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Does your male dog seem to go crazy when a female dog is in heat? It’s entirely possible! But what causes a male dog to go crazy when a female dog is in heat?
If you’ve experienced this behavior with your male dog, you’re not alone! We understand that this behavior can be concerning and confusing.
We’ve put together some information about what causes a male dog to go crazy when a female dog is in heat and how you can help your dog. Let’s get started!
What Causes a Male Dog to Go Crazy When a Female Dog Is in Heat?
It’s not uncommon for a male dog to go crazy when a female dog is in heat. The reason for his behavior all comes down to hormones and pheromones.
When a female dog’s in heat, she puts off pheromones that have a strong scent. We may not be able to sense this smell, but male dogs do. The pheromones a female dog gives off during heat can travel for miles! That’s why you may notice stranger dogs in the neighborhood during a female dog’s heat cycle. Those dogs have traveled to see the female dog!
These pheromones have a very strong effect on male dogs. It causes their bodies to produce the sex hormone testosterone. When a male dog’s testosterone levels increase, the male dog may seem to act in unbalanced and crazy ways that are not normal for him.
The pheromones cause the male to be intent on two things: finding the female dog in heat and mating with her. He will try to overcome everything that stands in his way. That can mean digging out of the yard, running away to find the female dog, being more aggressive toward male dogs, and more.
All of this is completely normal for a male dog that’s intact (not neutered).
How to Help Your Dog
You can help your male dog by keeping him from the female who is in heat. If the dogs are living in the same home, they must be kept completely separated to avoid mating.
Another option is to exercise and play with your dog more while the female is in heat. He will still notice her pheromones, but he won’t have as much energy and may sleep more. Plus, the extra attention from you can help to calm your male dog a little bit.
The best thing you can do is to have your male dog neutered. If you have both the male and female dogs, having them both “fixed” can solve the problem of your male dog going crazy when the female dog’s in heat. You’ll avoid unwanted pregnancies, and both dogs will feel better and be calmer.
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.
Kyoko
Kyoko is from a family of 3 and moved to New York with her parents and siblings when she was 13. Kyoko is fond of spending a great amount of time with pets, specifically her beagle Luna and cat Missy. Her boyfriend often complains that she spends too much time giving attention to their animals. Kyoko has written dozens of articles concerning pets and is aiming at owning a pet shop one day!
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