When to spay?

[mthunter]

I have heard do it right away, wait until after her first cycle and to breed them once first. What are everyones thoughts and what are the pros and cons for when you get this done?

[SpringerGuy]

Do it as soon as your vet will do it. Usually around 6 months. Easier on the dog and cheaper when they are younger. The first heat cycle is around 1 year of age and the "have a litter first" thing is not true.

[Ralph Wiggum]

It generally does not hurt to do it young, especially with a normal-sized dog. Some vets will even do it around 12 weeks. I would definitely have it done before her first cycle if you don't plan on breeding.

[croixflats]

How about a 3and1/2 year old what are the risk. I have a

Large Munsterlander was thinking of breeding but decided not to. Twice a year seems like its misery for them.

Ive always had a spayed dog so having one that is not is new to me.

[Ralph Wiggum]

I've never heard of any problems with spaying an older dog, other than the risks associated with any surgery.

[croixflats]

Thanks. This spring I'm taking her in she's in the middle of her cycle now, poor thing.

[candiru]

I did hear something from a coworker that they are able to do this with lasers now. It supposedly leads to a faster recovery. I don't know anything more.

[eric29]

The laser surgery is to just cut the skin not for the actuall opperation. Its supposed to heal better with minimal scaring and wont hurt as bad. I think its a option for all surgeries for an extra 75-100 bucks.

[croixflats]

Great Info, as we all want is for our buds to experience as little discomfort as possible and to heal as quickly as possible because as you know its hard to keep our pups inactive while healing. Well worth the extra money for me.

[mthunter]

Thanks for all the info guys and think I will diffently ask about the laser option. Keeping this pup down for any time is not going to be easy.

[wallmounter]

I had my lab spayed just after her third b-day back in September (opted for the week between early goose and duck opener). I opted for the laser surgery for the faster healing time as has been stated. The cost was around $400 for the surgery and blood work. Dog had to be kept "quiet" for 7 days and the sutures weren't removed until day 14 or so. The only risks I have heard of with older dogs is the longer you wait the greater the cancer risks increase.