i have heard that it is better (helps their bodies mature) for an animal to have at least one litter before they are fixed, is that true or does it really matter? also at what age can an animal be fixed?
2007-10-15 05:50:13 · 12 answers · asked by *iN LoVe* 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
No there is no truth to the having one litter being healthier for them. Their bodies will mature on their own, and having a litter is hard on a dog's body especially if they are too young, and there are always complications that can arise with any pregnancy. Most dogs can be spayed at 6 months and sometimes younger now, I believe it goes on their weight if it's before 6 months..not 100% sure though, but even if you wait till 6 months you will have her spayed before she is likely to go into her first heat. As well spaying your dog helps reduce the risk of cancers in females so it's a good thing to do to prolong your pets health.
2007-10-15 05:55:28 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely YES! It is the best thing for your puppy. It's a fast surgery and they seem to heal pretty fast when a puppy.
No it is not healthier or better to have a litter before they are fixed. In fact it is the opposite, bringing more puppies in the world, the dangers of pregnancy and the cost of c- sections etc....
The dog can be fixed at about 9 weeks, it is best to do before they go into heat around 6 months.
2007-10-15 13:06:58 · answer #2 · answered by Jenn 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not only is is 100% untrue that it is healthier to have puppies, but each litter of puppies can shorten her lifespan (if she doesn't die delivering the puppies). Dogs in heat are a pain in the butt, puppies are expensive and take a LOT of time to care for, too. She can technically be fixed as soon as she is 8 weeks old and 2 pounds, but most vets will tell you to wait until around 4-6 months (and so would I). Talk to your vet about your specific dog for a recommendation on when to go about the procedure.
2007-10-15 12:57:59 · answer #3 · answered by Leigh 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
That is not true. If they go through even one heat cycle it increases their chance of breast cancer and tumors. It would be best health wise by far to go ahead and spay her. The best time for this is some time around 5 to 5.5 months, definately before 6 months, because they usually go into their first heat cycle then. Hope this helps, good luck
2007-10-15 12:55:24 · answer #4 · answered by LadyA 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The first part of the questiion is a myth.
You should spay her if you son't want pups.
It is best to have her fixed at 5-6 months old.
Just a wanring they usually start the heat cycle at about 6 months so I try to have it done closer to 5 months. all of my dogs have developed just fine.
2007-10-15 13:29:58 · answer #5 · answered by Kit_kat 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, it doesn't "help them mature" to have one litter, in fact it can lead to medical problems down the road.
Get her spayed before she has a litter - talk to your vet about the best time to do it.
2007-10-15 13:03:31 · answer #6 · answered by Nandina (Bunny Slipper Goddess) 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, that is completely false. Spaying your dog before decreases the chance that she will get cancer later in life. Plus, there are far too many unwanted animals as it is, please don't add to the problem.
Spaying before the first heat (usually around 6 months) is the best thing you can do for your dog.
2007-10-15 12:56:23 · answer #7 · answered by sue2blues 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The vet told me that if we got our dog spayed, before she even had a heat cycle that it drasticly reduced her risk for getting both ovarian and breast cancer, she also said it was ok to get her spayed around 6 months as they usually go into heat sometime after this point
2007-10-15 13:02:45 · answer #8 · answered by nursekasey 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No reason to let your dog have a litter first. It's better to not contribute to the pet overpopulation problem and get her spayed as soon as feasible.
2007-10-15 13:16:34 · answer #9 · answered by Flatpaw 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
GET YOUR DOG FIXED! Help yourself, your dog, and your community out by getting your dog fixed.. Your dog has a much higher chance of living a long healthy life if you get them fixed before their first heat!
2007-10-15 12:57:48 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