Welcoming a puppy into your home is an incredibly exciting time. But between snuggling on the sofa and potty training, you need to remember to keep on top of your vet appointments.
Depending on how young you adopted your puppy, they'll likely need at least one set of vaccinations. Another appointment you'll need to book is getting your puppy spayed.
Shelters are rescue centers are increasingly spaying all puppies early, at around seven weeks, to avoid any unexpected litters or mess. But is this too early? Dr. Tory Waxman, Chief Veterinary Officer at Sundays for Dogs Inc, says pediatric spaying can cause ongoing medical conditions later in life.
So, if you are responsible for your puppy from an early age, when is the right time to have your pooch spayed?
When should I spay my dog?
There is no real one-size-fits-all for spaying, and the right time can be heavily dependent on the size and breed of your dog. For example, delaying the procedure for larger dogs is often recommended as it gives them the chance to develop and grow properly.
Researchers recently published a helpful chart showing the ideal age to spay or neuter the top 35 dog breeds to decrease their chances of developing orthopedic issues or cancer.
With this in mind, it's a good idea to register your dog with a reputable vet as early as possible and discuss the pros and cons of having them spayed at different ages. The guys at easyvet.com will be able to regularly check-in to see how your pooch is developing, so they have a better idea as to when the right time for them is personally.
Spaying a dog: What to consider
In general, spaying is the best decision for both dogs and their human parents. There are many health risks linked to un-spayed dogs, which could lead to plenty of heartache in the future. Not to mention expensive vet bills.
Spaying can prevent your pooch from suffering a uterine infection and decrease the risk of ovarian and mammary cancer. If not treated, these illnesses can be life-threatening.
However, that's not to say you should get your dog spayed as soon as possible. Premature spaying can also predispose certain breeds to bone and lymphoma cancer, so a real balance needs to be achieved.
What's more, some studies suggest that female puppies that are spayed too early have a higher chance of developing incontinence – particularly larger breeds.
A lot of people consider having their dog spayed when their puppy starts to act out or become more aggressive and overly active, in the hope that it will calm them down a little bit. But while spaying can sometimes improve behavior, an early procedure can often enhance fear-based behavioral issues, which are incredibly difficult to train out of your dog later.
With all of this in mind, it's important to consider your dog's health and aim to reduce the chance of them developing behavioral or health issues in the future. While early spaying may feel convenient for you, you could be putting your puppy at risk.
