Hi everyone, we have an adorable 10 months old black female Lab. She is being trained to be a hunting dog...but is also our pet...we are wondering what are your opinions about spaying a dog and when should it occur in life... Our vet advises now..but we have some doubts. Please tell me about your experiences/opinions. Greatly appreciate it!
Re: Spaying or not Spaying? I have had two bitches spayed before their first season and two afterward. The only difference was that the two spayed after their first season became slightly incontinent in later life, but easily solved by medication. Otherwise there was no difference. The benefit of early spaying in the bitch is that it reduces the chance of mammary tumours later in life.
Re: Spaying or not Spaying? I had Molly spayed at seven months as per our Vet's advice. It was a non-event. Our biggest problem was the 'try to keep her quiet for a few days after the OP'. She felt fine, so saw no need to take things easy. I have noticed no difference in her behaviour since the operation. Only her bald belly gave you any indication that she'd had an operation.
Re: Spaying or not Spaying? Thank you both for your quick answer! I will consider it some more after reading your posts!
Re: Spaying or not Spaying? I have decided not to spay Poppy until she is older, around 5-6 years old. I probably wouldn't do it at all, but the risk of pyometra infections grows steadily with middle age for bitches.
Re: Spaying or not Spaying? I let Harley have her first season as suggested by my vet, she is being spayed in September. I think a lot of it is personal choice.
Re: Spaying or not Spaying? I was always of the school of thought that dogs should be neutered ASAP - so around about six months. Having always worked in rescue this is what I was 'brought up with' if you like. However, since owning my own dog I can see the pros and cons of neutering ASAP, and of waiting. Since getting Penny I did a lot of research on when the best time to Spey her would be, if at all. My first thought was to do it as six months of age, regardless of seasons. Then she was diagnosed with a medical condition which meant she had to have a season before speying or else she would be condemned to a lifetime of urine infections. Then I debated not getting her speying at all, and started to think that maybe having an entire bitch wouldn't be that difficult after all, as her first season was fairly easily dealt with. Then I started to notice how her hormones had exacerbated her existing anxiety condition, that couple with the fact that she's one of those who has short seasons (every 3-4 months) meant that her hormones were always loopy. She had permanent PMS! So we made the decision to get her speyed and she had her op about 3 weeks ago. I'm still wondering if it was the right thing to do - but no going back now! Lol If I was to do it all over again knowing what I know now.... I think I would have her done after the first season (which was 9 months for us) and before the second.
Re: Spaying or not Spaying? [quote author=Penny+Me link=topic=6899.msg93777#msg93777 date=1404804439] If I was to do it all over again knowing what I know now.... I think I would have her done after the first season (which was 9 months for us) and before the second. [/quote] Yes, that's what we did and it has worked out really well
Re: Spaying or not Spaying? Probably the most significant health benefit to a bitch is the removal of the risk of pyometra. About a quarter of unsprayed bitches will get pyometra and it can, and does, kill. Spaying in early middle age will greatly reduce this risk as it rises with age. For prevention of mammary tumours you need to spay before the second season. Spaying may increase the risk of other cancers. More info here Should you spay your bitch and new research coming out all the time, so talk to your vet and ask for an update on the latest research.
Re: Spaying or not Spaying? You all have provided me some valuable information. I will definitely take a look at the linked article before we make a decision. Thanks again!
Re: Spaying or not Spaying? Hi, I've had both mine done. My first happened to come into season the day before she was due to be done so was slightly delayed. No problems though. My second was done around 7 months and I've had no problems. Personally I would always have it done as they are family pets.
