Boston Terrier in Heat? Best 5 Products to Make Life Easier

Navigating Your Boston Terrier’s Heat Season: A Comprehensive Guide

Have you ever wondered how to best handle it when your beloved Boston Terrier enters her in heat season? This natural phase in a female dog’s life can be a confusing and challenging time for both the owner and the pet. In this article, I will discuss the in and outs of managing your Boston Terrier’s heat cycle, from understanding its frequency and duration, to ensuring her comfort and well-being.

My Boston is in heat right now. I knew it was coming.

Now, before you get on me about not having her spayed – I’ll give you a little background:

I got her at age 3 (I was told that was her age anyway) in February 2023 from a wanna-be backyard breeder who said she could no longer properly care for her. I was told she had a litter and had to have “surgery” if I wanted to breed her again. Since I had no intention of breeding her, I didn’t think much of what she meant by surgery. I came to find out later she meant “C-section.

A few days after bringing her home, she was in season. I took her to a Neuter Scooter (low cost, traveling spay / neuter clinic) to have her spayed. Since she’d had a C-section, they told me I’d have to take her to a full service Vet to spay her.

I quickly found out because of her age and history, it was gonna cost. A LOT. In my state, a simple spay that used to be a few hundred dollars 10 years ago, is now $700 – $800+ !!!!

Sooo, off to the net I went for some diaper shopping. My floors were becoming a bloody mess.

Understanding the In Heat Season Cycle:

A crucial aspect of handling your Boston Terrier’s heat season is understanding its frequency. Typically, Boston Terriers experience their first heat cycle between the ages of six and twelve months. After that, heat cycles generally occur every six to eight months. However, the frequency can vary depending on the individual dog. Factors such as breed, genetics, and environmental factors can influence the timing of heat cycles.

How to Know Its Coming

Your Bostons “mimsy” (my funny little word for “private area”) will become swollen and might take on a pinkish color. On my Nella, her whole area is swollen right now. I noticed the swelling starting several days to a week before the bleeding started.

My other two dogs must have known it was coming as well. Although they are also females, they suddenly became fascinated with smelling Nellas’ mimsy. Gross! So, there was my other sign…

Nella also became slightly “b!tchy” and kind of lost her appetite a few days before, as she only ate about half of her food that she loves. She also seemed to be napping more than usual. So, as you get to know your Boston better, these may be signs she is entering a heat cycle.

Duration and Bleeding:

A Boston Terrier’s heat cycle typically lasts for about three weeks, although it can range from two to four weeks. During this time, you may notice vaginal bleeding, which can vary in intensity. The amount of blood lost can be quite minimal, and it’s common for owners to worry about excessive bleeding. It’s essential to understand that the bleeding is a natural part of the process and is not typically a cause for concern.

How Your Dog May Be Feeling:

While your Boston Terrier is in heat, you might observe changes in her behavior and temperament. It’s not uncommon for dogs to become more restless, agitated, or affectionate during this time. Some dogs may show signs of increased vocalization or seek more attention from their owners. You may also notice changes in her scent, which can attract male dogs. It’s important to be patient and understanding of these behavioral changes, as they are a result of hormonal fluctuations.

Ensuring Your Boston Terrier’s Comfort:

To make your Boston Terrier feel more comfortable during her heat cycle, consider the following tips:

Provide a Safe Space: Create a quiet and secure space where your dog can retreat when she’s feeling stressed or uncomfortable.

Maintain Hygiene: Keep your dog clean by gently wiping away any discharge. Regular grooming and cleaning can help her feel more at ease. You may want to keep some aloe infused wipes around for this. I suggest aloe because her mimsy might feel a bit raw.

Offer Distractions: Engage your Boston Terrier in mental and physical activities to redirect her focus and energy.

Supervise Outdoor Time: When taking your dog outside, ensure she is on a leash and in a secure area to prevent unwanted interactions with male dogs.

Consider Diapers: Diapers designed for dogs in heat can be a practical solution to manage any bleeding and keep your home clean.

Choosing and Using Dog Diapers:

Dog diapers can be a lifesaver during your Boston Terrier’s heat season. When selecting a diaper, consider the following factors:

Size: Choose a diaper size that fits your dog snugly without being too tight. Improperly fitting diapers can cause discomfort or chafing. Be sure to utilize the manufacturers size chart and when measuring, DON”T skip measuring the length, as its just as important as the waist measurement.

