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You may have heard that female dogs “go into heat.” But what about male dogs? Do male dogs go into heat? That’s a great question!
We’ve put together some information about whether male dogs go into heat, and more! Let’s get started!
What Does “Go Into Heat” Mean?
When a female dog “goes into heat,” it means she’s ready to breed. This period is called “being in heat.” There are several different stages of heat, all having to do with mating. When a female dog is in heat, she is more receptive to mating.
You can tell when a female dog is in heat by the symptoms she’s having. Some female dogs may have to urinate more, while they may display a red, swollen vulva. And some girl dogs also have bleeding or discharge. The bleeding may last from seven to ten days. Smaller dogs bleed less than larger dogs, while other dogs bleed little, if at all.
Females in heat may also show other signs. A girl dog in heat may:
- Be very friendly with dogs, especially males
- Mount or hump (though males may also do this to her)
- Turn her tail to the side
- Be nervous or restless
While a female dog may bleed, she doesn’t feel any pain. However, she may feel uncomfortable and nervous. This is all normal for a female dog in heat.
Dogs can go into heat every six months, with each cycle lasting between two to three weeks. However, this can vary, depending on the dog’s breed.
Can a Male Dog Go Into Heat?
No, male dogs don’t go into heat. Going into heat only applies to female dogs. However, male dogs are able to mate all year-round from the time they’re about six months old!
While the male dog doesn’t go into heat, he goes through his own experience, which can be pretty intense.
When a female dog is in heat, she releases a pheromone that causes sexual arousal in male dogs. This is the way a female dog lets males in the area know she’s receptive to mating. The effect on all male dogs around her is enough to drive them crazy!
If an intact male dog smells this pheromone, he becomes completely focused on getting to her. It’s not unheard of for male dogs to stop eating, becoming aggressive, and more. They may also become obsessed with tracking the female down all through her cycle. This is a time when it’s hard for the male dog. But it’s also challenging for the pet parents.
Pet parents of an intact male (one who’s not been neutered) must keep him near at all times. They should not allow him to roam around and find the female. The problem is the dogs could mate and create a litter of unwanted puppies.
So, if your male dog is trying to reach a female dog in heat, be sure to keep him on a leash when walking him. Otherwise, he will get away to find his girl!
As you can see, male dogs don’t go into heat. It’s only the females who go into this cycle. However, when a female in heat is nearby, it can drive a male dog wild.
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Ask a Vet Live NowHow Far Away Can a Male Dog Smell a Female Dog in Heat?
That’s a great question, especially considering that dogs have an excellent sense of smell! Both neutered and intact male dogs can smell the pheromones and the female dog’s vaginal discharge when she’s in heat. Some studies have shown that a female’s scent may carry as far as three miles away. What’s the benefit of that?
It all has to do with genetics. The goal of the female is to attract and mate with the most prominent male in the area. She’s not able to travel all over her territory, so her pheromones do this for her. Then the female has the opportunity to choose the strongest and most dominant male in the bunch. That means her puppies have a better chance of having healthy genes.
However, when a male dog smells the female’s pheromones, it can drive him crazy. Males may start mounting anything and anyone. They may also show other sexual behaviors, even if the female dog is miles away.
Can You Calm a Male Dog When a Female Dog’s in Heat?
Male dogs can literally go crazy when they smell a female dog in heat. So, what can you do to calm them down?
If you have a female dog in heat, and you don’t plan to breed the female and male dogs, keep the dogs separated. Physical distance is crucial, so try to them as far apart as possible.
Another thing you can do is to exercise your male dog more than usual. This should be done when you won’t meet the female dog or go near where the female lives. Exercise allows the male to release some of his excess energy. He may sleep better and not be as likely to mount everything in sight.
You might also dry using odor maskers. These are products made with menthol spray and other odor-masking chemicals that cover the scent of a female dog in heat. The sprays can’t completely cover the smell; however, they can reduce the scent. This may help to calm your may dog. However, it may be necessary to try several different scents before finding one that works.
Neuter Your Dog
Finally, you may want to consider neutering your male dog. This surgery can help calm your dog down, though he may still react if he smells a female dog in heat. His reaction won’t (hopefully) be as crazy as an intact male dog’s!
Summing It Up
Male dogs don’t go into heat; however, they can become stir-crazy when a female dog is in heat! You can try to use the methods in the article to calm your dog. If that doesn’t work and you don’t plan on breeding your dog, then it may be helpful to have him neutered. Then you may all feel better and find relief!
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Julie
Julie is a graduate of the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, where she studied Animal science. Though contrary to the opinion of her parents she was meant to study pharmacy, but she was in love with animals especially cats. Julie currently works in an animal research institute (NGO) in California and loves spending quality time with her little cat. She has the passion for making research about animals, how they survive, their way of life among others and publishes it. Julie is also happily married with two kids.
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