Why is my dog acting weird, clingy, and moody during her first heat?

It could be that Sparkles is in heat. When dogs are in heat, they can experience behavior changes and this includes being more clingy with their owners. A dog's heat typically lasts around three weeks, and if you don't want puppies, I would keep her away from all intact male dogs and do not allow her outside unsupervised. I would also recommend spaying her, this would prevent a pyometra from occurring. A pyometra is a life threatening infection of the uterus. Good luck, I hope this helps!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Callie. If she is starting her next heat cycle, this can result in behavior changes. Otherwise I have had patients display odd behaviors when they are experiencing a respiratory tract infection. Monitor for any coughing or sneezing as this would be another sign of an infection. Finally, she could be painful somewhere. She will likely need to see her veterinarian for a diagnosis and if any treatment is required. I hope this information helps!

Sometimes dogs will feel uncomfortable during their first cycle. They may be lethargic, have a decreased appetite, and crave attention more than normal. All of this is completely normal. The itchy paws does not really fit with being in heat, and could be caused by fleas, mange, lice, infections (bacterial or yeast), ringworm, allergies, among others. You can try a medicated shampoo, like Dechra MalAcetic Ultra Shampoo along with a good flea preventative. If it continues after her heat cycle is over, you should see a vet for diagnosis.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Give her vulva a quick inspection to make sure there is no obvious wound or bizarre discharge. If so, see your vet. If not, it could very well be related to either being in heat or being pregnant- both can cause changes in behavior such as you are describing. Best of luck to you and Nova!

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. If she has not had her first heat cycle then this could certainly be the cause of what you are seeing. If these signs do not resolve after 2-3 weeks, then I would recommend having a veterinarian take a look at Belle so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Snow! Most dogs handle their heat cycles fine. Some dogs have a decreased appetite and are lethargic while others are hyperactive. There are no need for medications as they shouldn't be painful. Just always have her on a leash and do not let her outside a lone or around intact males dogs. I would have her spayed 2 months after the bleeding stops. I hope this helps and I wish you and Snow the best!

Hi, thanks for using PetCoach! Diamond is adorable! That tongue!! I wonder, has Diamond had a heat cycle recently? She is exhibiting signs that are consistent with a false pregnancy. This is a hormonal imbalance that occurs after a heat cycle that causes the female to think she is pregnant when he actually isn't. The dog will develop mammary glands and even make milk, they nest, pick up toys and carry then around like babies, more clingy to owners, anxious. A false pregnancy lasts about as long as a normal dog pregnancy or a bit longer, 2 months or more. The symptoms can return on subsequent heat cycles, so I recommend spaying once the false pregnancy symptoms go away. http://www.merckvetmanual.com/reproductive-system/reproductive-diseases-of-the-female-small-animal/false-pregnancy-in-small-animals?network=g&matchtype=e&keyword=false%20pregnancy%20in%20dogs&creative=223892247985&device=c&devicemodel=&placement=&position=1o1&campaignid=939309547&adgroupid=44403893422&loc_physical_ms=9007368&loc_interest_ms=&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI24GO3LSJ2AIVzEsNCh02Ow67EAMYASAAEgJxN_D_BwE I hope this helps and I wish you and Diamond the best!