I'm trying to decide whether or not to have my 6 (and a bit) month old Labrador pup spayed. I know I need to decide soon as now is an ideal time to get it done.

With the last two of my dogs, my parents made the decision to have them spayed, but now I am on my own, I am still pondering the benefits.

On one hand, I know it will prevent any "accidents" and I'm not planning on breeding with her. Also I believe it's suppose to lower the chances of her getting certain types of cancer later in life.

On the other hand, it seems spayed bitches can have possible weight issues, which both of my last Labs had, and they both had hip displaysia and arthritis. Kind of a catch 22 situation that - the weight was bad for their hips and they couldn't exercise as much to get the weight off.

So now it's on my shoulders, I'm not so sure what to do. It's not a matter of cost, but more a case of what's the best for her future.

The decision is yours I'm afraid, you seem to have a reasonable grasp of the facts, it's just if you can cope twice a year when she is irresistible to dogs.
The only thing I would say, is not to get her spayed until she is at least one, as she will not be mature until then

only you can decide if you want to get your bitch spayed. It is more advisable to let her have at least 2 seasons before you have her done, and then when if you decide to have her done, do it half way between seasons. With a larger breed i would wait until she was nearer 2 years old before having her done as these breeeds do not mature until they are older. Hope this helps

It has to be your decision and what you think is right for your bitch.

I certainly wouldn't have her spayed until she is mature both in body and mind,at around 18 months to two years.

I always advise bitch owners to seriously consider having them spayed if they have no plans to show or breed as it cuts out the risk of Pyometra which does kill bitches.

Personally I would let her have a season first and have her spayed 3 months after. Yes, bitches (and dogs) can put weight on after neutering because their nutritional requirements are less. The simple solution is to feed less. I have a neutered labrador who is not overweight, although he would be if I let him eat what he wanted. And yes, he has less now than he did when he was entire.

Thanks for the replies, I'll wait a while, have a chat with the vet and go from there.

Interestingly, I see my local vet offers a laparascopic version of the operation - I don't know how much it costs in comparison to the "normal" operation, but it's surely worth it...

It's your decision, but I would like to applaud you for actually thinking about the negative effects too. