Connect with a verified veterinarian in minutes. Licensed vets are available 24/7 to answer your questions. No need to worry about your furry family member.
Our domesticated dogs have some funny, cute behaviors we love to see. However, they also sometimes act in ways that aren’t so cute. For instance, when male dogs fight over female dogs. But what causes this behavior?
Does your male dog fight over female dogs? If so, you’ve come to the right place. We understand this can be scary to witness!
We’ve put together some information about why male dogs fight over female dogs and how you can help your dog. Let’s get started!
What Causes a Male Dog to Fight Over Female Dogs?
When male dogs fight over female dogs, you can count on the fact that the female dog is probably in heat. This behavior is most common in male dogs that are still intact (they have not been neutered). They are fighting to obtain mating rights over the female dog.
And if the female’s not in heat, the male dogs could still be fighting over her. Again, they were fighting to gain mating rights for when she does come into heat next.
How Do Male Dogs Act Around Female Dogs in Heat?
When a female dog is in heat, she puts off very strong pheromones that can travel for miles. Every male dog in the area knows she’s in heat, with many doing everything possible to find her and mate. That’s the goal of a male dog when a female dog is in heat. He does everything and anything to find her.
Male dogs don’t go into heat; however, they react strongly when a female dog is in heat. You may think your dog has lost his mind. He may try to escape the yard on a regular basis, he can become more aggressive with other male dogs, kids, you, and more. There’s not much you can do if your male dog is being attracted by a female dog in heat. He can’t help himself.
Review symptoms, medications & behavior to keep your pets healthy with a Vet Online in just minutes.
Ask a Vet Live NowHow to Help Your Dog
You may want to take your dog out for walks to help him wear off excess energy. However, it’s imperative to keep him firmly on the leash. Otherwise, he will escape to find the female. It may be necessary to walk him more often or take him on longer walks to wear him out. If he’s too tired, chances are your canine companion may sleep more.
One of the best things you can do to help your dog is to have him neutered. If you’re not planning on breeding your dog, having him neutered is the best way to help him. Male dogs that are neutered usually don’t react in aggressive or unbalanced ways when a female dog is in heat. The dogs are also less aggressive with other males.
Neutering works to reduce the sex hormone (testosterone) in the male. He no longer has the urge to mate when a female dog is in heat.
So, to stop your male dog from fighting over female dogs, having him neutered is the best way to help him be calmer and less aggressive in the long run.
Connect with a verified veterinarian in minutes. Licensed vets are available 24/7 to answer your questions. No need to worry about your furry family member.
Kim
Kim is a talented author, who loves animals especially dogs. She engaged in writing books and articles relating to animals a decade ago. Kim resides in Chicago with her husband and son. The family is the proud owner of a dog and a parrot (Jack and Lily). Kim wanted more than these two pets, but her husband put his foot down... She often visits elementary schools to talk to the kids about what she learned about pets and how they could learn from them.
Review symptoms, medications & behavior to keep your pets healthy with a Vet Online in just minutes.
Ask a Vet Live Now