How to Relieve Dog Period Cramps?

Period cramps are well-known in females, resulting in discomfort, unease, and mood swings. However, most people don’t know that dogs also suffer from their version of period cramps during their heat cycle.

The canine heat cycle is a natural biological process that occurs in every unsprayed female dog. As a result, your canine friend goes through challenges and unwelcoming side effects like period cramps and discomfort. However, you can make your dog happier and more comfortable during her heat cycle by understanding and addressing it correctly.

In this blog post, we will explore some effective ways to relieve your dog’s period cramps and the discomfort they bring.

So, let’s dive into it.

Recognizing Period Cramps in Dogs

The canine heat cycle, or estrus, occurs every six to eight months and lasts anywhere from 7 to 21 days. Depending on the breed, your dog will go through her first heat cycle during 18-24 months of age.

This cycle leads to significant hormonal changes in canines as it prepares them for a potential pregnancy. As a result, your furry friend suffers from pain, fatigue, decreased appetite, irritability, fear, and other problems.

Bleeding also varies in dogs; some bleed heavily compared to others. As a caring dog parent, it’s crucial to recognize pain and distress in dogs and take the necessary steps to relieve them.

Look out for these symptoms to know whether your dog is suffering from period cramps:

• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Lethargy
• Restlessness
• Excessive panting
• Irritability or aggressive behaviors
• Excessive licking or chewing
• Vocalization (whining, barking, whimpering)
• Altered posture (arched back or hunched position)

Remember, these symptoms can be due to other diseases; therefore, ruling out other conditions is necessary.

Effective Ways to Relief a Dog’s Period Cramps

Various ways can help relieve your dog’s pain and discomfort during her heat cycle. However, each dog is different; therefore, what works for one might not work for another. Try these ways and notice how your dog reacts to them and if they are helpful.

Here’s how you can relieve your dog’s period cramps:

Heat Pad

A heating pad is one effective way to relieve a dog’s period cramps. The blood flow in a dog’s particular body area increases due to heat. Increased blood flow also brings oxygen and nutrients to improve healing.

In addition, a heating pad provides an analgesic effect and relaxes muscles; consequently, it makes your dog comfortable. You can use a normal heat pad or those designed particularly for dogs.

Massages

A soothing massage works like magic for dogs suffering from period cramps. Giving a gentle touch and being at her side help her deal with anxiety.

If your dog is still uncomfortable, gently stroke her belly in a circular motion. Doing this results in relaxing tense muscles and improves blood circulation.

Your touch is a love language for your dog, and she appreciates your care and support. Besides, make sure your dog has a comfortable bed to curl up and relax.

Hydration

Hydration is necessary to keep your pets healthy. But most people overlook the importance of keeping your pet hydrated.

During heat, dogs become excessively dehydrated, so a constant supply of fresh and clean water is necessary. In addition to relieving menstrual cramps, hydration reduces bloating and fatigue and improves digestion.

Fruits like strawberry, watermelon, and cucumber also keep your pup hydrated.

Exercise

Exercise is an effective way to reduce muscle tension and muscle stiffness and release endorphins. During a dog’s heat cycle, ensure she does low-impact activities like mild playtime or leisurely walks. These activities will give her relief without straining her.

Keep your dog on a leash to prevent an unwanted pregnancy when outside.

Diet

A balanced diet is what keeps your canine friend happy and healthy. But you can make certain changes in your canine’s diet during estrus to keep her physically fit.

Rather than feeding supplements, opt for dog foods rich in omega fatty acids like tuna, salmon, and flaxseed oil. In the case of an upset stomach, divide your dog’s daily meal intake into multiple smaller meals to deal with the problem.

Medication

If your dog still suffers from pain, regardless of all efforts, contacting a vet is the best you can do.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs help reduce pain and inflammation in canines. Your vet can suggest some other pain-relieving options like Metacam and Rimadyl.

However, avoid giving your dog over-the-counter medicines like Tylenol or Ibuprofen.

Supplements

Before feeding your dog any supplements for period cramps, talk to your vet to ensure they are safe and suitable for canines.

Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids effectively reduce inflammation and tackle period pain. According to some dog owners, CBD oil also helps manage pain and promote relaxation in dogs.

Due to the anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric and ginger, they support digestion and provide relief from discomfort. Although supplements benefit your canine friends, their effectiveness may vary among dogs.

FAQs

Do Female Dogs Whine When In Heat?

Yes, some female dogs whine when in heat, as it’s a typical response to the discomfort due to period pains. However, it can occur due to hormonal changes in the female dog, which might confuse you the first time it happens to dogs.

Do Female Dogs Feel Pain During Their Period?

Female dogs usually suffer from mild pain or discomfort during their period. Therefore, make sure to comfort your dog when in heat to mitigate any minor pain they feel.

What to Give My Dog When She is On Her Period?

When your dog is on her period, try to provide emotional support and comfort to her as much as possible. Make sure to feed her a healthy diet and avoid giving her any medication before discussing it with your vet first.

Conclusion

Being a pet parent comes with huge responsibilities, and parenting a female dog is challenging as it involves caring for her when dealing with heat symptoms. You can feel sorry for your adorable furry queen and relieve her period cramps by following the above tips. That way, you can make her cramping experience less unpleasant and support her in discomfort.