When is the best time/age to spay?

[LucyWhitePaw]

Just wondering what your thoughts are on an appropriate age to spray a female doodle. I want to hear what my vet says, but I also want to hear what you guys have done. I only want the best for my little girl here! Thanks for your help!

[Jac]

Everyone has different opinions on this ... but I think that you should spay before the dog reaches maturity. So, I think that 5-6 months is best.

I think that puppies recover much faster than older dogs do.

Many argue that early spaying is best (very young) and others say to wait until the first cycle.

My best advice is to, as you are planning to do, talk to your vet to see what they say and ask why...then also do some research on the topic. Look for recent research, not the "old wives tales" that you get from people who just think that things should always be done the way they have been done for years...look at studies that have been conducted recently and that used a large data base.

Basically you will need to be on the same page as your vet...but if you disagree, find a vet that agrees with you. It is important to do what you believe is right.

[KingstonTodd]

There is research concluding that early spay (8 weeks) is just as safe. The only medical reason I know if to wait is if your girl has an inverted vulva, a heat can sometimes correct that. If she is normal and healthy, do it before she has her first heat.

[lindamarie]

Everyone has different opinions on this ... but I think that you should spay before the dog reaches maturity. So, I think that 5-6 months is best.

This has always been my rule of thumb.

[Lucky Me]

Welcome!
We had a big discussion on this back in Jan.
when-spay-neuter-t13631.html
This will really give you lots to chew on!

[LucyWhitePaw]

Thanks everyone! I didn't think anyone responded, as I didn't get any emails notifying me that I did. Hmpf! Is there something I need to click on to get notifications?

I am going to do my research for sure, but appreciate your insight. I remember with our lab we did it around 4 months and she recovered very easily, but that was over 11 years ago and I know how much new information is available constantly. I will see what my vet has to say, but definitely before her 1st heat.

I was also amazed about researching the whole dew claw debate. I never gave much thought to the "dew claws removed" statement in some breeders ads. What an awful (in my opinion, of course) thing to do to a puppy. I could possibly understand it, if it was done shortly after birth with tying it off, or whatever they do. BUT, to remove it when they are older?! I was just feeling Lucy's and there is a big bone connected to it. My thought is that if she is born with it, it must be there for a reason. It was a real eye opener for me!

[Jac]

I don't personally remove dew claws. Many breeders do...it is my understanding that if it is done before the pup is 3 days old, it is fairly routine, but after that it can be a major issue and very painful.

To get notices of responses, go to your profile and look at the settings. You should have options to check when you want notices sent and more.

[LabyLabradoodle]

What is spay? My Laby is two years old and I don't have a clue on how to make her pregnant.