Every dog owner has to know about how to relieve dog period cramps, you can’t be breeding and living with a female dog without knowing how to help her during her period cramps. Once your dog enters sexual maturity, she will experience estrus, commonly known as “heat,” every six months or thereabout for the rest of her life. The time of heat can be a very daunting time for her because just as a woman feels cramps in her menstrual circle, a dog also feels pains.
It might be a bit difficult to notice that your dog is in pain and even if you eventually find out, what do you do to help her relieve her period cramps?
In a few seconds, I will be showing you how to know if your dog has period cramps and the best remedies on how to relieve dog period cramps. Without further ado, let’s dive in.
Do Female Dogs Get Cramps During Their Period?
Just in case you’re wondering if dogs also have cramps and periods, the answer is yes. Just as in humans, not all dogs have cramps when they are in their “Heat” period but a majority of them go through similar cramps.
Period cramps in humans are caused by the loss of the uterine wall, which causes the pain associated with a period. Because dogs’ menstrual cycles differ from those of humans, the discomfort is assumed to be caused by a hormonal surge.
How Do I Know If My Dog Has Period Cramps?
Most people find it hard to know when their pet is having cramps even when the symptoms are evident.
Dogs do not exhibit pain in the same way that people do, which is a typical challenge when identifying whether a dog is in discomfort due to an undiscovered health condition. If you’re looking for indicators of period pain in your dog, you may want to look out for the following:
- Limping
- Sleeping more
- Hesitation to jump into the car
- Licking the same spot excessively
- Groaning noises, heavy panting
- Less affectionate/grouchy
- Aggression when touched in certain areas
- Vocalization/crying out
- Arching her back
- Unsettleness
- Resting and staying still most of the time
If you observe any or all of these symptoms, including the bloody charge, sobbing, and other signs of being in heat, contact your doctor. In that instance, you can detect your dog is experiencing menstrual cramps.
You can check our previous article to see the 8 common behaviors of a female dog in heat.
It is critical to note that just because dogs do not exhibit evident indicators of pain or discomfort does not mean they are not in pain.
As previously said, dogs are well known for their resistance to pain. You’ll need to watch for whatever indicators that you can that dogs are in pain and be ready to jump in with your preferred method of pain relief.
How to Relieve Dog Period Cramps
When you notice your dog is having period cramps, the best solution is to take her to the doctor for professional care but you can also try some first aid treatment to help her feel better before going to see a doctor.
There are two ways to help relieve the pain of the cramps for your dog before going to see a doctor and they include;
- Pain Medications
- Natural Remedies
Pain Medications
When your dog is having period cramps, there are certain dog pills you can give her as prescribed by the veterinarian (DVM) and these are:
- Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) are the most commonly used traditional pain relievers in dogs.
Metacam, Rimadyl, Deramaxx, and carprofen are examples of common pain relievers. Ibuprofen, a human pain reliever, is another NSAID. Ibuprofen, on the other hand, is harmful to dogs and should not be taken, despite the fact that it is a regularly used over-the-counter medication for arthritis pain.
Gastric ulcers and potential liver and renal problems are common side effects of NSAIDs. COX inhibitors are a type of medicine that works by lowering the production of particular prostaglandins that are vital for gut health. This is why dogs who take these types of pain drugs may experience severe negative effects. - Other Conventional Pain Medications
Other popular pain drugs that your veterinarian may prescribe for your dog are tramadol and gabapentin. These drugs have a lower risk of toxicity. Numerous studies, however, have shown that tramadol is not a particularly effective pain reliever for dogs and should not be the only medication used to manage your dog’s pain. Natural pain relievers and natural anti-inflammatory vitamins should be an important element of your dog’s natural pain management approach because of these side effects.
Natural Remedies
You may choose to avoid drugs for the sake of your dog’s health. But in such a scenario, you’ll be relieved to know that there are numerous herbal remedies that you can include in your dog’s diet and lifestyle. Among the best choices are:
- Ginger
- Licorice root
- CBD oil
All of these can effectively relieve pain in dogs, and the majority of dogs will appreciate their effects if taken with food. You should still consult your veterinarian about portion sizes and preparation for the best overall results, but these are excellent solutions for focused pain relief.
You can also consider certain lifestyle adjustments that will assist them to alleviate their discomfort without necessarily using medication. These elements may include:
- Hydration and diet
- Exercise
- A hot water bottle
- Massage and acupuncture
- TLC and attention
- Hydration And Diet
Staying hydrated and eating her regular diet can help your dog stay strong and stable during this process. The most important thing you can do for your body is to keep it strong. For nutrition, this includes fresh, cool water and her normal vet-approved feed. You can still give her snacks, but minimize any bad foods that may irritate or worsen her stomach.
