Can You Board A Dog In Heat For The First Time? 

Dogs are members of our families, and we hate the thought of leaving them behind, yet most of us need to take travels at some point. Okay, but what if it is that time for your dog? Can you board a dog in heat?  This question frequently arises for owners of unspayed female dogs.

The answer is yes. If the boarding facility can separate dogs, boarding a dog in heat is viable. Some kennels keep dogs in heat away from other dogs to prevent accidental breeding or just with other females until they end their cycle. Each kennel has its own set of rules and regulations, so check with them ahead of time.

What to do with Your Dog While in Heat?

 When a female dog is in heat, it can be hard to deal with her, but there are a few things you can do to make things better.

First, Don’t Let the Dogs Out! When a female dog is in heat, it’s best if she and any male dogs in the house are kept apart. Keep your dog indoors and never leave her alone in the yard.
You can prevent unplanned pregnancy by always going outside with your dog.

Walk Her on a Leash When your dog is in heat, it’s not a good idea to take her for off-leash strolls. Even if your dog is well-trained, she won’t forget her innate impulses in heat.
A dab of menthol on the tip of your dog’s tail before a walk or outing will help mask her scent. This can help avoid male dog attention.

Dog diapers or doggie pants A dog in heat may leave bloody markings on her bedding, carpet, or furniture. Putting doggie pants or dog diapers on your dog will prevent bloody marks and disguise her scent if she’s willing.

GPS Tracking Some of the best GPS trackers for dogs allow you to keep tabs on Fido wherever you go.

When your dog is in heat, getting her some exercise can help reduce her anxiety.
Pay attention to your dog’s behavior to find the correct exercise-rest balance. 

Consider Spaying as spaying your dog is a good idea if you don’t want her to reproduce.
Discuss the pros and cons of spaying with your veterinarian.

Why Board a Dog in Heat?

If you board a dog in heat, you know what it’s like. A dog in heat may be boarded for many reasons.

Dogs in heat are female dogs that are going through their reproductive cycle. If you need to go on a trip or be away from home for a period of time and can’t take your dog, boarding a dog in heat is a common solution. The dog is looked after by qualified personnel who ensure its safety and comfort while it is in their care.

Dogs in heat can benefit from boarding since it allows their owners to get a break while simultaneously meeting their pets’ behavioral and physical needs. In addition, boarding facilities include a number of services and activities, including as exercise, playtime, and socialization with other dogs, that can help keep the dog entertained and mentally stimulated. Boarding is a great option if you’re seeking for a responsible and safe way to care for your dog throughout her heat cycle.

What to Ask When Boarding a Dog in Heat?

1. Ask your kennel before you board a dog if they have expertise with dogs in heat.

2. The experienced personnel at certain dog boarding facilities can separate your dog from   others and take her out when it’s safe.

3. Check if the kennel has dog heat diapers.

4.  Some boarding facilities allow them to keep your dogs behind, covered, and away from excited males.

5.  If you’re a breeder looking to keep your dog fertile, there are a few more things you should ask, and you should consider boarding your dog at a kennel associated with an animal hospital.

6.   In this case, it’s crucial to find out if your dog will have access to the care of a veterinarian specializing in reproduction.

7.   Most boarding facilities that breeders and other people in the pet industry go to will offer these services, so you should be bold and ask which ones relate to your situation.

Can You Board a Dog in Heat?  Benefits and Drawbacks  

Let’s look at the potential benefits and drawbacks of boarding a dog in heat.

The Benefits of Boarding a Dog in Heat

One significant benefit of boarding a dog during the heat is limiting the dog’s interaction with other canine residents.

This can help lessen the chances of an unplanned pregnancy and reduce anxiety caused by being around other dogs.

During this time, boarding facilities can provide your dog with personalized care, such as extra attention, treats, and playing.

Having someone else look after your puppy during this time minimizes routine disruption.

The Downsides of Boarding a Dog in Heat

When selecting whether or not to board your dog during the heat cycle, it’s essential to remember that certain kennels won’t take female dogs.

A female dog in heat near a boarding dog may also bother some owners.

Additionally, if your dog is used to releasing themselves outside, they may need help to adjust to toilet habits inside a cage or crate while away from home.

Finally, female dogs might become irritable or needy when they go into heat, so leaving them alone in a kennel may be a good idea, especially if your dog is a puppy on her first heat.

How Long Does a Dog Stay in Heat?

The reproductive cycle of female dogs in heat has four stages, like pregnancy:

The first stage of a dog’s heat cycle is called proestrus and typically lasts between 7 and 10 days.

Vulvar edema and bleeding are the initial symptoms.

The dog is still not sexually mature and so unable to have puppies at this time.

Estrus – This phase lasts anywhere from 5-14 days.

The dog’s ovaries begin releasing eggs at this time, making her fertile.

She’ll be receptive to male attention and playful with them.

The Diestrus Phase marks the final phase of the heat cycle.

After 60–90 days, the dog is permanently infertile.

If the dog becomes pregnant during her heat cycle, she will remain in this state for about 60 days, until the puppies are born.

The resting or anestrus stage is the final phase of a dog’s reproductive cycle.

This is the third and final phase, and it lasts for 100–150 days.

Following that interval, the process begins again.

How does a male dog act when a female is in heat?

During a female dog’s heat cycle, the male dog may stop eating, mark more frequently, become more aggressive, and become obsessed with finding her.

How often do dogs go into heat?

On average, a female dog’s heat cycle lasts six months. However, especially at the outset, this may differ, so it’s essential to keep track. For some dogs, establishing regular cycles can take up to two years. Small dogs typically go into heat three or four times a year.

Is Boarding Safe for Dogs in Heat?

The simple answer is “yes” and the full answer depends on your dog, boarding facility, and vet.

Pets can usually be boarded if they are healthy and have been treated for worms.

Knowing what to expect is essential if you’ve never boarded your dog.

Your dog’s and the other animals’ safety is prioritized in boarding facilities, so they likely have rules and guidelines you should follow.

Then, it should be fine to spend time at a boarding facility.

Dogs display signs of heat stress when they urinate more regularly and play with their vulva more frequently than usual, typically around days 6-7 of their heat cycle.

There will likely be issues during and after a stay in a boarding facility if this begins before days 6-7.

For instance, if your dog is stressed out from being away from home during the heat cycle and gets into mischief when left alone or acts aggressively toward other dogs while at a boarding or doggy daycare facility, this could result in a situation where the quality of care provided to your dog decreases noticeably or, worse yet, harm your pet.

Can You Board a Dog That isn’t Fixed?

There are advantages to getting your dog spayed or neutered, and doing so will make your dog safer in a daycare setting, but that shouldn’t dissuade pet parents from keeping their dogs intact.

Having your dog spayed or neutered can reduce undesirable behaviors and increase the likelihood of social acceptance.

Due to the differences in behavior between intact and spayed dogs, it will also maintain balance and fair play.

Female dogs not being spayed or neutered may be more protective of their owners’ homes and belongings.

Dogs that have been spayed or neutered are better able to socialize with others and play without being overprotective of their canine companions.