I am currently dealing with washable diapers for my Nella that are now too small. When I got her 6 months ago, she was in another heat cycle and was much thinner. Luckily over 6 months time she has filled out beautifully, but unfortunately, her diapers are now too small. They ride on her hips because they are not long enough and tend to slip off her back side. If I don’t make them super tight, they slip off. Time to size up!

Absorbency: Opt for diapers with sufficient absorbency to manage the bleeding effectively.

Ease of Use: Look for diapers that are easy to put on and take off. Some options feature adjustable straps or Velcro closures.

Comfort: Prioritize diapers made from breathable materials to prevent irritation or discomfort.

Product Suggestions:

Here are a few product suggestions to make life easier for both you and your Boston Terrier during her heat season:

Aloe Infused Wipes:

Aveeno Baby Sensitive All Over Wipes with Aloe & Natural Oat Extract. Aveeno products are well known for catering to sensitive skin and these are very reasonably priced, and you get a lot (64 wipes). This is well worth adding to your “In Season” arsenal to make life easier during this time for you and comfort for your Bostie.

Washable Dog Diapers:

If you prefer an eco-friendly option, consider washable dog diapers that can be reused after laundering.

I purchased XPCARE Washable Female Dog Diapers (4 Pack). Most manufacturers only give you 3 sets of diapers for even more money, while this one gives you four for the same thing as the others. The adorable, colorful print tries to make cheer of being on a “period”. 🙂

I bought the medium size since the ones I had were a small, and I needed them a bit longer so they don’t fit like hip huggers.

Be sure to utilize the size chart provided by the manufacturer and don’t skip any of the measurements.

They can be machine washed, however I prefer to wash mine by hand. I want these to last and stay nice looking (because I am a cheap you-know-what, ha-ha) If you care about keeping them relatively stain free, I suggest soaking them in OxyClean over night and air drying (they dry pretty fast on a sunny day.)

You can purchase it here if you’d like to add it to your shopping list. I like using Oxyclean products because I don’t have to mess with spray on stain removers. I just fill a bucket with some hot water, add a little Oxyclean, rinse the diaper, throw it in, and forget about it until the next day.

Oh, and by the way, these diapers can get a little smelly (ok – a lot smelly!)

Oxyclean also makes a stain remover with Odor Blaster. As someone who has also resold clothes for a living, I haven’t found any product or method that gets rid of smells better than Oxyclean Odor Blaster. This is for a 5 pound bucket and will last quite a long time with normal use – and for only a few bucks more. Totally worth it just to have around for the people in your home as well!

Honestly, I could go on and on about the virtues of OxyClean – I love this stuff!

OK, ONE more personal tip based on my experience using doggy diapers that may make life a bit easier for when your Boston is in heat season – I got a package of thin panty liners to line the diaper. They don’t cost much and they help give a boost of extra absorbancy as well as make cleaning the diaper a little less disgusting. I think they help a bit with odor too!

*They do make doggy diaper liners, but I felt they would be too small for what I need them for. Plus, there seemed to be a LOT of complaints from buyers about them. Pass.

Here is what I have been using – U by Kotex Clean & Secure Panty Liners, Light Absorbency, Long Length, 126 Count. I have found these to really be of help. They are long enough and the price is reasonable.

This package should last a good long time. I find that I have to change the liner only once or twice a day depending on the flow. Also, it is sticky enough to stay in place when my Boston is active.

I end up having to cover the little hole where the tail goes. Nellas little screw tail doesn’t want to stay outside the hole anyway and it keeps leaks from happening. Win-win!

Disposable Doggy Diapers:

PitPet Comfortable Female Dog Diapers – 30-Pack Super Absorbent Disposable Doggie Diapers – FlashDry Gel Technology & Wetness Indicator – Leakproof Diapers for Dogs in Heat. They come with high ratings for absorbancy, comfort, adhesion and value.

One negative is that they could run a little small, so be sure to utilize the size chart. Again, don’t skip measuring the diaper length! I think this is why some raters are complaining about the size discrepancy because as I mentioned earlier, this is what my issue with slippage is as well.

Conclusion:

Handling your Boston Terrier’s heat season requires patience, understanding, and a commitment to her well-being. By familiarizing yourself with the frequency and duration of heat cycles, recognizing your dog’s feelings, and taking steps to ensure her comfort, you can navigate this natural phase with confidence. Additionally, utilizing products like dog diapers can help both you and your furry friend manage this period more smoothly. Remember, your Boston Terrier relies on your care and support during this time, and by following these guidelines, you can help her through the heat cycle with ease and grace.