During their periods, some dogs may feel uncomfortable and may not want to eat much. This is good because she will resume normal eating when she is ready. Give it to her and encourage her to munch on it. - Exercise
While she may not want to, exercising can help her get to the lowest of her period cramps. Moving around and getting the blood flowing and the muscles moving can be more beneficial than pain medicines and even a hot water bottle (more on that next). While most dogs are reluctant to move when they have cramps. Find ways on how to walk your dog - A Hot Water Bottle
You can get a hot water bottle for your dog that will provide her with immediate relief right on her stomach. You should get one made for dogs because it will keep a lower temperature for her to keep her comfortable without burning herself! Allow her to lie on it or put it on her stomach yourself. She might be uncomfortable at first, but once she feels how good it feels, you should have no problem remaining still! - Massage and Acupuncture
Massage treatment and even acupuncture can help her get some relief from her cramps. Most people will not begin with this because it is expensive. However, if your dog is having serious cramping, you should think about it! You can also learn how to massage her stomach so she can get a beautiful sensation from her favorite human – you! - TLC And Attention
If she’s feeling down and in pain, she’ll appreciate some TLC and attention from you. She might want to snuggle up to you more regularly. Make sure to promote this and keep your emphasis on giving her what she desires from you. She’ll feel better, and you’ll know you’re doing the right thing.
How Long Do Dog Cramps Last?
Dog cramps can last for several days. While some dogs experience cramps throughout the proestrus stage, which often lasts a minimum of 12 days, some other dogs experience it for longer than that, and some others, for shorter.
During this stage, cramps might be minor, moderate, or severe, so correct preparation is critical for your dog’s health and general comfort.
How Do You Comfort A Dog On Her Period?
To stop the heat cycle from occurring altogether, you’ll need to get your dog spayed, which prevents unwanted pregnancies and unpleasant behavior in your dog’s lifetime. But, if that isn’t possible, keep your dog safely away from other dogs and take steps to ensure she’s in no discomfort.
Spend Time With your Dog
Simply keeping a dog company is indeed the greatest home treatment for a dog in heat. Indoors, play fetch or hide-and-seek with her to keep her mind and body active. Alternatively, give her some puzzle toys to keep her occupied and less likely to complain.
While your dog is in heat, she may be rather affectionate, so sit with her and spend some quality time together. Brushing her coat, as well as curling up with a nice book and your pet, can help her relax and bond with you.
Use Dog Period Diapers
You should provide your dog with dog period diapers to avoid messes in the house. Because your dog menstruates and bleeds while in heat, she may also urinate mark throughout the home. The heat cycle of a dog lasts between two and four weeks and happens approximately every six months.
Bleeding during estrus can range from minor to heavy. When your dog wears period diapers, treat her with praise and attention so she identifies them with nice things. Remember to change her diaper frequently during estrus to keep her clean.
Provide Pain Relief for Dogs in Heat
During ovulation, your dog may experience cramping, nausea, and pain if she is in heat. Her suffering will be relieved by some natural pain remedies for dogs in heat. Make sure she has a comfortable bed to sleep in and put a hot water bottle or heating pad inside to relieve her pain.
Do not give your pet dog pain medicines meant for humans, such as acetaminophen, or most non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs, as they can be dangerous to dogs. If you describe your dog’s symptoms, your veterinarian may have some helpful suggestions for products that might relax her, treat her problems, and calm her down. Most importantly, always speak with your veterinarian to confirm that you are on the right track.
Keep Your Dog Contained
Dogs in heat are only concerned with one thing: mating with a male dog. The best way to avoid this is to keep your dog inside your house or in a properly enclosed yard. You should also avoid dog parks and doggie daycare.
When taking your dog on a stroll, items like Heat-X for dogs might help cover her fragrance so she doesn’t attract unwanted male canine attention. This is a powder that you softly dust over your dog’s genitals after she urinates to help cover up her odor.
Always remember to leash your dog before leaving the house to prevent her from escaping. Furthermore, do not leave windows or doors open when your dog is on her Heat because she’s more likely to try to make a quick getaway.
Consider Spaying your Dog
While home cures might help keep your dog as comfortable as possible throughout her heat cycle, having your dog spayed is the most effective approach to halting the heat cycle. You can spay your dog at 8 weeks or older, but consult with your veterinarian to decide the best time for your dog.
Spaying will save you from having to deal with a dog that tries to flee while in heat, a puppy who draws unwelcome attention from male canines, and unwanted litters of puppies.
Conclusion
While parenting any dog is a significant responsibility, parenting a female dog adds an extra layer of difficulty: caring for them when they have heat symptoms.
You can’t help but feel sorry for your cute furry queen and wonder whether there’s anything you can do or say to make her cramping experience more bearable.