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Originally Posted by pstinard  Even for small breeds, the joints should be fully developed before spaying. That happens by about 8 months. On the other hand, it is also best to spay before the first heat. Since we could not predict when Bella would have her first heat, we compromised and had her spayed at 7 months. |
Actually there are some researchers that now advocate waiting until after one heat cycle....I have always advocated waiting until after all the growth plates are set, which usually happens around 8 months of age....you will do more "damage" by having the pup spayed prior to the growth plates being set, than you will by having one period under her belt before she is spayed. If you find you are encountering a heat cycle at 8 months of age, prior to having her fixed, that will not hurt her to wait until she is past per cycle...but you absolutely want her bones and growth plates set and matured before you spay....