Dear Val,
When should I spay my 6 month old female pit mix puppy? I have read mixed reviews and want to do what is best. I heard maybe I should wait after her first heat. This is my first puppy in a long time. Thank you for your advice.
Dear Lakeport Puppy Owner,
My suggestion is now, but I will need to elaborate on that. Please keep in mind this is a conversation for your vet as well. There have been some studies by the University of Davis as well as other authorities that are still in the research phase that state it may be best to wait a year before spaying or neutering your dog. The controversy is, that there may be some benefits from the effects of hormones primarily on bone growth and the prevention of orthopedic problems such as hip dysplasia and joint disorders, that may be avoided from the hormones distributed in the body of unaltered dogs. This study was done with German Shepards, Labrador Retrievers, and Golden Retrievers. These are some of the breeds that are commonly affected by orthopedic problems. There are others, but these were the chosen breeds for the study conducted with
3000 dogs.
If you do not have a purebred dog, and you are not a professional breeder, if you do not plan to show your dog, and you do not have a breeder contract, and you enjoy socializing your dog and taking advantage of cage free and dog friendly daycares and boarding facilities, spay your dog at or around 6 months of age.
Other ways to set a good spay date for a male is when they start to exhibit signs of sexual maturity. This would be seen as marking, mounting, and or aggressive play or behavior changes.
For females, 6 months is a good time frame and before they go into their first heat cycle. Female dogs that go into heat will need to be kept in close quarters keeping a close look out for unaltered male guests that may come looking to court your female. They can detect a female dog in heat for up to 3 miles.
Important!!! In the event you don’t get your female spayed before her first heat cycle, it is best to wait two or three months after her heat cycle before having her spayed. Hormones again. It is best to allow the natural hormones following a heat cycle to dissipate naturally, verses being cut off cold turkey from a spay procedure.
Keep in mind, puppies and dogs from shelters and rescues are usually altered prior to going home even as young as 8 weeks of age. This would be a good study as well. The effects, if any, of bone complications from early alteration procedures.
Coming from a dog business point of view, the dogs that come to my doggie daycares need to be spayed or neutered by 6 months of age. This can create conflict amongst my valued clients that appreciate safe, fun, play for their pups as they are torn between social activity and their vets’ advice to wait. Its 50 50 for those that opt for the social aspect of play and those that keep their pups home and provide walking only for the next 6 months until they do the deed.
Local places to spay your pup:
Wasson Memorial Pet Hospital in Lakeport. They have around a week wait time and they would like to get acquainted with you and your pup first. Rates are reasonable.
Main street vet offers spay and neuter services and they are about 1 week out and they are reasonable and charge by weight.
The ASPCA has been trying to offer spay and neuter clinics on occasion and it would be worth trying to get on their list or get a voucher. The wait will be longer here. Start inquiring when your puppy is very young. They also offer low cost vaccine clinics and the next one will be on January 20 2019. Mark your calendar.
The Affordable Clinic in Santa Rosa is open every day and is affordable.
The Sacramento SPCA offers low cost and discount spay and neuter programs and are open every day except holidays.
With all the nice dogs in the world that are waiting for new homes in shelters, rescues, and foster homes, please spay and neuter your pet.
If you have a question about training or behavior, please email me at HappyLabLady77@Yahoo.com. Make it a Pawsitive Day! Val S Elliott CPDT Behavior Coach
The Daily Dog:
The daily dog is Gidget. She is all dressed up in her Christmas best and ready to celebrate the holiday. She enjoys fetching her toys, doggie daycare and playing with her kitty friend Willie. If you would like to send a cute photo with a description or short story about your favorite furry friend, please send it to HappyLabLady77@yahoo.com
