie a Love Note? Here are 200+ Romantic IdeasExercise Your BrainHow toExercise Your BrainBe a Fun Person to Hang out WithHow toBe a Fun Person to Hang out With

Featured Articles

What Does Your Morning Routine Say About You?What Does Your Morning Routine Say About You?Develop Productive HabitsHow toDevelop Productive HabitsPractice Self CareHow toPractice Self CareWhat Song Matches Your Life Right Now?What Song Matches Your Life Right Now?Will 2026 Be Your Year? Reveal Your FutureWill 2026 Be Your Year? Reveal Your FutureUnderstanding the Most Attractive Face Shapes (& Determining Your Own)Understanding the Most Attractive Face Shapes (& Determining Your Own)

Watch Articles

Tie a Loop KnotHow toTie a Loop KnotMake Body OilHow toMake Body OilMake Almond MilkHow toMake Almond MilkWash White Clothes by HandHow toWash White Clothes by HandSkin a ChickenHow toSkin a ChickenClean Tile Floors with VinegarHow toClean Tile Floors with Vinegar

Trending Articles

What Are My Soulmate's Initials QuizWhat Are My Soulmate's Initials QuizChoose Your Own Adventure GameChoose Your Own Adventure GameYour Red Flag Based On Your Celeb CrushesYour Red Flag Based On Your Celeb Crushes151 of the Juiciest “Most Likely To” Questions to Ask151 of the Juiciest “Most Likely To” Questions to AskAm I Good at Flirting QuizAm I Good at Flirting QuizWhat Is Your Lip Type?What Is Your Lip Type?

Quizzes & Games

Dog Name GeneratorDog Name GeneratorGenerate NamesClean or Messy Girl TestClean or Messy Girl TestTake QuizWhat Skin Type Do I Have QuizWhat Skin Type Do I Have QuizTake QuizBedroom Aesthetic QuizBedroom Aesthetic QuizTake QuizWhat's Your Red Flag QuizWhat's Your Red Flag QuizTake QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizTake Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Pets and Animals
  • Dogs
  • Cleaning Up After Dogs
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

wikiHow Tech Help Pro:

Develop the tech skills you need for work and life

Let's do this! X --686

Tag » How To Keep House Clean When Dog Is In Heat