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Spaying
- Thread starter PoodleMommy
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Yes, I heard around 6 months.
A few months ago, our 11.5 year old poodle went in for exploratory surgery after having a sonogram. While in surgery they found she had severe cancer and did not even think she should be brought out of surgery. She was put to sleep that day. For this reason I think the entire family is having a hard time letting the new baby go in for any surgery, no matter how minor it is. So we are just trying to put it off as long as possible especially since she is so small. However, we do not want to wait too late and let her experience the first heat, however, we are not sure what age this happens, as all of our other pets have been spayed at 6 months old.
Thanks Elissa
A few months ago, our 11.5 year old poodle went in for exploratory surgery after having a sonogram. While in surgery they found she had severe cancer and did not even think she should be brought out of surgery. She was put to sleep that day. For this reason I think the entire family is having a hard time letting the new baby go in for any surgery, no matter how minor it is. So we are just trying to put it off as long as possible especially since she is so small. However, we do not want to wait too late and let her experience the first heat, however, we are not sure what age this happens, as all of our other pets have been spayed at 6 months old.
Thanks Elissa
I had mine spayed at 4months, he was 8 pounds at the time. He did very well, recovered quickly- only acted a little sore on day two. No regrets! Though it was very hard to drop him off for the day, but when I picked him up later that day he was sooo excited, lots of kisses!!! He was great that night, couldn't slow him down. The next day I gave him some of the pain relief my vet gave me, but I kind of with I hadn't because it was hard to keep him down, I think had he felt some more of the pain he'd rested better. sorry to ramble!
Oh, the poor people. That must have been awful. I believe it's best to spay early if you are going to neuter; my first dog was spayed as an adult (about 5) and the shelter believed she'd had a litter at some point in the past. The operation was very hard on her - so hard I think it constituted cruelty and if I had it to do over, I'd refuse to do it. I think if it's done before the first heat, it's much easier on them. It is, of course, a minor operation on the males, and much more involved abdominal surgery for the poor females.
It is best to have her spayed before her first heat. With every heat cycle she has, her chances of developing breast cancer later increases. Make sure you do your homework on the vet you choose to do the surgery. There is always a risk involved with any surgery...but if you choose a good vet who uses the appropriate equipment and monitors for problems (Heart monitor, catheter etc.) she should be fine. I would not push it past 6 months, since a lot of breeds start their cycles around that time. Good luck! 
Yes, it is much easier on them and her risk of mammary cancer in later life is much reduced by having her spayed by 6months of age. If she is that tiny, I would let her wait until she is 6months instead of 4 though. Let her get as big and strong as you can but catch it before her heat. Dogs tend to come into season on time in the spring so be mindful of that.
I am sure your vet can help you feel confident. Don't be afraid to ask questions and understand the procedure and the follow up. After care is important.
I am sure your vet can help you feel confident. Don't be afraid to ask questions and understand the procedure and the follow up. After care is important.
Ledoc
A lot of animal shelters and anti-cruelty leagues will spay pups younger than 3 months with no apparent long term side effects. Post first heat spaying increases the chances of (a) falling pregnant by mistake, (b) phantom pregnancies (c) Pyometras and (d) mammary tumours. So unless you plan to breed - spay before the first heat!
A lot of animal shelters and anti-cruelty leagues will spay pups younger than 3 months with no apparent long term side effects. Post first heat spaying increases the chances of (a) falling pregnant by mistake, (b) phantom pregnancies (c) Pyometras and (d) mammary tumours. So unless you plan to breed - spay before the first heat!
oh man do i HATE dropping the babies off for surgery... with reugar, i had him neutered at 12 weeks, but he was already topping 18 pounds by then, i just didnt want him to learn about humping or leg lifting, and to this day he still squats like a girl if i had a female dog i would probably wait closer to the 6 months- with my female kitten im probably going to schedule her appt right after she has her last booster in 3 weeks, since sping is a comin, i do NOT want kittens...ill probably have my male done at the same time, that way theyre not trying to tease each other and theyll relax... only think im not looking forward to is when i had to sign that dreaded consent form that says do i want them to do anything they can to save the dog if something happens during surgery, or should they just let him die...i FREAKED after that, i didnt go to work that day, i just sat at home and smoked cigs ALL DAY waiting...i like the vet that did it tho, he saw how insanely nervous i was so he did reugar first and i got to pick him up at 2 instead of 5 phew!! now i only have 3 more animals to put thru that and ill be done...
if i had a female dog i would probably wait closer to the 6 months- with my female kitten im probably going to schedule her appt right after she has her last booster in 3 weeks, since sping is a comin, i do NOT want kittens...ill probably have my male done at the same time, that way theyre not trying to tease each other and theyll relax... only think im not looking forward to is when i had to sign that dreaded consent form that says do i want them to do anything they can to save the dog if something happens during surgery, or should they just let him die...i FREAKED after that, i didnt go to work that day, i just sat at home and smoked cigs ALL DAY waiting...i like the vet that did it tho, he saw how insanely nervous i was so he did reugar first and i got to pick him up at 2 instead of 5 phew!! now i only have 3 more animals to put thru that and ill be done...