February 3, 2010

Is it best to let your dog go through heat once before spaying?

The answer is no. There are important health benefits to spaying your dog prior to her first heat. For example, if you spay your dog prior to her first heat, she has a minimal chance of developing a mammary gland (breast) tumor later in life.

To wait for her to go through one heat cycle before spaying significantly increases her chances of developing this type of cancer. Spaying your dog prior to her first heat also immediately eliminates the risk for pyometra, ovarian cysts, unwanted pregnancies and false pregnancies. To learn more about mammary gland tumors click here.

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