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She's in heat and he's too excited:/

BAMCB

Well-Known Member
I am not sure if this is the right place to post but I'll try. I recently rescued(36 hrs ago) a 6 yr old EM who happens to be in heat. I have a 17 week old male mutt who is getting way too excited. She has been gracious with her slight growls but he is not taking the hint. I never leave them unattended and she loves retreating to her cage to be left alone. She did get quite upset tonight when he approached her cage and warned much more aggressively than the slight growl it's been. She cannot be spayed right away because we are treating some underlying issues for the next two weeks. How can I make this work? I will never leave them unattended but keeping them completely separate will be tough to manage. Any suggestions? Thanks!
 

Boxergirl

Well-Known Member
It's just my opinion, but I would keep them completely separate until her heat is over and his interest has declined. She's very new to your home and it would be important to me that all interactions with your male be as positive as possible to set your dynamics up for success. It's not fun to keep two dogs separated, but it is doable. The last thing she needs right now, imo, is more stress.
 

angelbears

Well-Known Member
I agree 100% with Boxergirl. Don't allow her to develop a grudge against a horny pup that doesn't know any better. I would crate her for most of the time. With the two rescues that I got that were in bad shape, I was told that the best thing for them was to keep them crated, except to feed and take them out for potty time. The vets said that rest and good food would do more for them than any drugs. Rest allows the body to heal, stress does just the opposite.
 

BAMCB

Well-Known Member
Thank you! This morning I saw him try to get a closer look:/ She absolutely LOVES her cage(they are set up our living room) and I know she's enjoying having a safe space to retreat. I usually leave the doors open for them to go in and out as they please and it is enforced that no dog(or toddler!) enter the other's space. I will close the door now and see if that helps her comfort levels.
I am so grateful you mentioned the "holding a grudge" aspect. I've never had this situation in my home, or anyone I know. I have a feeling she is over having any intact male near her after all her past litters. The home I picked her up from also had a male loose who they were trying to breed her with multiple times so she's probably just over it! Really, who could blame her. I had planned on leaving him in tact until 9 months(he's not a giant breed) but may reconsider. Of course she will be spayed as soon as she is healthy enough:) I will be posting about her breeder soon. I am not sure if they are aware of her past or if they were the one doing it. Thanks again!
 

Boxergirl

Well-Known Member
She's a pretty girl, BAMCB. I've always found rescuing to be very rewarding and have had a very special bond with all of my adopted dogs. I don't think dogs technically hold a grudge, but I know that any female I've had that has developed a strong dislike for another dog in the household has never changed her opinion. Best to keep all interactions as positive as possible. Please be careful with crating in the same room. Many a litter has happened through gates and crates.
 

BAMCB

Well-Known Member
How do I know she is done with her cycle? I do not know when she started. Forgive me, I've not had experience with this. She seems more relaxed and he is not overly excited beyond puppy antics.
 

Boxergirl

Well-Known Member
Was she actively bleeding when you brought her home? Is she still bleeding? I generally take care for a couple of weeks after the bleeding has stopped and her swelling has gone down. My boys are neutered, however, so I never really had a huge concern. Hopefully someone with more experience, maybe one of our breeders, can answer you better.
 

BAMCB

Well-Known Member
Her swelling has subsided. Not full on bleeding when she came, I just saw a slight red brown spot on her pillow(cream colored) and could kinda go off swelling and odd behavior from my male and her aversion to him which was not shown to us or my female dog. Dr also agreed about swelling but no active bleeding. Like I said, this is new territory for me and better safe than sorry. As I understand, she was discarded due to not being able to breed anymore. You can see shes had many many litters but her second owner could not get her to take. Really sad to see her only visits to the vet were for pregnancy checks(I was able to get the records). After 3 attempts she was discarded.
 

BAMCB

Well-Known Member
Drink heavily!

I've had this take since hubs started his busy traveling season. With a toddler, teen and puppy an occasional drink at 5pm was needed. Add in this rescue? I think I will have to move it up to 3pm! hahaha