Dog in heat

[paiceman]

We have a seven month old Lab puppy. Planning our first "retired" trip this spring out west. We are concerned that she may go into heat (for a number of health reasons we are not going to spay her prior to her being at least one year old) - there are many recent studies which recommend waiting a year or longer, before anyone jumps in and says spay her now.

My question is has anyone traveled with a dog while she was in heat and what was the experience -

Thanks

[Lily&Me]

If you've ever dealt with a dog in heat, you would know the answers to your own question.

Do have any idea how many dogs there are in campgrounds?

Not to mention strays, coyotes, etc.

When we brought Lily home, at 8-9 months, she was un-spayed. Had that done within days of our return, the vet said we caught her just in time.


Maggie

[dkrug]

I understand your concerns about spaying too young. The study in question focused on Golden Retrievers. From the same study:
"He explained that preliminary work at the UC-Davis Center for Companion Animal Health on Labrador Retrievers suggests that dogs of this breed are not as likely to see an increase in cancers or joint disorders associated with neutering as are Golden Retrievers."
At any rate, campgrounds are full of dogs. Not all of them are well behaved. I wouldn't want to walk my in season female around followed by a bunch of very interested males. You might even find some extra campers outside your door.

[SteveSueMac]

I think Maggie is spot on. No argument with your choice of timing on having her spayed but campgrounds are full of dogs, some not as well restrained as they should be. Even well behaved dogs are likely to break restraints - possibly hurting themselves in the process - and definitely will make their owners and fellow campers miserable. Can't stop sex science!

If you go hiking in the woods with her, I would also worry about attracting ferrel dogs or coyotes.

You may prefer to restrict your camping activities until spayed or consider alternate arrangements. We use Camp Bow Wow when we can't take her with us and they also have a Home Buddies option where someone will visit with her at your home while you're away for feedings, walks and play time.

Good luck.

[cameront120]

I agree with you waiting to spay and would recommend that until then, if you wish to go camping, you board her at a kennel rather than take her with.

[Lily&Me]

It can be extremely difficult keeping a male intent on coupling away from a female who is receptive, too.

It doesn't take them long to engage....then, could have an unwanted pregnancy.

Does this sound like an add for Planned Parenthood?


Maggie

[Fly at Night]

Reminds me of my stint as a reporter in Provincial (Magistrate's) Court.

[Lily&Me]

Maggie

[28Argosy]

Typically Labs do not come into their first heat until 9 to 10 months as it takes larger dogs longer to mature out enough to come into heat.
And kudos for waiting until at least a year to even two years old ( full grown) to spay her. The incidence of earlier spays causing bone cancers is earth shattering.

[JDS]

My first dog was a black Lab unspayed female pup and when she came into heat she jumped a 6' fence to get out of her dog run to follow Nature's calling! You're courting disaster going camping with an unspayed female in heat.

John S.

[paiceman]

Thanks, we have had many dogs and never had one that went through a heat cycle which was the basis of our question. Your responses coincide with my thoughts on the subject. unfortunately kennels will not take an unsprayed dog over six months so that option is out. We actually bought the AS in part to take our dogs with us, so home boarding for two months is out as well.

Thanks for the input.

[mimiandrews]

Check with your vet. He/she might be able to suggest some options.

[cameront120]

Have you checked with the pups breeder? They might be able to board for you. Also check with local dog walkers, some of them board dogs and might be willing to take an un-altered dog.

[kposey]

I think there is a depopriva (sic) shot that you can give her that will prevent her from coming into heat. Talk with your vet. They may have a suggestion.