To spay... or not to spay.... - YorkieTalk.com Forums

eceja001 · 06-17-2008, 08:37 PM

I just joined the forum today and I need some advice from others who UNDERSTAND...

My lovely little Asia is 6 months old and I am tormented over whether or not I should have her spayed....

I don't plan to breed.... however I feel guilty about taking away her right to bare puppies in her life. I plan to get Asia a companion and I have considered allowing her to have puppies for my friends and family's sake....

But I worry about safety... pregnancy is risky...

I JUST DON"T KNOW WHAT TO DO?!?!

Any advice?

Ladymom · 06-17-2008, 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eceja001

I just joined the forum today and I need some advice from others who UNDERSTAND...

My lovely little Asia is 6 months old and I am tormented over whether or not I should have her spayed....

I don't plan to breed.... however I feel guilty about taking away her right to bare puppies in her life. I plan to get Asia a companion and I have considered allowing her to have puppies for my friends and family's sake....

But I worry about safety... pregnancy is risky...

I JUST DON"T KNOW WHAT TO DO?!?!

Any advice?

Don't feel guilty about spaying her. If you spay her before her first heat you will practically eliminate her chance of ever getting mammary cancer. If you wait until she has her first heat, her risk of cancer goes up to 8%, and 26% after her second heat. You will also eliminate her risk for ovarian and uterine tumors and infections as she gets older.

You're right. Pregnancies in toy breed dogs can be very dangerous. Many require emergency c-sections. Why put Asia at risk?

Spaying her now, before she ever has her first heat, is the responsible thing to do for her future good health.

Beabble · 06-17-2008, 11:36 PM

Gosh, I always feel so odd answering these kinds of questions cause I'm so dead set against breeding myself. I don't mean for others cause there are many good breeders out there who know the ins and outs and really truly are trying to breed and keep to the standard. But for me personally, no way no how would I ever breed any of our furkids, all I can do is tell you MY reasons why I have chose to get Lil Miss Maggy May spayed:

1. Her health is of utmost importance to me, I WILL NOT risk losing her during the birth of pups, she's just a tiny lil thing, even if she wasn't tiny, I still wouldn't breed her.

2. Pyometra, that one word alone send chills through me, we almost lost our cat Justice to this and I learned the hard way about getting none breeding females spayed so they don't ever get this horrible life threatening infection. Female dogs can get it to. if you're not sure what it is, do a search on it, you'll find all kinds of info on it and let me tell ya, it's HORRIBLE when you almost lose a very loved furchild to this. Once was enough for me!

3. There are way to many unwanted and unloved furkids in kill shelters wanting and needing love and a forever home so badly, I WILL NOT and TOTALLY REFUSE to bring ANY furchild into this world and have to worry if one of them are in one of those shelters waiting to be rescued. If any of my family or friends want a furchild, I'll gladly get in my car and drive them to a kill shelter so they can look into the eyes of those furbabies needing homes and wanting someone to love and that person love them back forever in return.

4. I don't have the slightest clue about breeding, but I do know many, many things can go wrong and I am not educated in this area and wouldn't know what to do.

These are my reasons. I'm sure others have many more reasons to spay, but these four reasons right here makes me know within my heart I will NEVER breed our furkids.

mainegirl · 06-18-2008, 09:07 AM

Welcome Erika! I'm sure your post will get alot of responses as this is a very hot topic here at YT. The folks here love this breed so much and are really dedicated to the health and well being of not only their own fur babies but to the breed itself.

Do not feel guilty about taking away Asia's right to have puppies. She won't know the difference. I had my Ozzy neutered at 5.5 months so he will never breed with a female. I don't feel bad. He'll never know what he's missing

So much can go wrong with a pregnancy and you must do the proper genetic testing to make sure there is no LP or Liver Shunts in Asia's line. Also consider if you give those pups to your family will they want to breed their pet also? The cycle will go on and on with puppies being born that may weaken the breed gentically and cause large vet bills. There are so many Babies out there that need homes, really think twice about bringing more into the world. It's a hard decision. What ever you chose to do I'm sure there are many folks on her that will be happy to help you. Good luck

abbey lee · 06-18-2008, 09:37 AM

I think you should get her spayed. It's just my opinion. Breeding is very hard work and unless you plan to fully dedicate yourself to the puppies and your dog, just don't do it. Especially if you have no experience. It is very hard work and it is also very hard on the dog. Especially yorkies bc of their size.

Just ask yourself...are you willing to risk your dog dying so she could have pups?

There's the answer.

Yorkieforme · 06-18-2008, 10:06 AM

While we are on this topic...when is the best time to get a female spayed. I have heard different opinions from vets and some base this on their size. My Yorkie is 7 months old but only 2 1/2 lbs. Should I wait a bit? She might get a little bit bigger. I am nervous because of her size and being put to sleep.

SexyJessi257 · 06-18-2008, 10:10 AM

I definitely think u shud spay her. I'm freaking out about abbys spay in about 2.5 weeks. Even tho I'm scared outta my mind I no this Its the right thing to do. I refuse to risk my baby's life for puppies. So many things can go wrong n I just dont think its worth it. If ur fam wants puppies, tell them to go to reputable breeders or shelters. Good luck in ur decision.

