When to spay?

[JuanRamos]

I've reading articles all over the internet and now I'm pretty confused as to what is the perfect time to spay a dog. What is the general consensus among the experts of this forum? I know that for giant/large breeds is a must to wait until their bodies are fully developed to avoid problems with the joints, so I'm at a big loss when it comes to toy breeds, specially concerning females.

[JuanRamos]

I accidentally posted this in the emergencies section. If someone could move it to the correct one, I'd greatly appreciate it.

[pstinard]

Originally Posted by JuanRamos

I've reading articles all over the internet and now I'm pretty confused as to what is the perfect time to spay a dog. What is the general consensus among the experts of this forum? I know that for giant/large breeds is a must to wait until their bodies are fully developed to avoid problems with the joints, so I'm at a big loss when it comes to toy breeds, specially concerning females.

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.

[JuanRamos]

I also read that is best to spay when all of the adult teeth are fully grown, so the vet can also pull out any leftovers of their puppy teeth to keep their mouths from getting overcrowded.

Would all adult teeth be out by 6-7 months? My pup just turned 5 so I really want to pick a date before it is too late.

[pstinard]

Originally Posted by JuanRamos

I also read that is best to spay when all of the adult teeth are fully grown, so the vet can also pull out any leftovers of their puppy teeth to keep their mouths from getting overcrowded.

Would all adult teeth be out by 6-7 months? My pup just turned 5 so I really want to pick a date before it is too late.

Absolutely, I forgot to mention the teeth. Yes, all of the adult teeth will be in by 6 months, and the vet will easily be able to tell which are baby teeth and need to be removed. At 7 months, Bella had only four teeth that needed to be removed. If you're thinking of spaying at 6 or 7 months, I'd schedule it for 7 months.

[JuanRamos]

What are the health benefits of spaying a dog before the first heat? Is it just have less issues during the operation? or does it dramatically decreases the chances of them getting cancers later on?

I'm just really concerned about the studies that claim that spaying early might end up having more negative effects than benefits for the health of our furry friends.

[pstinard]

Originally Posted by JuanRamos

What are the health benefits of spaying a dog before the first heat? Is it just have less issues during the operation? or does it dramatically decreases the chances of them getting cancers later on?

I'm just really concerned about the studies that claim that spaying early might end up having more negative effects than benefits for the health of our furry friends.

Spaying before first heat drastically reduces the chances of pyometra and mammary cancer. And of course it eliminates the possibility of accidental pregnancy, which is a huge danger for small dogs.

[canana]

Originally Posted by pstinard

Spaying before first heat drastically reduces the chances of pyometra and mammary cancer. And of course it eliminates the possibility of accidental pregnancy, which is a huge danger for small dogs.

I know this is a slightly older thread. But is the above still true? Spaying before first heat reduces cancer?

My breeder recommended that I spay Casey after her first heat as it prevents incontinence.

[pstinard]

Originally Posted by canana

I know this is a slightly older thread. But is the above still true? Spaying before first heat reduces cancer?

My breeder recommended that I spay Casey after her first heat as it prevents incontinence.

Nothing has really changed as far as spay recommendations go. Here is an article on spay incontinence: What You Need to Know About Spay Urinary Incontinence in Female Dogs

Spay incontinence is more common in large dogs than in small dogs, and this article says that it is better to spay BEFORE the first heat than after. We had our Bella spayed before her first heat, and she did not develop incontinence.

[canana]

Originally Posted by pstinard

Nothing has really changed as far as spay recommendations go. Here is an article on spay incontinence: What You Need to Know About Spay Urinary Incontinence in Female Dogs

Spay incontinence is more common in large dogs than in small dogs, and this article says that it is better to spay BEFORE the first heat than after. We had our Bella spayed before her first heat, and she did not develop incontinence.

Thanks for the link! I guess I will have a chat with my vet soon in preparation for it. She's only 5 mo right now. oh the dreaded scary surgery..

How old was Bella when she had her first heat? I've been told that Yorkies can get it any time between 6 to 18 months.

[Yorkiemom1]

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....

[pstinard]

Originally Posted by canana

Thanks for the link! I guess I will have a chat with my vet soon in preparation for it. She's only 5 mo right now. oh the dreaded scary surgery..

How old was Bella when she had her first heat? I've been told that Yorkies can get it any time between 6 to 18 months.

Bella never went into heat. We had Bella spayed at 7 months, which was before her first heat. You might want to take Yorkiemom's advice and wait until 8 months to be sure the growth plates are closed.

[canana]

Originally Posted by Yorkiemom1

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....

Thanks Yorkiemom1! This is the advice I was looking for! I've been told by my breeder that sometimes the first heat is missed and that it can occur anytime from 6 months to 18 months. I definitely want to spay her after her bones and growth plates are set.

Just curious, are there any benefits to wait until 1 year, if she hasn't had her first heat yet? Or is it pretty much certain that by 8 months, her bones are fully developed and can/should be spayed regardless? If no benefit, I'll plan to schedule her spay for 8-9 months, if she's not in heat at that time.

[lovestiny]

So interesting and I know we chatted about this canana-with my first maltese, we were told to wait until after one heat and with Ella, we were told the opposite to do before. So confusing.


Yorkiemom1-I had not heard that about the growth plates, thanks for sharing. Since I am getting a boy this time, I wanted to do it sooner then later, esp after the whole leg lifting "discussion"...now I suppose I should wait the extra couple of months if that is concern?! Thanks