Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

    rewards header
    Become a member today!
    Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
    Already a member? Sign in
    Petco Pay LogoBecome a credit card member today!

    Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
    when you use Petco Pay!

    APPLY NOW
    Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

Why does my unneutered male dog act like my spayed female is in heat?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why does my 3 1/2 year old unnuetered male bulldog keep acting towards my 8 1/2 year old spayed for 8 years female Bulldog like she's in heat? He keeps trying to mount her, he keeps sniffing her private parts, he's very insistent and dominant towards her lately and he just keeps acting like she's in heat and it's getting really hard to keep him off of her. He actually hurt her leg once trying to hold her down to mount her.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Debi Matlack

Answered By Debi Matlack

Veterinary Technician

Published on November 8th, 2020

Since he is unneutered he may be picking up on her scent even if she is spayed, it's also a way to show dominance over other dogs. If you don't plan to breed him I suggest getting him neutered. This will help the behavior lessen over time and will also prevent some potential health problems as well as reduce the urge to roam and possibly get injured if he escapes looking for a female in heat. You can try getting him obedience training so he will be better behaved and more likely to listen when you try to separate them.
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

    Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

    Published on August 18th, 2018

    Hi there. Male dogs do not have heat cycles like females dog. However, I see that Tiny is a young adult dog, only about a year old - so it's likely that he's just now becoming interested in females. So unfortunately, this behavior is likely to continue for quite some time. He may eventually calm down a bit when he's older, but it's going to be extremely frustrating for him in the meantime to live in the same household as an intact female.

    Unless you're planning to use him for breeding, I would recommend having him neutered - this is the easiest way to resolve the problem :)

    Vote Icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Training & Behavior
Why does my fixed male dog still try to breed with a female in heat?
Neutered males can display erections and ejaculate just like intact males. They may mount in a display of dominance or can still mount to breed in the presence of an intact and receptive female. Correct the behavior immediately (even though no litters will come of it) and distract or separate him completely from the female until she is no longer in heat. Consider having your female spayed in the near future.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Training & Behavior
Why is my intact male dog so agitated by female dogs in heat?
Thank you for submitting your question regarding your dog. This is normal behavior for an intact male dog. If you have him neutered, his hormone levels will decrease. This will resolve this behavior. I hope this information helps!
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Food & Nutrition
My male dog keeps sniffing my spayed female. Is she still in heat?
It can take many weeks to even months for the hormones that are created by the ovaries to stop circulating within the blood stream. But then, some boy dogs are just obnoxious sniffers. Neutering the male may help with this behavior.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Training & Behavior
Why is my unneutered dog crying non-stop near a female in heat?
Are any other behaviors abnormal? Is he acting painful or sick? Maybe take him for a walk and see how he does away from the female. If you are still concerned that there may be a medical problem then I would recommend having him evaluated by a veterinarian. If it is just the female bothering him you may need to keep him somewhere else for the next 2 weeks or so. Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Training & Behavior
Why is my unneutered dog humping, licking, and panting excessively?
Hi and thanks for you post. Male dogs do not go into heat as females do. Females go into heat twice a year as part of their normal estrus cycle. Males do not. If he is not neutered, the testosterone he has pumping through his body can cause the behaviors you have described in more frequency than neutered males. Neutering Cecil is the best way to help decrease these behaviors as well as prevent testicular cancers and prostatic cancers. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Training & Behavior
Why is my dog acting out and running off when she's in heat?
You are correct. She acts this way because she is in heat. It is due to hormones. Just like teenagers act out when they hit puberty. She is looking for a mate. Dogs (actually all animals) are ingrained to procreate. Their "job" (when reverting to wild status) is to make babies to ensure there are enough of the species to continue on. Obviously, since domestication this is not necessary. There are plenty of dogs arounds. You still can't change what is ingrained in their behavior. I suggest you either work with a professional trainer to try and remedy the problem or have her spayed if you are not planning on breeding her. Hope this helps. Best wishes.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Training & Behavior
Why is my female dog suddenly acting male, marking, and humping?
If your female dog isn't spayed, she could be coming into heat causing this behavior. Female dogs go into heat around every six months, and if you have had her for five months, it would be about time to go into heat again. This behavior will continue every six months unless you get her spayed, which I highly recommend getting done. Best of luck!
Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Related Searches

Dog SuppliesDog FoodDog Health & WellnessDog Training & Behavior SuppliesDog Potty Training & CleanupDog Clothes & AccessoriesDog Repellents & AttractantsCalming Sprays & Diffusers for DogsCat Training & BehaviorDog Incontinence & Bladder Control MedicineDog Calming Aids and SupplementsDog Agility EquipmentDog Vitamins & SupplementsDog Medicine and PrescriptionsCalming Chews, Treats & Supplements for DogsDog Anxiety VestsCalming Dog CollarsTraining Clickers & Whistles for DogsFlea & Tick Treatment Sprays for DogsFlea & Tick Solutions for Dogs
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Share

Styled arrow button