9 Tips To Keep The House Clean When Your Dog Is In Heat

During heat cycles, female dogs can be quite messy.

But as dog parents, it’s our duty to keep them happy and comfy.

While also maintaining our home stain and odor-free.

How can you do all of these?

Keep reading to discover:

• How and when should you wash a dog who’s in heat.
• Whether you should make her wear dog nappies or not.
• Cleaning products that are effective and safe for canines.
• Practical ways to keep your home tidy while she’s in season.
• And so much more…

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How to keep the house clean when my dog is in heat? 9 tips

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#1: Consider using doggy diapers

A dog in heat may leave stains on anything she sits on due to bleeding.

Aside from this, she might have frequent pee accidents inside the house as well.

As females are also prone to urine-marking (spreading their scent).

She can’t stop this from happening. But…

You could prevent her from creating a mess by putting a diaper on her.

If you know your dog’s weight, you can easily pick the right size for her based on the product’s chart.

“So what are its benefits?”

Hygienic: Fewer worries about stains inside your house.

Convenient: Cleaning up your dog from time to time might get a bit tiring. Especially if you’re doing other things as well.

Calming: Dogs will clean themselves if necessary. So they may appreciate nice nappies to keep their behind wet and sticky-free. Plus, they’ll lick less around their private area.

“How about its drawbacks?”

If you opt for disposable diapers, they can:

• Be pricey.
• Irritate your dog’s skin.

Tip: To prevent the second one, check their diaper every hour. Don’t wait for it to be too wet. And replace it with a new one as often as possible.

But reusable ones may also be:

• A bit inconvenient.
• In need of frequent washing.

“Help! My dog hates diapers. What should I do?”

Nappies are novel and unusual for canines.

This is because dogs don’t usually see it. And they don’t also wear one during normal days.

So it’s normal for your pooch to be uncomfortable in the beginning. But later on, she may get used to it.

But remember, first impressions last. So ensure that you introduce diapers to her properly. 

And if you’re anticipating her next cycle, do a short ‘simulation’ before it happens.

1. So first, ask someone to help you put one on your dog for the first time.
2. Next, prepare yummy treats. And use them as a distraction.
3. Show the diaper to your dog.
4. Let her sniff it a bit.
5. Then try to put it on her. But be as gentle as possible.
6. Stay with your dog. Feed her treats and play with her using her favorite toys.

Dogs will try to pull and get rid of the diaper. But after a few minutes or so, they may settle down.

However, if your pooch seems to be terrified of it, you can try again the next day. Or do the next tips instead.

Note: It’s important not to force your dog to wear something if she’s extremely unhappy about it.

For further reading: 17 Tips On What To Do When Your Dog Is In Heat (& Bleeding)

#2: Use washable diapers instead

Some dogs might be iffy using disposable nappies. And this will be hard as females may bleed for 7 to 10 days, PDSA says.

So for your dog’s comfort, buy reusable ones with softer fabric instead.

These are also less costly. As you’ll only need to replace the pads inside. However, these must be washed often.

Also, apart from purchasing one, you can make these on your own. By using old undies or even potty pads.

Wanna know more creative solutions?

Check this out next: 11 Home Remedies For Dogs In Heat (#7 Works Instantly)

#3: Limit her space while you’re away

Is putting diapers on your dog an impossible task?

She hates wearing one. And shreds it to pieces while you’re not looking.

Well, if this is your case, just restrict the area where your dog can roam.

If she has a crate or kennel, make her stay there instead.

Especially when you need to do something. Or leave her unsupervised for a short period of time.

But first, make it comfier. Put soft bedding and blankets inside. And also her feeding bowls and toys.

Or, you can set up a dog playpen inside your house.

Then lay some washable mats underneath the whole area. And leave all their belongings inside as well.

But to be clear…

This isn’t entirely confining your dog for days.

As she’ll still be out most of the time for walks, exercise, cuddle times, and etc. As long as you’re there to watch her.

Note: Put the crate or playpen in an area where you can still see your dog. So she won’t feel anxious because you’ve left her alone.

#4: Clean your dog frequently

It’s still important to wash your pooch often during heat.

Cleaning her will keep her fresh and tidy. (And she’ll appreciate you for that.) As dried discharge can irritate her skin and genitals.

“But, how much is ‘often’?”

You may clean her twice a day or more. Depending on the amount of her discharge.

Vets say that larger breeds tend to bleed more than smaller dogs. So if you notice a stain on her legs or rear end, wipe it immediately.

“How should I clean her?”

Female dogs in heat might be irritable and grumpy. And it’s understandable due to the changes they’re going through.

So to have a pleasant cleaning time, only wash her tail, legs, and rear regularly.

And do this as quickly (less than 10 minutes) and as gently as possible.

What to do?

Put your dog over the sink. Then quickly wash the mentioned areas with lukewarm water. (You can apply a mild dog shampoo once in a while.)

Also, avoid touching her genitals. As her vulva will be swollen during heat. Then rinse and dry her body with a clean towel.

But if you’re in a hurry, use dog grooming wipes or a damp cloth instead to wipe her.

Warning: Avoid using any human products on your pooch, like baby wipes. This is because dogs’ skin has a different pH level than humans.’ And frequent usage could harm them.

Based on research, a dog’s skin may have a pH level of up to 7.2. While another study shows that it’s below 5 for humans – which is more acidic.

