Pet Information > ASK Experts > Dogs > Dog Breeds > Labrador Retrievers > labrador in heat

labrador in heat

20 9:39:48

Question
I have an almost 2 year old black lab who is now 2 weeks in to her second cycle of being in heat.  We have not really planned on breeding her, but have recently moved and could not really afford the surgery at the moment.  My question is this:  Would it be safe to take her camping with us over spring break?  She hasn't had any spotting in a couple of days and is generally a well behaved dog.  I would just hate to take her with us if it would put her at too much of a risk of getting pregnant.

Answer
In another week, the danger of an accidental breeding will be largely over.  There is still more danger of infection if you let her swim before all the swelling is gone.  So watch her carefully the next week.  As she reaches the end of her fertile time, be prepared for desperate efforts to get loose and get to a male.