To spay or not to

[Kathy]

I am debating on whether or not to have my girl spayed or not. My husband is worried about her making a mess on the couch or bed when shes in season. Since she is a inside dog. Do they make a mess spotting? or is he over reacting? I'd really love to have a litter or 2 from her, but not sure. Ive heard conflicting information on health wise whether its better to spay them before first cycle to prevent some cancers yet hear that spaying them early increases their odds at other cancers, any info?

[Shelby's mom]

There are many different opinions as to when the correct time for spaying. Our vet recommends before the first cycle which is what we did.

As for the mess with the heat cycle all I know is growing up we had a black lab and yes she made a big mess everywhere. I do not know if that is the case for all dogs.

[bi-blacks]

Our female was spayed after her first cycle at the request of the breeder who felt that having 1 cycle then spaying was healthier. I don't know if this is true but wanted to do what the breeder wanted. She did make a mess around the house though. We used pantyliners and toddler underpants to keep things clean, She looked hilarious but it worked

[celloyogi]

I've always been advised my vets that spaying before the first cycle reduces risks for various cancers, particularly mammary cancer.

You have two options: 1) spay, or 2) don't spay. Unless your pup is going to be part of a serious breeding program, don't breed her. There is no health reason for her to have litters, and if you only want her to have a litter or two for your benefit (ooh! puppies!), that is not fair to her.

Sorry to be so blunt but after years in rescue, I get my hackles up whenever anyone is iffy about spay/neuter and in the same comment mentions maybe wanting to have litters. I can't speak for the pro breeders on this forum but I think usually they have a pretty good idea which puppies are show prospects and which are not, and they plan way ahead for breeding any such prospects. It doesn't sound like you're in that position just yet.

[ClantyreSheltie]

Originally Posted by Kathy

I am debating on whether or not to have my girl spayed or not. My husband is worried about her making a mess on the couch or bed when shes in season. Since she is a inside dog. Do they make a mess spotting? or is he over reacting? I'd really love to have a litter or 2 from her, but not sure. Ive heard conflicting information on health wise whether its better to spay them before first cycle to prevent some cancers yet hear that spaying them early increases their odds at other cancers, any info?

From a health standpoint, I prefer to wait until the growth plates are closed to remove the hormones that stop the growth. Removing those hormones before the plates close causes some of the growth plates to go longer, unbalancing the dog (i.e. your risk of cruciate tears is much higher in dogs altered before 12-14 months).

My girls keep themselves pretty clean, though my Collie was a mess and had to wear pants.

I don't know where you got your dog, but breeding them for the sake of breeding them is not something I am a fan of. Hopefully, if you are going to breed her, you have the genetic testing on two to three generations behind her and will have her tested for the breed-appropriate things before she is bred.

[lasheltie]

I have to agree with the opinions already here. In heat can be messy plus if she goes outside she will likely attract any "Romeo" males in the area. A litter of puppies can seem wonderful but you have to consider the issue of finding a good stud, vet expenses, dealing with puppies, finding homes for them, etc.
The old adage that animals need to have a litter before spaying has been disproved. Baby shelties are some of the cutest things but you could always offer to foster any that come up in your area. That way you are having the joy of puppies without actually breeding.

[marnie]

I've had three females that developed Pyometra as they aged. My 10 year old border collie never seemed to completely recover after being spayed to treat the uterine infection. The cost was $1,500.00 for the complicated surgery. Of course it's much harder on the dog to spay after something goes wrong. Anymore, it's an easy decision for me.