When to spay?

[Rubylove]

We got a letter from our vet yesterday reminding us that Ruby was due for her spay. The letter said that best time for a spay is just BEFORE they hit puberty - which is the opposite of what I always thought.

Does anyone have any advice on this? (She's five months old)

 

[AmberwayGSD]

Now is safe.You dont want to wait too long.They can have the first heat by 6 months.You want to do it before the first heat so sooner is better.Earlier reduces the risk of cancer for her too.

 

[Whitedobelover]

yes because it helps reduce the risk of adult cancers and what not... but it is also easier on the dog and vet to do before... either way it wont hurt them no matter if you do it now or later but it will be easier on her to do it now... when she has her first heat the organs swell and if you wait till after the organs are much different than before hope that helps hun

 

[Mordy]

i agree that it is best to do it before the first heat, since it really minimizes the chance of her getting mammary cancer. not only that, the surgery and recovery is easier for younger dogs.

your baby is absolutely and positively adorable by the way!

 

[bubbatd]

Do it now .... if she does go into heat, you have to wait until hormones etc go back to normal....plus 3 weeks of confinement.

 

[Sirius]

Yes. Now is the best time.

 

[Martine]

I agree with all the above. Our vet wanted us to wait until after the first heat, but after consulting the good folks here I went back and insisted it was done earlier so Misha had it done at about 6-7 months. It was a big op, but the recovery rate is quick.

 

[owned by dogs]

I'll just throw in that I agree with everyone here. The earlier the better. But I will say this from my own experience....should she go into heat before, wait until she's back out of heat to do it.