Frankie Bridge has cleared up any confusion regarding why her dog has been wearing a nappy.
The Loose Women star, 33, recently got multiple Instagram users privately messaging her on the social media site – with some accusing her of being 'too lazy to toilet train' her pup, Leia.
Frankie – who shares her dog with husband Wayne Bridge and their two sons Parker and Carter – introduced her pet to fans over the summer last year, as she gushed about 'finally having a girl' in her male-dominated household.
As she discussed her new family member on Loose Women in July, the mum-of-two explained how former footballer Wayne had taken to carrying the pup in a sling – joking the animal would be in a pram next.
But it was a snap of Leia wearing something else you normally see young children using that angered so many of Frankie's fans recently; a nappy.
Explaining why her pet has been wearing a nappy lately, The Saturdays singer told her Instagram followers: "Someone is in season and feeling very sorry for herself… I feel you Leia."
Frankie went on to add: "Just for the people confused in my inbox and assuming I can’t be a**ed to toilet train my dog."
A dog in season refers to a female pup’s fertile period in which they can fall pregnant and sometimes bleed throughout the period, meaning many dog owners use a nappy as a precautionary measure.
Before revealing she had welcomed Leia into her home last year, Frankie teased fans who thought her 'baby news' could be related to a possible pregnancy.
Frankie began by telling Loose Women viewers she was now mum to a "baby girl" before confirming she was talking about a puppy – quipping: "Fooled you."
She went on to reveal that the dog is named after Star Wars character Princess Leia, due to hubby Wayne's love of the franchise, and explained why she had opted to own a female pup.
"She's basically a baby girl substitute because I'm not having anymore babies but I want a girl in the house," Frankie admitted in July.
Frankie and retired footballer Wayne, 41, are doting parents to sons Parker, eight, and six-year-old Carter, meaning their home is dominated by males.
The former singer is also step-mum to Wayne's firstborn Jaydon, 15, whom he shares with ex Vanessa Perroncel.
Frankie admitted last year that she often feels broody for more children but she's not sold on the idea of trying for a third baby.
"I'm always broody, but it doesn't mean I'm gonna have one – and Wayne definitely doesn't want another," the TV star told Fabulous Magazine. "I like the idea of it, but the reality is different."
She added: "I'm not fussed about [having a girl]. Would it be nice to have a girl, to experience it? Yes, of course, but I don't have this big yearning."
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