Even when she is in heat, your dog should be exercised to prevent boredom and depression. This is especially important for dogs who are used to being exercised often or have lots of energy to use up. However, the way that you exercise your dog should be modified for her safety. When your dog is in heat, it can be a very stressful time. To help destress her, exercise is helpful. There is a misconception that female dogs in heat shouldn’t get any exercise, but she still needs walks. Avoid strenuous physical activities, a brief walk around the block will already do great wonders. Always have her on a leash. You must always keep her on a leash, no matter where you take her. Whilst you walk your dog, she will be giving off pheromones that advertise the fact that she is in season. Avoid male dogs. If a male dog is allowed to, he will follow your dog’s pheromone trail in hopes of mating with her.
If you live in an area with a lot of free-roaming or off-leash dogs, it’s important to try to cover your female dog’s tracks. Male dogs can be very determined and may follow your own dog back to your front door. So, if possible, put your dog in a car and drive half a mile away or more to walk your dog in heat to reduce the pheromone trail left behind. Female dog pants or dog diapers may also be an option to lower female scent distribution and reduce the risk of your dog getting pregnant if she meets a male dog. However, they are not contraceptives and should not be treated as such. The only real benefit of pants is keeping your female dog from making a mess indoors while she is in heat. Wearing them on a walk to reduce scent distribution and the risk of unwanted pregnancy is just a good side effect.