#5: Put old clean towels on her resting spots

Another way to keep your house clean is by using clean sheets.

Grab some old soft cloth or towels that you don’t mind getting stained.

Then put them in areas where your dog likes to lay.

Say, her bed or favorite spot on the couch or on the floor. As these will quickly absorb their discharge.

#6: Cover up your things

Taking the extra mile won’t hurt.

Laying blankets are helpful. But it’s only enough to protect small areas.

So if you want to be sure of your other stuff or the whole couch, covering them up is a good idea.

If you have extra thick covers, you can put them all over the things you want to be discharge-free.

Also, aside from stains, this will also prevent fur and odor build-up. As you could just wash and replace the covers after a day or more.

#7: Use dog-safe cleaning products

No matter how careful we are…

Accidents still happen.

Blood and vaginal discharge can easily stain furniture. As well as carpets.

While dog urine has a strong odor. That you can’t get rid of just by using water and soap.

And also, your dog loves to lick and eat anything they see.

So what do you need to do?

You have to act fast. And use cleaning products that are safe and effective in removing stains and odor.

For this, switch to enzymatic cleaners (e.g., Nature’s Miracle).

Like their name says, they have enzymes that break down foul odors and stains. As well as nasty vomits, feces, and dirt.

Plus, they’re also non-toxic and safe for dogs. 

But first…

Blot up any excess blood or urine. Wipe the spot using a cloth or paper towel. Then you may now apply the cleaner.

Other benefits

Getting rid of pee odors can stop your dog from urinating in the same area all over again. 

And also, this will lessen the stress and sexual frustration of male dogs. If ever you have one in the house as well.

“Why?”

Because a female dog in heat’s urine and discharge will attract dogs. And it’s due to the pheromones and hormones they contain.

Warning: It’s natural for female dogs to have an odd scent while in heat. But, it shouldn’t be too strong. And the discharge must stop before the cycle ends.

So if you observe foul odor and excessive fluids on your dog, consult a vet at once. As it can be a sign of pyometra – a fatal womb infection.

#8: Keep a DIY cleaning solution nearby

Don’t have any enzymatic cleaners yet?

Don’t worry. Because you can also create a DIY solution with the things you’ll find inside your home.

When you’re done, put this in places where your dog usually stays. And also, have a cloth or brush prepared nearby.

“But how will I make one?”

Here are some of the ingredients you may mix with water according to AKC:

For general use: Put equal parts of vinegar (white or apple cider) and water. Pour the solution into a spray bottle. And shake it thoroughly.

Then spray a good amount on areas that need cleaning.

For stains: Create a thick mixture of baking soda, water, and vinegar. Then apply some to the area. And gently brush it with a cloth or old toothbrush.

“Wait, is vinegar safe for dogs?”

AKC says that white and apple cider vinegar is non-toxic for dogs.

But, they won’t like the smell so much. So put your dog away while you’re cleaning.

Also, according to Dr. Heinze, apple cider vinegar is safe to be ingested. As long as it’s diluted and in tiny amounts.

But still, be careful and keep the bottle away from your dog’s reach. And use this with caution.

Note: These solutions are helpful for cleaning. But they may not guarantee full removal of the odor. Also, test them out on surfaces first to see if they cause discoloration.

#9: Wash her sleeping spots regularly

Lastly, see to it that your dog’s sleeping area is clean.

It’s where she usually stays. So it’s best to keep it tidy for your dog’s comfort. And also to prevent smelly odors in the house.

Wash her bedding, blankies, and stuffed animals once or twice during her cycle. As well as her crate or kennel (if she has any).

You can also repeat this after her heat ends. To make sure everything’s fresh and clean.

“What should I do?”

Here are a few reminders:

For beddings

1. First, vacuum or shake the bedding outside to remove dog hair and dirt.
2. Put away its cover. Check for washing instructions first (if there are any).
3. Next, get rid of stains. Use a laundry detergent that’s safe for dogs. Don’t use fabric softener that may cause allergies on your dog.
4. Wash it at 140 °F (60 °C) temperature. Or do it based on the bedding’s label.
5. Then, put it in the dryer. Or if possible, leave it under the sun to let it dry out naturally. (This is effective for removing odors too).

Tip: Before washing, put your dog’s bedding in the dryer. Let it run without water for 10 minutes to easily collect and loosen any hair. The fur may end up on your dryer’s filter. So ensure to clean it afterward.

For crates

This is specifically for wired ones:

1. You can either take the crate outside for a wash. Or inside the bathroom or service area.
2. Get rid of odors first. Spray a good amount of dog-safe cleaners on the crate.
3. When it’s dry, prepare lukewarm water and cleaning solution mixture. 
4. Then pour it on all sides of the crate.
5. Use a brush or old toothbrush to remove any wastes or dirt outside.
6. Rinse to see if any parts need more cleaning.
7. Then, clean the insides this time.
8. Rinse again with water. And check for any dirt left.

But if you have a plastic crate:

1. Carefully break it apart first. And collect all its bolts and nuts.
2. Next, using a water hose, get rid of any wastes. Or you can use a paper towel to conserve water and avoid splashes of water.
3. Still, use only dog-safe cleaners to wash the interior and exterior of the crate.
4. Then rinse it again with water.

Note: For fabric dog carriers, see the laundry instructions attached to it. Then clean it using a laundry soap (mentioned above) that’s non-toxic for dogs.