Originally posted by Shelteez2
Well in studies I've read it states that spaying before the first heat gives you something like a 98% chance of the dog not getting mammory cancer and after the first heat it drops to like 97% or 96%. The risk increases with each heat that the dog has.
I'll try and find actuall stats to back that up.
That's what I basically said. So, wouldn't you want to spay them BEFORE they go into their first heat cycle?

Originally posted by Shelteez2 Also, for responsible people out there who breed their dogs (after health clearances and necessary titles and such) I don't think they'd do it if their dogs were always getting cancer. I know several breeders and their dogs are fine. After having a few litters they are retired and spayed, usually around the ages of 5-7. They go on to live long health lives. [/B]
That's why there called "responsible breeders". They get the dog and dame all checked out before they breed them. Yes, it is true that dogs can go on to live perfectly, normal lives if they are spayed later in life, but there is always the chance they could develop cancer. Even if they don't, I just think it's best to get them spayed/neutered before they reach 6-7 months, and before the first heat cycle.