Bitches In Season and 'Lovesick' Dogs

Bitches in season go through mood changes, and may be grumpy with other dogs for part of their season. They'll often try to escape to find a mate when they're at their most fertile. This is not disobedience, or a behavioural problem, it's what they¡re programmed to do! They also need to wee more, and may dribble and mark, as well as bleed during part of their season. Never let a bitch in season off the leash in a public area (some people do). It's kinder to the local entire males to take bitches in season for walks to places where there aren't many dogs. It's safer to spay a bitch if you aren't sure you can prevent her from having unwanted pregnancies. There are also health benefits to spaying, such as less vulnerability to pyometra, which usually outweigh the disadvantages, such as the risks from the operation itself, and vulnerability to incontinence. Check with your vet on the pros and cons, which can vary according to breed.

Male dogs can become 'lovesick' when they catch a whiff of a bitch in season. The dog is off his food, whines constantly, and wants to go out. Not all dogs are affected, some entire males never become lovesick. Dogs may also be unaffected by some bitches, and besotted by others. Lovesick dogs tend to be untrustworthy off-leash. Short walks can sometimes 'reset' their brains, if their lady-love has not recently passed by.