KathyK09 · 06-18-2008, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yorkieforme

While we are on this topic...when is the best time to get a female spayed. I have heard different opinions from vets and some base this on their size. My Yorkie is 7 months old but only 2 1/2 lbs. Should I wait a bit? She might get a little bit bigger. I am nervous because of her size and being put to sleep.

This is a great question! My Mariah is also 7 months old and only 2.8 lbs. I'm so worried about her being put to sleep too.

I never got my 7 yrs old bichon spayed. I too had some feelings at the time about taking her choices away from her....but, the absolutely main reason I didn't have it done is because I was so afraid to make the choice of having her have surgery. I wasn't aware back then, as I am now, of the health risks of NOT having her spayed. At the time I thought of it almost like an extra/elective and possibly unnecessary surgery/risk since she is an indoor dog and I had no plans to breed her.

Now I am more aware of the health risks of NOT having the surgery done versus having it done. However I'm still not sure which risk is worse and haven't decided about Mariah yet.

Does anyone know how risky the surgery is (especially with such a small dog)?

zenzele · 06-18-2008, 04:44 PM

I understand wanting to give a Yorkie to family and friends, but honestly it is more important to consider the dogs - both your baby and any future puppies. Breeding requires skill and committment for any size dog to ensure the health of the puppies, but particularly for a small dog like a yorkie you really need to know what you are doing because pregnancy is so hard on such a small dog. Also responsible breeders test for genetic defects and prevent the spreading of defects in a population of dogs by spading. You really do your family and friends more justice to help them find a good breeder so that they stand a better chance of getting a healthy dog and you protect your baby from any possible complications of pregnancy. Plus when a dog is in heat, she is not selective of who she mates with... you don't want to risk any "accidents!!" I have had a maltipoo and now a Yorkie and I don't regret having either one spade, also they don't miss not giving birth to puppies, that is a "human" emotion.

mscat · 06-18-2008, 11:49 PM

I am most concerned about the risk of putting a Yorkie under. There are so many horror stories of a little dog not making it, and having a heart attack afterwords.

I am sorry, this is my fears, and I DO understand why it is so important to spay a dog, it is just so scary.

zenzele · 06-19-2008, 03:47 PM

Discuss your concerns with your vet, my yorkie is 4 pounds and she has had anethesia for dental cleaning I discussed my concerns with the vet, she did fine. she also survived being spayed. If your yorkie became pregnant she may have to have a c section and would have the added stress of delivery and anesthesia, I think your baby would be fine being spayed.

bjh · 06-19-2008, 04:35 PM

Here is a good article that discusses the pros and cons of spaying and neutering.
http://www.naiaonline.org/pdfs/LongT...uterInDogs.pdf

I recommend any female that is not going to be bred should be spayed but I am not an advocate of early spaying. I think for the health of the female it is better to wait until they are a little more mature. There is a lot of research and responsibility that goes into breeding. There are risks no mater what you decide to do. I do wish you the best.

06-17-2008, 08:37 PM	#1
eceja001 YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Fontana, CA, USA Posts: 7	To spay... or not to spay.... I just joined the forum today and I need some advice from others who UNDERSTAND... My lovely little Asia is 6 months old and I am tormented over whether or not I should have her spayed.... I don't plan to breed.... however I feel guilty about taking away her right to bare puppies in her life. I plan to get Asia a companion and I have considered allowing her to have puppies for my friends and family's sake.... But I worry about safety... pregnancy is risky... I JUST DON"T KNOW WHAT TO DO?!?! Any advice? __________________ Asia's mama ~ Erika

06-18-2008, 09:07 AM	#4
mainegirl Donating YT Addict Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Maine Posts: 502 Blog Entries: 1	Welcome Erika! I'm sure your post will get alot of responses as this is a very hot topic here at YT. The folks here love this breed so much and are really dedicated to the health and well being of not only their own fur babies but to the breed itself. Do not feel guilty about taking away Asia's right to have puppies. She won't know the difference. I had my Ozzy neutered at 5.5 months so he will never breed with a female. I don't feel bad. He'll never know what he's missing So much can go wrong with a pregnancy and you must do the proper genetic testing to make sure there is no LP or Liver Shunts in Asia's line. Also consider if you give those pups to your family will they want to breed their pet also? The cycle will go on and on with puppies being born that may weaken the breed gentically and cause large vet bills. There are so many Babies out there that need homes, really think twice about bringing more into the world. It's a hard decision. What ever you chose to do I'm sure there are many folks on her that will be happy to help you. Good luck __________________ Member of the Little Gentleman's Club

06-18-2008, 09:37 AM	#5
abbey lee Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: San Marcos, TX Posts: 795	I think you should get her spayed. It's just my opinion. Breeding is very hard work and unless you plan to fully dedicate yourself to the puppies and your dog, just don't do it. Especially if you have no experience. It is very hard work and it is also very hard on the dog. Especially yorkies bc of their size. Just ask yourself...are you willing to risk your dog dying so she could have pups? There's the answer. __________________ Chelsey and Abbey

