Puppy Care Guide

🐾 What to Expect Around 5 Months

As your puppy matures, you might notice mood changes, new behaviors, or appetite shifts. Puberty affects physical growth, teething, and reproductive readiness. Awareness and preparation help maintain your puppy’s well-being during this important phase.

Understanding the First Heat Cycle

Unspayed female dogs may experience their first heat between 6–20 months of age, depending on breed, size, and health. Smaller breeds tend to mature earlier, while larger breeds develop more slowly.

• Frequency: Every 6–8 months
• Duration: Lasts about 2–3 weeks
• Signs: Mild swelling, light bleeding, appetite or mood changes

Some females show subtle symptoms, so pet parents may not realize their dog is in heat at first.

🧬 How a Dog’s Heat Differs from a Human Period

A dog’s heat is not menstruation — it’s a fertility cycle preparing for breeding. Female dogs become fertile about a week after spotting begins and remain so for 7–10 days.

Dogs don’t experience menopause, but cycles may become less regular with age. On average, fertility lasts about three weeks per cycle.

🩺 Typical Behavioural & Physical Changes

• May appear tired or irritable
• Loss of appetite or increased affection
• Licking for self-grooming
• Attracting nearby male dogs
• Mild abdominal discomfort

💡 PetGo Tip: Avoid daycare or off-leash park visits to prevent unwanted mating and reduce stress.

🧼 Hygiene & Home Care

• Use dog diapers or sanitary pads and change frequently to prevent odor or infection.
• Avoid deep cleaning near the genital area; stick to gentle wipes or quick rinses.
• Ensure complete drying after cleaning to maintain hygiene.

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Paw Inspired Disposable Dog Diapers (32 Count)

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🚶‍♀️ Exercise & Outdoor Precautions

During the 7th–8th day of heat, fertility peaks. If walking outdoors:

• Always use a secure leash and sanitary diaper.
• Stay alert — male dogs can detect pheromones from far away.
• Supervise all outdoor activities to avoid accidental mating.

💡 Understanding Male Dog Behaviour

Unneutered males reach sexual maturity between 5–12 months. Hormonal changes can cause mounting behavior — not dominance, but natural instinct or excitement. Gentle redirection helps manage this.

If overexcitement persists, provide structured playtime and positive reinforcement for calm behavior.

🧠 Managing Natural Instincts

These behaviors are natural, not “bad.” However, responsible pet parenting involves guiding them safely and setting limits.

If managing a dog in heat or intact male becomes stressful, spaying or neutering remains the most humane long-term solution. Many Canadian vets recommend this between 5–9 months.

🩹 Alternatives for Unspayed or Unneutered Dogs

• Use diapers or belly bands for hygiene control.
• Provide calm environments to reduce hormonal stress.
• Supervise interactions with other dogs carefully.
• Offer mentally stimulating play to redirect energy.

Consistent structure helps prevent accidents and promotes balanced behavior during puberty.

❤️ When Spaying or Neutering May Be Best

If managing behavioral or hygiene challenges becomes difficult, sterilization may be the best choice. It prevents unwanted pregnancies and offers several health benefits:

• Reduces risk of mammary or testicular cancer and uterine infections.
• Improves behavioral balance and reduces stress-driven habits.
• Makes hygiene care simpler and cleaner.

Always consult your vet — they’ll advise based on your dog’s breed, size, and current health.