When to spay?

[lv4dogs]

It looks that way! Maybe its just my area, but it wasn't just ONE vet that quoted outrageous prices, ALL of them in my area (and then some) did because I called a number of clinics before scheduling an appointment with one. I would kill to only have to pay about $100 to spay Jamie. That would be SUCH a relief!

As far as prices go obviously it does vary by area. Most vets here charge depending on the size of the dog & weather or not they have been into heat before. I would say average for a 6-12 month old medium size dog is about $150-$175.

And our shelters offer a discount for spays/neuters. Here if you are apporved (it's based on your household income) you only have to pay a third of the cost.

Maybe your shelter offers something like that?

[Jessika]

I actually just moved here not too long ago and still need to do some looking around. The nearest shelter I know of is 45 minutes away For Christmas though I'm going back in town for a few months and will be working at PetCo and the managers know and can get discounts at the vet that I had Charlie neutered at so maybe I can talk to them about pricing or something or get more info on it. Not to mention we'll have lots of money saved up and from getting our tax returns so I definitely want to get it done before February ♥

[.sarah]

Hopefully Jamie doesn't go into heat before then! lv4dogs, I never knew they charged differently depending on if they have gone into heat before. Do they charge more/less? I guess I should know since I work at a vet lol

[Jessika]

You know I thought she was close to it this past month or so because she has been CONSTANTLY licking herself down there, but I didn't know if it was because of fleas or not (which I was able to give her a bath today since its 70 out after being in the mid-40's ALL WEEK grrrrr Missouri weather!!). I did the whole tissue swap thing to check and, nothing. So I don't think that's what it was unless she just doesn't bleed a whole lot

[.sarah]

You know I thought she was close to it this past month or so because she has been CONSTANTLY licking herself down there, but I didn't know if it was because of fleas or not (which I was able to give her a bath today since its 70 out after being in the mid-40's ALL WEEK grrrrr Missouri weather!!). I did the whole tissue swap thing to check and, nothing. So I don't think that's what it was unless she just doesn't bleed a whole lot

Is her vulva swollen looking? If not, she's probably not in heat. The "rule" is, when they're not in heat their vulva feels like the tip of your nose, slightly firm. When in heat, their vulva feels more like your lips, plump. Trust me, you'd notice if her vulva was swollen. It looks ODD.

[Kfamr]

I agree with those who said to spay before their first heat.


Kiara was spayed before 15 weeks, Nala before 8 weeks.

[Jessika]

Is her vulva swollen looking? If not, she's probably not in heat. The "rule" is, when they're not in heat their vulva feels like the tip of your nose, slightly firm. When in heat, their vulva feels more like your lips, plump. Trust me, you'd notice if her vulva was swollen. It looks ODD.

Yeah that's another reason why I assumed she wasn't lol. It was just so weird. She'd sit there for HOURS just licking herself. O_o And she doesn't have an infection or anything either, I checked.

[lv4dogs]

Hopefully Jamie doesn't go into heat before then! lv4dogs, I never knew they charged differently depending on if they have gone into heat before. Do they charge more/less? I guess I should know since I work at a vet lol

They charge more unfortunaly. If I remember right the uterous gets a little bigger &/or messier after a dog has been through a heat (even if they are not in heat at the moment).

[.sarah]

I agree with those who said to spay before their first heat.


Kiara was spayed before 15 weeks, Nala before 8 weeks.

In my opinion that is too young. I would wait until a dog is pretty much fully grown. Nova I would say is extremely close if she isn't already there.

[sammy101]

Lucy was spayed at 6 months old. I would want to my female dogs to get spayed asap,just my opinion. I agree, get her spayed before her first heat.

[lv4dogs]

In my opinion that is too young. I would wait until a dog is pretty much fully grown. Nova I would say is extremely close if she isn't already there.

I agree with you there!

[k9krazee]

Shadow, Micki and Jack were all spayed/neutered at very young ages. Shadow and Jack were done before we got them and Micki, well my mom was paranoid of having a male dog and wanted him neutered as soon as possible so he was done at about 10 weeks.

I would really get her spayed before her first heat, they are prone to a lot less behavoiral and medical problems. My Aunt's lab pup went into heat the first time at 13 months and she was pretty shocked, most of her labs usually went into heat right around six months.

I'm feeling a bit hypocritical though, Mini and Kyra are both intact, Mini will be four on Friday and Kyra is over a year. We did notice some behavoiral problems though, Mini used to be extremely submissive and now shes our most dominant dog but that was the only drastic change.

[.sarah]

Alright, I'm getting her spayed before heat. I've made up my mind, most definetly. I can call work now to see if I can squeeze her in on Friday, but I might just wait until Monday since tomorrow is going to be so hectic.

[dab_20]

thats great. the only drastic thing that happened with molli was is that she is much more dominant.

[.sarah]

thats great. the only drastic thing that happened with molli was is that she is much more dominant.

That's exactly what I don't want to happen. Nova is so submissive and after having Mandy it's wonderful