I prefer to wait until they have had a season as it helps them mature more I recently had a bitch spayed at 8 months she was 2lbs 9oz and she was fine

__________________

www.teclo.co.uk

I was incorrect on Ava's weight, I went by her last vet visit. Weighed her last night and she is 3.5 pounds. It seems like when to spay or neuter is all a matter of personal opinion. I have never owned a small dog before Ava so I just wanna make sure I take the best and safest route possible. What are the benefits of spaying before and spaying after their first heat?

The reasons I chose to spay before the first heat are that it nearly eliminates the risk of mammary cancer. Obviously it also eliminates the risk of all female cancers since you remove everything. But that's the same with any spay really. I also personally didn't want Chloe to have a heat. I have no experience with having a dog in heat. She has a male chihuahua friend who is not neutered. I was very afraid I wouldn't know she was in heat and she would get pregnant or something. I used a vet who was very familiar with spaying very tiny dogs. She weighed almost 4 pounds. So, it was something I felt comfortable with. I'm very happy with the decision I made to spay Chloe when I did. We had a very good experience. Someone who waited until after the first heat can probably explain why they chose to wait.

__________________

Thank you Lindsay for the very informative post! Helped me out a lot

You're welcome! I don't think it's a cut a dry thing. There's pros and cons to both.


Sent from my iPhone using Petguide.com App

__________________

I chose to wait until after Honeys first heat as I wanted her to grow and mentally mature a bit more.

I researched all of the risks involving cancer, pyo etc. IMO, it is better to wait - the risk of cancer is still very very slim, your dog is less likely to suffer from spay incontinence, vaginitis and bone disorders & other conditions.

I just found this online - risks of an early spay;
Urinary incontinence.
Increased barking and aggression toward people and dogs.
The likelihood of getting hemangiosarcoma is increased by 5 times.
Triples the risk of hypothyroidism.
If done before one year increases the risk of osteosarcoma.
Increases the risk of orthopedic disorders, possibly including hip dysplasia.
Recurrent urinary tract infections.
Increases the risks of adverse reactions to vaccines.
Increases the risk of obesity by 1.6 - 2 times.

BUT, and I have a big butt it is totally your decision, it is what you feel comfortable with! There are so many pro's and con's on both sides Hun.




Sent from my iPhone using Petguide.com Free App

__________________

Thanks for doing some research for me Rachel! I'm probably going to make a list of pros and cons to early and later spaying and see which I think would be best for Ava. Very informative post thank you!