when to spay

[charlene104]

Trying to decide the best time. Our vet told us for our last dog after the first time she was in heat. Which we did no problems.

Different vet different dog she says before the first heat.

Does it matter?

charlene

[PatchO'Pits]

Originally Posted by charlene104

Trying to decide the best time. Our vet told us for our last dog after the first time she was in heat. Which we did no problems.

Different vet different dog she says before the first heat.

Does it matter?

charlene

I vote for:
Before the first heat

I will second this. I try to do it somewhere between 5-6 months.

The dog I have now is a shelter find, and she came to me spayed at 8 weeks . She has some issues......

[tessa_s212]

Before first heat is usually best. No room for accidents.

[tiffers]

We spay before the first heat as well. If your pup is allowed to go into heat, she'll be more likely to develop cancers later in life, such as mammary (breast) cancer, as well as being more prone to UTI's and infections.

This is a very controversial subject, and your best source is asking your current vet their reasoning. You can also look online, there is a TON of info on either side of spaying early/late. That way, you can form your own opinion.

[Danegirl2208]

I personally would spay after the first heat..but that is just my opinion..if you don't think you can avoid an accident while she is in heat then it would be best to spay her before she goes into heat.

[tiffers]

Originally Posted by Danegirl2208

I personally would spay after the first heat...

Out of pure curiousity, why do you think this is best?

[Jerica]

I agree before first heat, a dog then has practically no chance (though still a little) to get mammary tumors, also there is no chance of a dog getting pregnant if spayed before the first heat. Roughly she would be about 6 months old when going into heat the first time so right around that time.

[charlene104]

thanks for all your opions. Our vet said her first heat would be around 8 months old. We dont know her exact birth day but my son sort of remembers when the litter was born on the farm where he got her and the vet estimates her about 6 months. so i guess i will have to do this soon if i want to do before first heat.

[tiffers]

Originally Posted by charlene104

so i guess i will have to do this soon if i want to do before first heat.

...agreed. She can also be spayed while in heat, but it is a more risky surgery, being bloodier as the uterus is much larger.

[Julia423]

I'm curious, also, as to why wait until after a first heat. I would imagine that if an animal is healthy enough for the surgery then go ahead and spay. Is there some logic to the first heat argument?

[tiffers]

Originally Posted by Julia423

Is there some logic to the first heat argument?

I am curious, too. Some people will say that they need to mature. Bones, organs, yaddah yaddah. We've always been taught to do it before the first heat, that way...less chance of developing cancers and whatnot later on down the road.

[charlene104]

would this be a new practise. Our dog was done in 92 buy an older vet. This is a much younger vet.

[tiffers]

Originally Posted by charlene104

would this be a new practise.

Depending on when your vet graduated, and where they graduated from will determine their views on this subject. Older vets will wait 6-8 months, while the newest one's will desex anything at 2 pounds. I wouldn't say a 'new' practice, but one of the many sides of the argument.

[Danegirl2208]

Originally Posted by TIFFERS

Out of pure curiousity, why do you think this is best?

I believe a dog should have time to mature before spaying or neutering..again, thats just my opinion. Owners should do what they feel is best for your dog.