Should I get my dog spayed now or later?

[tonyb1968]

Ok, the big question, she is an active 10 month old pup who loves jumping up and off everything, so the question is, do I wait 6 months and get some more training lessons in or just have the op next month?

[bexVN]

She isn't going to calm down any time soon so probably do in a month. Speak to your vet about your concerns re how active she is if needed. Some opt for keyhole spaying due to a quicker recovery but they do still need to be rested.

[tonyb1968]

Thanks Bex was told 3 days total rest then 10 days with short walks, nothing too strenuous.
They also suggested a baby grow for her (she is a Miniature Schnauzer) rather than a lamp shade

[Howitzer]

My Male didn't lose an ounce of energy and despite what I was told his appetite increased aswell.

I was hugely glad about his energy not changing.

Make sure you are doing it for the right reason and read up on any breed specific reasons to wait.

Dave!

[Jasandjules]

You don't HAVE to get a dog spayed you know.......

However if you are going to do so, ensure the dog is fully mature.

[Buzz84]

Jasandjules said:

You don't HAVE to get a dog spayed you know.......

My Jack Russell cross got spayed at about a year and a half old, we didn't have her as a pup, we got her at a year old as the previous owner was elderly and count cope with her energy levels!

When she came out from being spayed we were told that she had had the early stages of Pyometra. So Spaying is not only for the prevention of seasons and pups, it can have health benefits too

Now at 7 years old shes still a nuclear powered nut case!

[Jasandjules]

Buzz84 said:

When she came out from being spayed we were told that she had had the early stages of Pyometra. So Spaying is not only for the prevention of seasons and pups, it can have health benefits too

Indeed. And can cause health issues as well...............

[tonyb1968]

Yup ive had a dog who was 8 or 9 and she wasnt spayed and had issues, would rather Lottie didnt have to go through that and im not going to breed her so its a fairly sensible option, its just when really, Sept is 3 months after she finished her first season, which was a split one so it may be wise to leave it till after her 2nd season.... still thinking about it.

[DMN]

We recently spoke to our vets and they suggested we have our Pup spayed at around 6 months. Our older dog was around 9 months when she was spayed.

[bexVN]

DMN said:

We recently spoke to our vets and they suggested we have our Pup spayed at around 6 months. Our older dog was around 9 months when she was spayed.

What breed is she?

[Jasandjules]

DMN said:

We recently spoke to our vets and they suggested we have our Pup spayed at around 6 months. Our older dog was around 9 months when she was spayed.

With what respect may be due to your vet, I can't think of a breed which will be mature at 6mths.....

[DMN]

Whippet Cross.

[bexVN]

It is not uncommon to spay pre first season as it basically eliminates the risk of mammary tumour development in later years. Lots of charities do it aswell so they leave the charity already neutered.

Personally I still think I would wait one season then do as this still greatly reduces the mammary tumour risk (after 3Rd season it makes no difference I believe but studies are still ongoing)

Our rescue whippet was done pre first season though and she was fine and is maturing perfectly.

If you choose pre season just make sure you are bang on the six month. Any later and she may get close to her season and that is not an ideal time to spay. Any delay then leave it and wait til 3 months post spay.

Certain breeds it is advised against, usually larger breeds.

[tonyb1968]

Lottie started her first season around the 5 month mark, but as it was split she sort of finished nearer the 7 month mark, after that they recommended 3 months before doing the op

[bexVN]

tonyb1968 said:

Lottie started her first season around the 5 month mark, but as it was split she sort of finished nearer the 7 month mark, after that they recommended 3 months before doing the op

What do you mean by split?

Don't worry just looked it up. Not really something I've ever really come across, would imagine most owners miss the brief season!!

Edited by bexVN on Thursday 4th August 20:01