What Age Can You Spay a Puppy

Every year, shelters are forced to euthanize millions of animals. While many people are willing to adopt these unwanted pets, there are simply far more animals than there are homes. When bringing home a new puppy, you have the power to help decrease the number of unwanted animals by choosing to have your pet spayed. One of the first questions you may ask after making this decision is: At what age can you spay a puppy?

First, it’s important to note that if, for some reason, you have put off spaying your dog until she is older, there are still benefits to having her fixed. However, doing so before she goes through her first heat cycle will be most beneficial for your pet. Most dogs go through their first heat cycle between five and six months of age, and that is typically the best time to spay your dog.

Some experts suggest that preventing the first heat cycle can help prevent your dog from contracting certain diseases. While spaying your dog later in life still reduces her chances of developing certain cancers, doing it prior to her first heat cycle offers the most benefit.

Cancers of the female reproductive organs are just as dangerous for your dog as they are for humans. The treatments are painful and expensive, and there are many cases where even the most advanced treatments cannot save your dog’s life.

Having your dog spayed will also help reduce her chances of contracting certain infections and other health issues. Additionally, you will avoid the bleeding that accompanies female heat cycles. Most vets agree that spayed dogs tend to live longer and healthier lives.

Another benefit of having the surgery done while your pet is young is that younger dogs often experience a much easier recovery. They bounce back quicker and more easily than older dogs.

In addition to the health benefits, having your dog altered can also improve her behavior. Dogs that are spayed are generally less aggressive than their intact peers. A spayed dog is less likely to fight with other dogs or show aggression towards people. This doesn’t mean your dog won’t be protective toward you and your family. A dog’s loyalty and instinct to protect you remain unaffected. Loyalty and aggression are not the same thing, and living with a dog that is less aggressive is easier for both the dog and you.

One behavior change you will appreciate is that spayed dogs are less likely to wander away from home. This, of course, is safer for the animal, as the risk of being lost, stolen, or injured is greatly reduced if your pet stays in the yard.

Despite all the compelling reasons to have a dog spayed, some pet parents choose not to do so. Often, this decision is based on myths about spaying.

Here are some of those myths, along with the truth behind them:

You Shouldn’t Spay a Purebred – Some pet owners, even those with no intention of breeding, think they shouldn’t spay their purebred dog. In reality, many of the unwanted dogs euthanized each year are purebreds. The health benefits of spaying are just as important for purebred dogs as they are for mixed breeds.

It Will Change His Personality – If there are any changes in your dog’s behavior, it will likely be that he becomes less aggressive after the surgery. Most pet owners notice no difference whatsoever in their dog’s personality post-surgery.

He Will Gain Weight – Neutering or spaying a dog does not directly cause weight gain. However, your dog may become less active after surgery. This can be managed by increasing his exercise, such as giving him an extra walk or more playtime in the yard.

My Dog Will No Longer Be Protective – A dog’s protective instincts are not linked to whether or not he is altered. He will still be just as loyal and protective of you as before.

The Surgery is Dangerous – While no surgery is completely without risks, neutering or spaying is one of the most common and routine procedures performed by veterinarians. During the surgery, your dog will be closely monitored, much like a human patient during surgery. The benefits of having your dog spayed far outweigh the potential risks.

There are two primary reasons you might choose not to spay your dog. The first is if you plan to show your dog. Show dogs must remain unaltered, so if your dog is a purebred and you intend to enter him into competition, spaying would not be an option.

The second reason would involve breeding. If you’re considering breeding your dog, there are several important factors to weigh. Keep in mind that millions of unwanted dogs are euthanized in shelters each year. Every dog a breeder sells means one less opportunity for these dogs to be adopted. Moreover, breeding dogs isn’t always financially lucrative—most reputable breeders are lucky to break even.

So, to answer the question “What age should you spay a puppy?” the ideal time is prior to their first heat cycle. However, if you didn’t spay your pet by this time, or if you adopted an older dog who hasn’t been spayed, there are still health and behavioral benefits to having the surgery at any age. The bottom line is that you should have this procedure done as soon as possible. Your healthy pet will thank you!