Should I let my dog have a season before spaying

[barb1314]

I am really after some opinions on this.My labrador Lottie is 8 months old next week and so far has not had a season.I am trying to decide when to have her spayed.Some people have said let her have a season and others have said to do it before.Obviously at her age time is not on my side so I have to make my mind up soon.My vet is happy either way.Opinions are so divided about the pros and cons,I would really like to hear about other dog owners opinions.Thanks very much.

[carmalee]

My opinion based on working in animal welfare for many, many years is have her spayed now - to the best of my knowledge up to date opinion is that there is no benefit to the bitch from letting her have a season. There are also enough dogs looking for a good home already and anyway, Labs often have large litters. If there is a particular reason for you wanting her to have a season ask yourself a) can you guarantee absolutely that she won't come into contact with an entire male and b) are you prepared for besotted panting males hanging around her with the possibility of fights developing and the risk of road traffic accidents as they beat a path to your front door. Be interested to hear your views when you've received other opinions. Whatever you decide - good luck

[Clanad]

Additional to agreeing with carmalee's, advice, a lot of recent data strongly suggests that dogs that have never experienced a heat have a decreased chance of getting mammary cancer and do not have reproductive tract disease problems.... Our Vet says spaying at 8 to 12 weeks is becoming more popular and this is, generally, prepubescent for most dogs...

[barb1314]

Thank you both..interesting.Can I just ask are you in the U.S?I think that you are Clanad but not too sure about Carmalee? Just wondering if views differ over the pond!
8 to 12 wks sounds horrendously young.My vet said over 6 months but when I saw him about something else in December he said she was too immature and he would prefer to wait. Her older half sisters were 7 months on their first heat,still have not been spayed and my friend has had no problems at all with rampant male dogs or mess in the house.Lottie is the smallest from a litter of 10 and is really petite (20kg) so I'm guessing that's why she's not come in yet. I think I'm going to try to book her in in the next 2 weeks but am still wondering what others think...Lankeela maybe?Thanks a lot.

[lankeela]

I had a collie cross bitch spayed at six months as I had three entire males in the house. No problems at all, and far less risk than an unwanted pregnancy.



Guide Dogs spay their bitches young I believe.

[barb1314]

Thanks Lankeela.I am taking Lottie to see the vet tomorrow and if he is happy with her size,health and maturity I will book the op as soon as possible.Thanks for your advice.I have to say the vast majority of people I have asked have agreed with what I want to do for her.