WONDERING WHEN SHOULD A TOY POODLE BE SPAYED?
Spaying a Toy Poodle between 6-8 months of age is indeed a common practice and is generally recommended by veterinarians.
This timeframe is typically considered safe and effective for preventing unwanted pregnancies and reducing the risk of certain health issues.
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Delaying spaying in larger dogs may indeed have some potential benefits for joint health, although the evidence supporting this is not conclusive and further research is needed.
However, in Toy Poodles, the focus is more on preventing potential health risks associated with not spaying, such as an increased risk of certain cancers.
Each heat cycle a female dog goes through can increase the risk of developing reproductive-related cancers. Spaying before the first heat cycle eliminates this risk entirely.
However, even after the first heat, the risk remains relatively low (around 2-3%), but it does increase significantly after subsequent heat cycles (up to 25%).
Ultimately, the decision on when to spay should be made in consultation with a veterinarian, taking into account the individual dog’s health, lifestyle, and specific circumstances.
“Dogs: According to the AAHA Canine Life Stage Guidelines, small-breed dogs (under 45 pounds projected adult body weight) should be neutered at six months of age or spayed prior to the first heat (five to six months). Large-breed dogs (over 45 pounds projected adult body weight) should be neutered after growth stops, which usually is between 9 and 15 months of age. The decision on when to spay a large-breed female dog is based on many factors—your veterinarian can help narrow down the recommended window of 5 to 15 months depending on your dog’s disease risk and lifestyle.” –AAHA
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