Spaying Advice Please

AmyMay

AmyMay

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My OH's son has a lovely little Bichon bitch, who is around 9 months old.

When is he best time to spay her - before or after her first season (which she hasn't had yet)??
 
I was surprised when our vet sent us a letter prompting us to get our new puppy spayed when she was just 6 months old, (before her first season). I guess that they feel it is OK to do such a big op at such an early age. Personally I think it is too young and I wouldn't have it done until they are at least a year, but that is simply my personal opinion and not based on scientific facts.

I have had whippets who didn't have a season until they were way over 1 year old, in fact one dog only came into season 2-3 times in her entire life, so it's not the season aspect I measure, it is the physical maturity of the dog. I think 6 months was too young to yank her ovaries out.
 
I had mine done at six months, before her first season. There are pros and cons to each approach - the earlier you do it, the higher the risk of urinary incontinence in later life, but the later you leave it the higher the incidence of mammary tumours etc. The vet discussed the options with me and agreed that she was ready at six months.

Just remember that if she has a season first most vets won't then operate for around three months afterwards to let all the internal bits go back to normal.
 
Im finding this very interesting we have a jrt x springer who is now 8 months old, we want to have her done and are still waiting for her first season. Any other advice ?
Thanks
 
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