puppy info

angeldaisy

Could someone help or link to previous threads for me as I can't find them on my phone.

I'm looking for current thinking on spaying a female puppy. Also on the guidelines on vaccinations - long term, not whilst she's a puppy.

I know what the vet told me, but I also remember a discussion on here about both but for the life of me I can't find them!

Prisoner6409

Can you elaborate on what the vet told you. I am also facing this quandary down the road a bit. I am a bit, suspicious would be the wrong word but reluctant to accept the advice of doggie organisations as its quite obvious why they would recommend spaying but I am of the view that every situation is different.

angeldaisy

Well my vet told me that she should be spayed before her first heat, around 6mths.

tk123

angeldaisy wrote: »

Well my vet told me that she should be spayed before her first heat, around 6mths.

I was told the opposite which was fine because I'd already decided to let her grow/mature first before spaying - she'll be 17 months when she gets spayed at the end of October. It depends on the breed too - a large breed dog should be fully grown before you go interfering with growth plates by spaying/neutering too early. I have experience of what happens when growth plates get damaged - 2-3 weeks of dealing with a dog in heat is a LOT easier than 3 months of crate rest trust me!

jimf

angeldaisy wrote: »

Well my vet told me that she should be spayed before her first heat, around 6mths.

I would honestly think this is one of the most debated dog issues you could come across I think even vets cant agree there are so many different opinions

that and why do dogs eat grass

alroley

tk123 wrote: »

I was told the opposite which was fine because I'd already decided to let her grow/mature first before spaying - she'll be 17 months when she gets spayed at the end of October. It depends on the breed too - a large breed dog should be fully grown before you go interfering with growth plates by spaying/neutering too early. I have experience of what happens when growth plates get damaged - 2-3 weeks of dealing with a dog in heat is a LOT easier than 3 months of crate rest trust me!

I'd agree with this. As long as the owner is responsible and not letting the dog(male or female) wander around, I believe they should be fully mature before spaying/neutering.

angeldaisy

It's a very interesting debate alright. Are there guidelines out there as to when they are considered fully grown/matured
Do they differ per breed/ size?