A male dog is naturally attracted to a female dog in heat, as it is biologically programmed to respond to odors emanating from the other sex. The presence of a male dog, where there is a female dog in heat, causes stress for both animals. It will be good to separate the male from the female and create a relaxing and safe environment for both, if they live together, thus avoiding dangerous physical confrontations. It is also advisable to sterilize both dogs, to avoid unwanted litters, reduce the risk of some types of cancer and improve their behavior in the home environment.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Separate the Male from the Female
Step 1. Keep the male away from the female until the heat is gone
The only way to keep the male calm is to keep him well away from the female in heat, otherwise the animal will not be able to control its reactions towards him. Keep your dog indoors or in a kennel if there is a female in heat outside nearby, as this can prevent her from smelling it.
Prevent the male dog from walking or playing with a female dog in heat
Step 2. Keep dogs in separate rooms and on opposite sides of the house
If the two dogs live in the same home environment, try to put as much distance between them as possible, because the male is able to smell the female. Lock both dogs in separate rooms as far away from each other as possible. Keep the doors tightly closed and don't let the dogs out at the same time so they don't meet.
Make sure you don't leave toys or other items belonging to the female in the male's room, as they retain their smell. By smelling these objects, the male may begin to whine, moan and scratch at the door
Step 3. If space is limited in your home, keep the female inside and the male outside
If you don't have enough free rooms or you don't have enough space, you can keep the female indoors in a room and let the male live outside until the heat period is over. Of course, the outdoor area will need to be fenced, to prevent the male dog from leaving your yard.
- This is only possible when the season is mild and there are no local laws or ordinances that prohibit keeping dogs outdoors.
- Do not leave the female outdoors while in heat, as she will try to escape in search of a mate. Also with its smell it could attract other male dogs that are nearby.
Step 4. Take the male to a kennel until the female's heat ends
Although you do your best to keep dogs separate in the house, you may not be able to control the male's aggressive behavior towards the female. In this case it will be better to take the male to another housing context, such as a kennel. Leave the dog in the kennel for the entire period of the female's heat, which will last about 3 weeks.
You can prepare the male dog to stay in the kennel by taking him for short visits so that he becomes familiar with the environment. On this occasion you can book the kennel for the stay of the male for the period of the heat of the female
Method 2 of 3: Create a Quiet Environment at Home
Step 1. Spray methanol spray on the female's tail to mask her scent
Vicks VapoRub or another methanol spray might help, as they have a strong odor that may overlap that of the female during heat. Apply the spray to the female several times a day to keep the male calm when he is in the same house or nearby.
- Prevent the female from licking the spray off while it hasn't dried yet, and distract her with a game or treat.
- This could irritate your dog, so talk to your vet before putting it into practice.
Step 2. Play with the dogs separately during the female's heat
Have both dogs distracted and entertained by playing with them separately. Leave the female in a room with chew toys so that she is busy; then take the male out to play.
- After playing with the male, play with the female indoors, while the other dog is out in a fenced area.
- Try to play with both dogs equally and in separate areas so that they are both calm and relaxed.
Step 3. Take the male out regularly
Maintain a regular schedule for the male dog, making sure he takes appropriate walks for his breed and size. Taking the male out on a regular basis can help keep him away from the female, plus it will drain him enough energy making him calmer when he returns home.
Avoid taking the female out while she is in heat, as she may be a distraction for male dogs in her vicinity. Take her out to your yard, in a fenced area, and make sure she doesn't try to escape or chase the male dogs that pass outside
Method 3 of 3: Neutering the Male Dog
Step 1. Talk to your vet about spaying both dogs
Both animals will have better results if they are neutered. Most veterinarians recommend neutering your dog within 6 months of life, so that he has low sex drive and lower testosterone levels. Dog neutering can also reduce the risk of certain diseases and types of cancer. Spaying the female can also prevent some cancers, as well as breast cancers. It will be best to spay your dog before his first heat, but you can also do it after.
Remember that neutering the dog will not prevent its reactions to the female's heat, however it will make them more subdued. However as a precaution you should still keep a neutered male dog away from a female in estrus
Step 2. Have your dog fast 8 hours before surgery
The veterinary clinic will provide you with precise pre-surgical instructions; it is usually recommended not to give food or water for at least 8 hours before the operation. The anesthesia could make your dog nauseous, so it's best to have his stomach empty before the procedure. You can still get him to drink so that he stays hydrated.
Follow all of your vet's instructions to ensure your dog has a safe intervention and a quick recovery
Step 3. Let your vet perform the procedure
The surgery can be performed relatively quickly in the office and should be painless for the dog, who will be anesthetized. Your vet may ask you to drop your pet off in the morning and then come back for it in the afternoon.
Step 4. Help your dog recover after surgery
Your vet can prescribe painkillers if needed. The dog may feel nauseous after the operation, and have poor appetite for 1 or 2 days; it is completely normal. Make sure he is resting and not moving or running for 1-3 days after surgery, as this could cause problems.
- The dog's scrotum may appear swollen for a few days, but the swelling should go away as soon as the stitches are removed.
- If the dog begins to lick the wound you will need to put an Elizabethan collar on him, which looks like a large cone and will prevent him from licking himself.
- If fluid or pus comes out of the wound, or if your dog is in pain, take him to the vet right away for a quick checkup.
- You may need to take your dog for a vet checkup after 7-10 days for the stitches to be removed in the wound. However, some vets use absorbable stitches.
