The most recent research has shown that spaying and neutering pets as puppies and kittens can affect their growth. Early spaying and neutering increases the length of time that the bones grow, which results in a taller pet. The concern is that increased growth may affect how joints align.

Are there benefits to waiting to spay a dog?

Even though waiting to spay your female dog may reduce her bone cancer risk, this benefit is not outweighed by the risk of mammary cancer, which increases every time your dog goes into heat.

What is the best age to spay a female dog?

Larger breeds sometimes do not start their first heat until they're closer to 12 months of age or beyond. It is recommended that you spay your female dog between 6 to 9 months of age, preferably before a heat cycle to reduce the future risk of mammary cancer.

Why you should wait to spay your dog?

Studies have shown that large dogs spayed before 6 months of age experience some higher risk of orthopedic problems and certain cancers and that risk is statistically reduced at 12 months.

Is it better to spay a dog before or after heat?

We know that spaying before the first heat cycle reduces the incidence of mammary cancer by 99.5% while spaying after the first heat cycle but before the second decreases the incidence by 92%. Spaying after the second heat cycle decreases the incidence rate by 74%.

SPAY SURVIVAL GUIDE | What to expect & how to keep calm

Is it better to spay your dog early or late?

Dogs: According to the AAHA Canine Life Stage Guidelines, small-breed dogs (under 45 pounds projected adult body weight) should be neutered at six months of age or spayed prior to the first heat (five to six months).

Why does it cost more to spay a dog after the first heat?

When a female dog or cat goes into heat, their ​reproductive organs and related blood vessels become engorged with blood. Your veterinarian will need to take extra precautions and it takes more time to complete the surgery.

Do female dogs change after being spayed?

Females may show less aggression towards dogs and humans after they're spayed. By getting your pet spayed, you can also eliminate the chances of hormonally driven defensive behavior. Female dogs will sometimes behave aggressively if other pets or people try approaching or touching their puppies.

What are the benefits of delayed spaying?

Research has shown that early spaying and neutering can increase the risk of certain cancers, such as osteosarcoma and transitional cell carcinoma. By delaying sterilization, dogs can maintain their natural hormonal balance, which may help protect against these types of cancer.

Is it healthier for female dogs to be spayed?

Health benefits

Spaying female dogs and cats can prevent uterine infection and reduce the risk of breast cancer. Neutering males can eliminate their risk of testicular cancer and reduce their risk of developing enlarged prostate glands (known as benign prostatic hyperplasia).

Will spaying calm a female dog?

Spaying can frequently make a female dog calmer, but it doesn't work the same for every dog. This procedure can help reduce hormonal issues, prevent unplanned pregnancies, and lower the chances of health problems that can affect your dog's behavior.

Is 3 months too early to spay a dog?

No matter the size, puppies should wait until at least six months of age before spaying. This just helps their body handle the anesthesia and surgery with less stress. However, smaller breeds also reach sexual maturity at a younger age, so sticking with that 6–12-month mark works well for most dogs under 40 pounds.

What happens if a dog is spayed too early?

Some retrospective studies have recently been published that show very early sterilization may delay closure of growth plates in big bones, meaning the animal gets a little bigger or longer. In some breeds, like German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers, this may lead to hip or joint issues.

What happens if you wait too long to spay a dog?

Delaying a spay increases the chances of mammary tumors and there is a risk of pregnancy. Delaying neutering can increase roaming and potential behavioral issues. Additionally, with each heat your female dog is at risk of developing pyometra (a dangerous infection of the uterus).

What happens if I never get my dog spayed?

Pyometra, which is a severe infection of the uterus, can be fatal to dogs and cats when untreated. In intact animals (those that aren't spayed yet), the chronic effect of sex hormones can result in overstimulation of certain cells within the uterus called cystic endometrial hyperplasia (CEH).

Why do vets recommend waiting to neuter?

Most veterinarians now recommend waiting to neuter male dogs after they reach full skeletal maturity, especially large breed males. Allowing these dogs to grow under the influence of their sex hormones means they grow more naturally, resulting in healthier joint angles and structure.

Should you wait to get your female dog spayed?

Female dogs should be spayed before they go into their first heat (6-7 months of age). Numerous studies have proven that spaying a dog before she goes into heat is overwhelmingly advantageous for long-term health.

Why should I wait a year to spay my dog?

Basically, we are seeing that delaying spaying and neutering until after maturity lessens the risk of hip dysplasia, cruciate ligament tears, other bone and joint abnormalities, and some cancers. Behavior disorders, including aggression and noise phobias have also been related to hormone status.

Do female dogs live longer if not spayed?

Another study, conducted by Banfield Pet Hospitals on a database of 2.2 million dogs and 460,000 cats reflected similar findings, concluding that neutered male dogs lived 18% longer and spayed female dogs lived 23% longer. Spayed female cats in the study lived 39% longer and neutered male cats lived 62% longer.

Are female dogs more affectionate after spaying?

After spaying, female dogs will be calmer and less aggressive because their hormone levels are decreased. They may also become more attached or friendly towards their owners. However, the overall personality of your dog should remain the same.

At what age should a dog be spayed?

An age of six to nine months of age may be appropriate for neutering or spaying a toy breed puppy or small breed puppy but a larger or giant breed may need to wait until they are near or over 12-18 months of age.

Do female dogs get more energy after being spayed?

Even though there won't be a change in your pet's energy level, the act of having a vet spay or neuter your pet will eliminate or reduce those behaviors that are attributed to their hormones. This includes heat cycles and the associated behaviors in female dogs.

Is it best to let a female dog have a season before spaying?

The doctor advice is clear: spay your dog before their first heat. It's simpler for them and the surgery is easier. When dogs have puppies, it adds to the pet overpopulation issue right away.

Do female dogs still have a scent after being spayed?

Often there is an offensive odor. All of this Disappears with Dog Spaying.

How much is it to have a dog spayed?

They put the average cost of spaying a female dog between £130 and £365 and the cost of male dog castrations anywhere from £110 to £300. However, these figures are just estimates and the final amount you'll pay will depend on factors like: Your dog's general health. Their size and breed.

---