When to spay?

**.sarah** · 11-23-2005, 12:20 PM

I am having trouble deciding when to spay Nova. I have heard from numerous dog "experts" to wait until they go through their first heat, as estrogen is what strengthens the muscles to help with incontinence later in life. But, ever since agility class I have been worried about waiting through her first heat. You see, there was an Australian Shepherd in the class who was semi-aggressive. The man told me that she used to be just as submissive as Nova, and then once she went through heat (she wasn't IN heat, but had been through it) she completely changed. I am soooo worried that Nova's temperment will change. She is absolutely the perfect dog in my eyes and if she ever becomes aggressive just because I had her go through heat I'll be extremely upset. I'd rather put her on Proin (incontinence drops) later in life than have my baby change.

I'm just so confused! Any input would be appreciated.

**shais_mom** · 11-23-2005, 12:21 PM

I always had heard it was better to spay them before their first heat cycle b/c the incidence for uterine cancer is higher the more cycles they go thru.
Keegan was spayed about about 4 months before she went thru her cycle.

**AllAmericanPUP** · 11-23-2005, 12:25 PM

its much better to spay before their first heat.

every heat they go through, the more they are at chance of certain cancers.
and yes it can and usually does change their temperment

**pnance** · 11-23-2005, 12:28 PM

I'd also always heard it was better to spay them prior to their first heat for the same reasons as shais_mom listed. Savannah was spayed prior to her first heat and has never had any problems. Nikka came to us spayed so I'm not sure about her.

**lv4dogs** · 11-23-2005, 12:32 PM

I agree with the others. The chances of possibly getting cancer AND possibly having a total attitude change greatly outweighs the chances of possibly becoming incontinent which may happen anyways as the dog ages.

I'd get her spayed as close to 6 months as possible yet before her first heat.

**.sarah** · 11-23-2005, 12:37 PM

Originally Posted by lv4dogs

I'd get her spayed as close to 6 months as possible yet before her first heat.

She's almost 9 months now. I probably will get her spayed before her heat, I just want to see everyone's opinion on in first.

**lv4dogs** · 11-23-2005, 12:59 PM

Originally Posted by .sarah

She's almost 9 months now. I probably will get her spayed before her heat, I just want to see everyone's opinion on in first.

Wow, most dogs that size go into their first heat about 6-9 months. I'd make up your mind fast or you may not have a choice. She could go into heat litterally any day now.

**Jessika** · 11-23-2005, 01:08 PM

This is a good topic to start Sarah because I had similar questions about Jamie. She just turned 10 months though. The only problem I've had with not spaying is I was afraid it was going to cost me an arm and a leg, since to have Charlie neutered it put us back $235! I mean he had both testicles retained, but that was still an insane amount of money to pay. So if they charged me that much for a MALE, I'm scared to know how much they will charge me for a female

**Glacier** · 11-23-2005, 12:52 PM

I'd do it before her first heat, but a different reason than already mentioned. I can not stand female dogs in heat (cats too). . They drive me crazy. Can't cope with it and a female in heat, even around neutered males, is a sure fire fight in my yard.