06-18-2008, 10:06 AM	#6
Yorkieforme YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Windsor, Ontario Canada Posts: 759 Blog Entries: 1	While we are on this topic...when is the best time to get a female spayed. I have heard different opinions from vets and some base this on their size. My Yorkie is 7 months old but only 2 1/2 lbs. Should I wait a bit? She might get a little bit bigger. I am nervous because of her size and being put to sleep. __________________ Natalie & KiKI

06-18-2008, 11:49 PM	#10
mscat Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Avenal, California Posts: 1,722	I am most concerned about the risk of putting a Yorkie under. There are so many horror stories of a little dog not making it, and having a heart attack afterwords. I am sorry, this is my fears, and I DO understand why it is so important to spay a dog, it is just so scary. __________________ "No matter how little money & how few possessions, you own, having a dog makes you rich."

06-17-2008, 11:36 PM	#3
Beabble No Longer a Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: here Posts: 1,557 Blog Entries: 4	Gosh, I always feel so odd answering these kinds of questions cause I'm so dead set against breeding myself. I don't mean for others cause there are many good breeders out there who know the ins and outs and really truly are trying to breed and keep to the standard. But for me personally, no way no how would I ever breed any of our furkids, all I can do is tell you MY reasons why I have chose to get Lil Miss Maggy May spayed: 1. Her health is of utmost importance to me, I WILL NOT risk losing her during the birth of pups, she's just a tiny lil thing, even if she wasn't tiny, I still wouldn't breed her. 2. Pyometra, that one word alone send chills through me, we almost lost our cat Justice to this and I learned the hard way about getting none breeding females spayed so they don't ever get this horrible life threatening infection. Female dogs can get it to. if you're not sure what it is, do a search on it, you'll find all kinds of info on it and let me tell ya, it's HORRIBLE when you almost lose a very loved furchild to this. Once was enough for me! 3. There are way to many unwanted and unloved furkids in kill shelters wanting and needing love and a forever home so badly, I WILL NOT and TOTALLY REFUSE to bring ANY furchild into this world and have to worry if one of them are in one of those shelters waiting to be rescued. If any of my family or friends want a furchild, I'll gladly get in my car and drive them to a kill shelter so they can look into the eyes of those furbabies needing homes and wanting someone to love and that person love them back forever in return. 4. I don't have the slightest clue about breeding, but I do know many, many things can go wrong and I am not educated in this area and wouldn't know what to do. These are my reasons. I'm sure others have many more reasons to spay, but these four reasons right here makes me know within my heart I will NEVER breed our furkids.

06-18-2008, 10:10 AM	#7
SexyJessi257 YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: New Jersey Posts: 695	I definitely think u shud spay her. I'm freaking out about abbys spay in about 2.5 weeks. Even tho I'm scared outta my mind I no this Its the right thing to do. I refuse to risk my baby's life for puppies. So many things can go wrong n I just dont think its worth it. If ur fam wants puppies, tell them to go to reputable breeders or shelters. Good luck in ur decision.

06-18-2008, 04:44 PM	#9
zenzele Yorkie Yakker Join Date: May 2008 Location: Charleston Posts: 56	I understand wanting to give a Yorkie to family and friends, but honestly it is more important to consider the dogs - both your baby and any future puppies. Breeding requires skill and committment for any size dog to ensure the health of the puppies, but particularly for a small dog like a yorkie you really need to know what you are doing because pregnancy is so hard on such a small dog. Also responsible breeders test for genetic defects and prevent the spreading of defects in a population of dogs by spading. You really do your family and friends more justice to help them find a good breeder so that they stand a better chance of getting a healthy dog and you protect your baby from any possible complications of pregnancy. Plus when a dog is in heat, she is not selective of who she mates with... you don't want to risk any "accidents!!" I have had a maltipoo and now a Yorkie and I don't regret having either one spade, also they don't miss not giving birth to puppies, that is a "human" emotion.

06-19-2008, 03:47 PM	#11
zenzele Yorkie Yakker Join Date: May 2008 Location: Charleston Posts: 56	Discuss your concerns with your vet, my yorkie is 4 pounds and she has had anethesia for dental cleaning I discussed my concerns with the vet, she did fine. she also survived being spayed. If your yorkie became pregnant she may have to have a c section and would have the added stress of delivery and anesthesia, I think your baby would be fine being spayed.

06-19-2008, 04:35 PM	#12
bjh Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Warren, Texas Posts: 2,602	Here is a good article that discusses the pros and cons of spaying and neutering. http://www.naiaonline.org/pdfs/LongT...uterInDogs.pdf I recommend any female that is not going to be bred should be spayed but I am not an advocate of early spaying. I think for the health of the female it is better to wait until they are a little more mature. There is a lot of research and responsibility that goes into breeding. There are risks no mater what you decide to do. I do wish you the best.