To be clear, the question here is whether or not to spay early or after the first heat cycle. Because of significant risks of pyometra (uterine infection) or mammary cancer late in life we recommend that all female dogs not intended for breeding be spayed before their second heat cycle.
Q: Should I let my dog have a heat before I spay her? A: Medically, it's better to spay your dog before their first heat. It greatly reduces the risk of mammary tumors. People who wait to spay their dogs until after their second heat greatly increase the risk of mammary tumors in their pets.
When should I spay my female dog? We recommend waiting until your dog is at least over 6 months and likely even older for larger dogs. The benefits are much more pronounced in larger dogs, but there is not a lot of difference for lap dogs.
If your dog has gone into heat, we usually suggest waiting to spay her until 2 to 3 months after her heat cycle is completely finished. That gives you plenty of time before her next heat cycle.
If we spay a female dog before her first estrus, or “heat,” we essentially eliminate her chances of developing mammary cancer. This benefit holds true for any female dog spayed before the age of 2, yet incidence of mammary cancer increases with each estrus period.
The short answer is- yes it will. Spaying and neutering both involve making permanent changes to your dog's reproductive system, whether male or female. Dogs' hormonal systems change based on their reproductive system, just like in humans! Hormones are in part responsible for some of our behaviors.
This effect is directly associated with the timing of surgery, with the maximum protective effect achieved if your dog is spayed before her first season and it has been shown that this protective effect is reduced after the first season and with each subsequent season.
The diestrus stage occurs right after the proestrus and estrus or “in heat” stages of your dog's cycle. If not pregnant her vulvar swelling will decrease and discharge disappear. If she has been mated, then during this time she may develop into pregnancy. The dog is getting ready for their next cycle.
The typical heat cycle will last between two and four weeks. Your dog or puppy will be fertile during this entire time but there is a small period, 9-10 days into the cycle, where they are especially fertile.
Cycle length varies, averaging two to three weeks for most dogs. The cycle begins with the first signs of vulvar swelling or vaginal discharge. It ends when all discharge ceases and the vulva has returned to its normal size.
Spaying your dog too early can result in health problems later on since her hormones should have some time to work. Early spaying can increase the risk of hip dysplasia, torn ligaments, bone cancer, and urinary incontinence.
In general, in small breed dogs (less than 50 pounds) we recommend spaying around 6 months. In large breed dogs (greater than 50 pounds) we recommend waiting until after skeletal maturity but before the second heat cycle(usually 12-15 months) in spaying female dogs or anytime after skeletal maturity in male dogs.
But by spaying dogs before the first heat cycle the risk drops to less than ½ of 1/10 of 1% (0.05%). Spaying after the first heat cycle but before the second also reduces the risk, but not by as much. The first heat cycle generally occurs around 7 months for small dogs, and a little later in large breed dogs.
Most vets recommend you have this done right before or just after her first heat cycle. In the event you opt to have the surgery done while she is in heat, the job becomes far more complicated, as her uterus and ovaries are going to be swollen, making it much harder for the surgeon to locate the ovaries.
Being in heat for the first time can be a confusing experience for your girl. She's going to need extra love and attention. Pups tend to get quite snuggly during this time, so set aside some extra slots for lots of cuddles. Maybe consider a lap desk so you can work and snuggle simultaneously.
It is best not to breed your female dog during her first heat because the young age of the still-growing animal could lead to a difficult pregnancy. It is also customary to avoid breeding a female dog on consecutive heats to allow time to recover between pregnancies.
In this first stage of heat, your puppy's vulva will look swollen or larger than usual. During proestrus, she'll also produce a bloody vaginal discharge and may pee more often. Things change mentally too. She may show differences in behavior, like being more jumpy or on edge than usual.
Drastic hormone changes can adversely affect a female dog's mood and can predispose to acts of aggression even if she has never been aggressive before. These hormone changes cause irritability, nervousness and can even cause pain during ovulation.
After estrus stage, the vulva should return to normal, at this stage, she is no longer fertile and she is safe to mix with intact male dogs.
Some signs of a female dog going into heat may include lower energy levels, more aggressive behavior, differences in leg-raising while urinating, urinating more often than usual, and even running away from home. This is unlike male dogs, who do not experience heat cycles.
Spaying during the heat comes with considerable risk. If possible, delay the spay until after the heat cycle is over. Spaying your dog 2-3 months after the heat will result in lower chance of bleeding, easier surgery plus reduced cost for you! Keep your female away from male dogs during her heat.
Hormones play a large role in your dog's emotional state, and when surgical procedures disrupt your pet's hormone levels, depression often follows. Dogs who've been spayed or neutered are the most likely to suffer hormonally triggered depression, thanks to the removal of their reproductive organs.
After spaying, female dogs will be calmer and less aggressive because their hormone levels are decreased. They may also become more attached or friendly towards their owners. However, the overall personality of your dog should remain the same.
Spaying helps prevent uterine infections and breast cancer, which is fatal in about 50 percent of dogs and 90 percent of cats. Spaying your pet before her first heat offers the best protection from these diseases. Neutering provides major health benefits for your male.