why do you have to wait 12 weeks after heat before getting dog spayed?

Question

I have just had my dog spayed but I wondered why the vet made me wait until 12 weeks after she came on heat I 100% knew she was not pregnant because I didn't allow hernear any other dogs for the full 3 weeks

Answer 1

Your vet does know what he's talking about!!
The following link explains it quite simply

Answer 2

Your vet just ripped you off. A dog can be spayed or neutered before heat...in fact..its wiser to get them done before they go into heat because of complications that can occur. If you wait until the dog goes into heat..the vet will charge a little more for the surgery because of the complications. I would suggest you go to them and tell them you want some money back.
My vet specifically told me that if I waited till after the dog goes in heat..it will cost me approximately $70.00 more. I live in Canada...so the price will obviously differ if you live elsewhere. Vets have no SET price onanything..they are the only practice allowed to change their prices from one person to the next...but as for a procedure..they should not have told you that at all. I would consider that fraud. Its like going to a car shop and you don't know your car well..they only give you ONE option and youre stuck paying the highest price.

Answer 3

It takes that long for the heat hormones to reduce in her system. All of her reproductive organs are swollen due to the heat and biological preparation for pregnancy.

The system must return to preheat status before spaying can safely be performed.

You've got a good vet.

Answer 4

I dont know about your situation, but you got me worried now. I just come back from the vets, because we think our two Weimaraners have been "at it" while I have been very ill over Xmas. She is in week three of her season, and we didnt want her to have the injection, sounded too risky, but she is to be spayed in two weeks, even though we dont know for sure if she is pregnant or not,,,, hope she will be alright...

Answer 5

I have no idea why your vet told you to wait 12 weeks..........it's just fine to spay a dog right after the heat cycle.
Perhaps you need to look into finding another vet......I personally don't like those who mislead their clients.
I'm glad you've got her spay though!

Answer 6

I dont know why either. I suppose it has something to do with your vets likes and dislikes. I've had bitches fixed just prior and after. Maybe your vet just wants to make sure the dog is back to normal before doing the surgery. Perhaps it is easier with less chance of complications?

Answer 7

Most vets won't spay during a heat cycle,due to more blood loss and swelling; as well the possibility of another heat shortly after the previous one. You may need to wait at least 2 months after she comes out of heat to spay her just for precaution. it does happen.

Answer 8

not sure why.... your vet might have been overly careful and as far as the vets I have worked for they reccomend getting them fixed as soon as they are done with their cycle..about 3 weeks at the most....Is she older??...or does she have some pre-existing conditions??....12 weeks seems to be a bit much....but you did get her spayed and that was the most important thing.....smile

addition: not sure why all the thumbs down I think i was pretty informative??and it does not take 12 weeks for the vessels to go back to their normal size, if you wait that long you have a chance of her going back into heat if you ask me....

Answer 9

So that the uterus and blood vessels and nipples and everything has shrunk back down to normal size.
It is easier to remove a uterus when it is not enlagred and swollen. Bleeding is minimised when the vessels are not engorged from the heat cycle.
It is better to wait and not take chances with bleeding and complications.

Answer 10

yes it is called an emergency spay talk to vet