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The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

Original poster

Some advice re puppy spay

17 replies

permaconfused · 01/10/2021 15:16

Had my older small pedigree spayed at 8 months after first season. She's now 10 and fine.

I now also have mixed breed teeny, tiny 6 month old and we are with a new vet who says spay at 6 months - which is now. Bumped into a dog walker friend this morning who thinks it too young and would be better to wait til grown. Others on the dog walk with us agreed....

I don't want to ask the vet because I'm questioning their policy.

Any advice most welcome.

OP posts:
Treecreature · 01/10/2021 15:24

I'd listen to a vet rather than a 'dog walker friend'. The vet will charge the same pennies now as they would in a years time - there's no financial benefit to them to do it early, or late, so surely they would just advise what's best for the dog.

MissShapesMissStakes · 01/10/2021 15:32

I'm in a similar position with my mini poodle - she's quite small too.

I asked the vet, as I've read lots of different opinions and I'm well and truly confused now.

She said that there is no clear evidence either way. The argument about temperament (they don't mature mentally if spayed too early) is very subjective. And can never be proved or disproved as we would never know the character of those dogs with/without spaying.

Their advice is also to spay at 6 months. They obviously don't mind if we want to wait too.

So we are booked in for later this month.
And 🤞

Spinderellaella · 01/10/2021 15:44

Hi, it can depend on the size of the breed. Smaller breeds are fine after 6 mths, and their first season, but with a larger breed, its best to wait till at least a year Smile

HavfrueDenizKisi · 01/10/2021 15:46

Funny. I have a mini poodle and my vet said to spay her about 3 months post her first heat. He said something about the hormones are good for her for a few months. Suggested her first heat would be at around 6 months. She's 10 months plus and still no sign though...

bigbaggyeyes · 01/10/2021 15:47

Listen to your vet, they spend 7 years studying to become a vet. Not sure what part of the course a dog walker learns about the dog reproduction system and if it's as in-depth as your vet will have gone into it

Newfluff · 01/10/2021 15:54

Normally I'd agree with listen to the vet, but not on this, and newer trained vets are on the whole, waiting until 3 months after first season.

MissShapesMissStakes · 01/10/2021 15:56

@HavfrueDenizKisi - great dogs aren't they?!

I think advice just seems to vary so much that I'm trusting that my particular vet practice are happy with their practice guidance.

As they said there is no clear evidence one way or the other. Suppose that means that there isn't really a 'wrong' decision.

The more I read, the more confused I felt!

HavfrueDenizKisi · 01/10/2021 16:15

@MissShapesMissStakes - totally agree there!

Original poster
permaconfused · 01/10/2021 16:37

Sorry, should have said that the dog walker was only speaking of her experience - she's fostered and owned many dogs.

Of course she's not as experienced as a vet.

Thanks for the replies.

OP posts:
MrsBungle · 01/10/2021 16:40

I agree listen to the vet too although my vet wouldn’t spay my mini poodle until 3 months after first season. I can’t remember his reasoning!

Original poster
permaconfused · 01/10/2021 16:47

I phoned the vets. They were lovely, said no harm in waiting. Just hope she won't have a season soon because I'd have to wait 3 months.

I've just checked my emails and my older dog was 11 months (she had random seasons and a false pregnancy).

Feel happier to wait. Though no idea when til....Grin

Thanks again

OP posts:
Motorina · 01/10/2021 19:08

There's breed and size specific research available on this. Linked to in this article. www.ucdavis.edu/news/when-should-you-neuter-your-dog-avoid-health-risks

Ylvamoon · 01/10/2021 19:23

Please spay as late as possible. The hormones produced as your dog matures isn't just for reproductive development. They also help with developing an adult coat, closure of growth plates in the bones and lead to better muscle development. They will also mature mentally into the dog that they should be.
I agree, you will never know the difference, but I can reassure you there is one.

Newfluff · 01/10/2021 19:49

@Ylvamoon

Please spay as late as possible. The hormones produced as your dog matures isn't just for reproductive development. They also help with developing an adult coat, closure of growth plates in the bones and lead to better muscle development. They will also mature mentally into the dog that they should be. I agree, you will never know the difference, but I can reassure you there is one.
And plus in the past the push for sterilisation was to stop the onslaught of puppies/kittens
Villanelle17 · 04/10/2021 17:15

I was told usually a year for small dogs and two years for big dogs. It can stunt their growth/development if done too early

Villanelle17 · 04/10/2021 17:16

@Ylvamoon

Please spay as late as possible. The hormones produced as your dog matures isn't just for reproductive development. They also help with developing an adult coat, closure of growth plates in the bones and lead to better muscle development. They will also mature mentally into the dog that they should be. I agree, you will never know the difference, but I can reassure you there is one.
Yes, I agree with this
BalladOfBarryAndFreda · 04/10/2021 17:19

Thirding @Ylvamoon

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