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

Original poster

When to spay

13 replies

Winterfishing · 21/02/2023 15:24

I have a medium double doodle (mostly poodle, then lab, then retriever). She's 25kg at the moment and 8 months old.

Originally we planned to wait until after her first season to get her spayed but recent advice I've seen says it's ideal to wait as long as possible but ideally to spay before her first season.

I have read pros and cons of each and I just don't know what's the best.

Advice appreciated.

OP posts:
Timeforachangeisitnot · 21/02/2023 15:28

My lab is now 7, she was spayed at about 15 months, 3 months after her first season. She weighed about the same as yours does now.
Had no problems with her, she has a beautiful coat still, very fit. I have no regrets about the timing , but it very much depends on the individual bitch and where her growth is I think. Gratuitous photo included.

When to spay
currantbee · 21/02/2023 15:32

Where have you seen advice about spaying a large dog before their first season? We did a lot of research and for labs the advice was always after a first season and most also said at least 15 months old.

Original poster
Winterfishing · 21/02/2023 15:40

currantbee · 21/02/2023 15:32

Where have you seen advice about spaying a large dog before their first season? We did a lot of research and for labs the advice was always after a first season and most also said at least 15 months old.

I saw scientific information here: www.rvc.ac.uk/small-animal-vet/general-practice/practice-services/routine-pet-healthcare/neutering-spaying-pet/dog-puppy-neutering

OP posts:
Blistory · 21/02/2023 15:46

Scientific ? Or information on a paying service they offer clients ?

It's widely recognised that neutering has advantages but it also has disadvantages and increasingly there appears to be evidence that those advantages/disadvantages aren't the same across breed and breed size.

Any organisation that recommends across the board neutering from 4 months isn't following current scientific practice.

Original poster
Winterfishing · 21/02/2023 15:52

Blistory · 21/02/2023 15:46

Scientific ? Or information on a paying service they offer clients ?

It's widely recognised that neutering has advantages but it also has disadvantages and increasingly there appears to be evidence that those advantages/disadvantages aren't the same across breed and breed size.

Any organisation that recommends across the board neutering from 4 months isn't following current scientific practice.

The Royal College of Vets?! I don't think they're trying to sell me anything.

Genuinely looking for the best scientific advice.

OP posts:
Mylittlesandwich · 21/02/2023 16:00

From having a look online they do seem to have the youngest suggested age from any of the other sites I can see. Various other sources including breeders pages suggest 9-15 months.

I'm no expert, the breed I own should not be neutered or spayed before 18 months so I'm waiting at least that long.

Blistory · 21/02/2023 16:06

You posted a link to RVC Beaumont Sainsbury Animal Hospital and their practice services.

I would question any site, regardless of status, if they recommend, without evidence, blanket neutering of dogs and bitches from 4 months onwards. The fact that there is no mention of any disdvantages to neutering should ring alarm bells.

And yes, when the page starts with a recommendation and ends with a price structure, I'd argue that they're selling you something.

I agree with you that you need to research but I'm simply pointing out that that link doesn't constitute, in my opinion, research.

tedgran · 21/02/2023 16:11

My DH was a vet, now retired, always advised spaying after the first season.

AdventFridgeOfShame · 21/02/2023 16:12

Once growth plates have formed, usual after first or second season 2020 sciencescience

There was research in 1960s that said early is better, but it was a small study

Original poster
Winterfishing · 21/02/2023 16:15

Thanks all, seems later is better.

OP posts:
adognamedrover · 21/02/2023 16:17

We waited and waited for a first season, but it never happened. Turns out she probably had a silent season. She was done in the end at 16 months and was perfect.

Mummyme87 · 21/02/2023 16:17

We have a mini daxie and had her spayed at 18month, she had had two seasons. It was delayed as she had a phantom pregnancy

HerRoyalNotness · 21/02/2023 16:17

My vet said min age of 6 mths and didn’t have to have a season first

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