Can I Take My Dog in Heat for a Walk? Risks, Problems and Vet Advice

One of the top concerns in the minds of pet parents who haven't spayed their female pet is, "Can I take my dog in heat for a walk?" Experts say "Yes, you can take your dog in heat for walks" but there are some very important factors to remember to ensure safety of your pet.

Heat Cycle in Dogs

Heat cycle in dogs generally last between 2 to 4 weeks with 2 cycles occurring in a year in most cases. 

Heat cycle in dogs has four stages, namely:

• Proestrus
• Estrus
• Diestrus
• Anestrus

Knowing the stages helps you decide when and how to walk your dog safely.

Stages of the Dog Heat Cycle

1. Proestrus

This is the beginning of the heat cycle and lasts about 7–10 days.

Common signs of proestrus include:
• Swollen vulva
• Bloody discharge
• Increased urination
• Male dogs start showing interest
• Female dog does not allow mating yet

Your dog may appear restless, anxious or more affectionate than usual.

2. Estrus

This is the fertile stage when a dog can become pregnant. It usually lasts 5–10 days.

Signs of estrus in dogs include:
• Discharge becomes lighter in color
• Vulva remains swollen
• Female dog allows male dogs to mount
• Increased attraction to male dogs

This is the most risky stage for taking your dog outside for walks.

3. Diestrus

This stage occurs after estrus and lasts about 60 days.

• Hormone levels return to normal
• Dog no longer accepts males
• Pregnancy may occur if mating happened
• Some dogs may show signs of false pregnancy

4. Anestrus

This is the resting phase between heat cycles.

• No discharge
• Hormones are stable
• Body recovers before the next cycle
• Can last several months

Can You Walk a Dog in Heat?

Yes, you can walk a dog in heat, but it must be done with strict precautions.

Walking during heat can help:

• reduce anxiety 
• prevent weight gain 
• support digestion 
• provide mental stimulation

However, there are increased risks because male dogs can smell a female in heat from long distances, which may lead to:
• Unwanted mating
• Dog fights
• Escape attempts
• Stress for your dog

Check this post to see how my pet member Chezhi felt during her first heat unable to go outside.

Precautions to Take When Walking a Dog in Heat

1. Always Use a Leash

Never let a dog in heat walk off-leash. Even well-trained dogs may ignore commands during this time due to hormonal changes.

A leash helps you:
• Maintain control
• Prevent sudden running
• Avoid unwanted contact with other dogs

2. Avoid Crowded Areas

Do not take your dog to:
• Dog parks
• Busy walking trails
• Playgrounds
• Areas with many stray dogs

Choose:

• quiet streets 
• early morning or late evening walks
• low-traffic areas

3. Keep Walks Short

Instead of long walks:
• take short, frequent walks
• observe your dog’s behavior
• return home if she becomes stressed or agitated

4. Consider Protective Wear

Dog heat pants or diapers can help:
• manage discharge
• reduce scent spread
These do not prevent pregnancy and should never replace supervision.

5. Never Leave Her Unsupervised Outdoors

Even in a fenced yard:
• Male dogs may jump in
• Stray dogs may enter
• Mating can happen very quickly

Always supervise outdoor time during heat.

When Should You Avoid Walking Your Dog in Heat?

Avoid walks if:
• There are many stray or roaming dogs nearby
• Your dog is bleeding heavily
• She is extremely restless
• You cannot control the walking environment
• It is peak estrus stage

In such cases, safer alternatives include:

• indoor play 
• puzzle toys
• basic training sessions
• supervised backyard time

A dog in heat needs:
• extra care
• patience
• protection
• calm handling

Your role during this time is not only exercise, but also safety, prevention, and compassion.

Understanding your dog’s heat cycle and making informed choices can help keep both your pet and other dogs safe.