When to spay?

[annie_so_pink]

Ok, so most people probably know that I recently adopted Lilly, a now 13 wk old 3/4 Black Lab, 1/4 Border Collie mix puppy. But, when should I get her spayed? I know the usual is 6 months, right? I have always had boy dogs, she is my first girl. I definately want to get her spayed asap. But, I have been getting mixed answers on when. Some people say that it is best to wait to spay until after their first heat, but then other people have told me to spay her before her first heat. So, I really need some advice! Thanks!!!

[sammy]

I'm no help but I think you're smart to research this. Many of the breeders I respect are recommending to not spay at 6 months anymore to avoid the possibility of that estrogen related incontinence problem. I'm not sure what month though.

[calgal]

Libby will be spayed next month when she turns 6 months. My Vet. doesn't like to do it any sooner.

[IceyBlueSibes]

I think 6 months is the norm, but like sammy said... I believe it's best you do lots of research (there are a lot of articles) and make a decision. Sheiba was not fixed until she was about 3, and Denali was 2 (if I remember correctly). Lilly (my rottie I had) was about 5-6 months when she was fixed. I haven't noticed a difference, other than both Denali and Lilly have put on some weight. But, I've heard that is a myth. But other than that... they've been the same, crazy pups I've had since they were young. I think it is more of a decision that you have to decide, rather than what other people tell you. You can ask one question, and get 30 different answers. Y'know?

[brandysmama]

If you do wait until after the first heat, don't do what my neighbor did and stick her out in an unfenced yard on a tieout 24/7! She's pregnant now because they didn't know when the first heat would come.

FWIW, Brandy was already spayed when I took her home from the Humane Society at 11 weeks old. I haven't seen any incontinence problems out of her, and she's 6 years old now.

[sammy]

Some food for thought..
http://www.caninesports.com/SpayNeuter.html

[Camz]

I have seen threads on other forums get pretty heated over this subject- so far, this one has been very nice and informative!

I suggest doing research on the subject, then doing what feels best for you.

My pup has show potential, so I won't be spaying her until she either proves, or disproves herself in the ring. As of now, she's not old enough to show, as she doesn't have her adult coat.

For a pet, I honestly don't see why one would wait, but then again, I'm not well versed on the medical research behind either waiting, or not waiting.

[KennelMom]

Early sp/n is perfectly acceptable for a pet dog. I would have her spayed ASAP.

[linnie]

Many breeders when selling dogs as pet have them desexed before they rehome them and that can be as young as 12 weeks

My vet thinks this is to young and that they should be a minimum of 5 months and I am in full agreement. Giving young puppies an anaesthetic when so young seems a huge ask for a little body.

[mrsgrubby]

The research I have done has proven to me that anytime between 13 weeks and 6 months is ok.

Our rescue spays all puppies before they are adopted, so at around 13 weeks all are spayed and neutered.

We have been doign this for 10 years and never seen any negative side effects.

In male, large breed dogs they sometimes grow taller and thinner, but in a pet dog, that doesn't really matter.

Puppies tend to heal VERY, VERY quickly, and the anaesthetic doesn't make any difference as some breeds never grow more than a few pounds their entire life, nor do kittens for that matter.

It is really up to you. My Jasmine was spayed at 5 months, my Violet was spayed at 13 weeks. Violet did way better with the spay than Jasmine.

[flukespad]

We spay all our dogs at 6months and is a part of the adoption policy to do so. We follow same guidelines as Battersea RSPAC,Dogs Trust if it was wrong then surley they would not be doing it.There are many sites with do and don''t on about this subject and vets are very prone to telling you to wait till after first season nine times out of ten it is only becuase it makes it easier for them to operate on when they are bigger.Your vet can't refuse to do it as it it is your pet only advise you as we have.

[annie_so_pink]

Thank You everyone for all the replies and help!!

[annie_so_pink]

Ok, so I just need some reassurance now. Lilly is 19 wks old now, and she is going to be spayed next week at 20 wks old. Is is alright to spay her then? She is 25 lbs.

[SpringerLover]

I'll share my experiences... but it sounds like you've made an informed decision

Buzz (male ESS) was neutered at just under 26 months old.
Bailey (female ESS) was spayed at 15 or 16 months, after her first heat. If I did it all over again, I would have had it done at 9 months. We kinda waited to see if she'd turn out, I was kinda thinking about showing her, etc. We went through the first heat and said, NO WAY!

Male dogs, if you keep them under wraps, I say neuter after at least a year. But female dogs I say before the first heat. And when that first heat comes depends on the time of year the pup was born, when relatives came into heat for the first time, etc.

But, 20 weeks sounds perfect for your pup. It's whatever you're comfortable with, and feel is right and since you made a wonderfully informed decision, then that's what is right!

[Kuchi]

My short answer: yes, its okay.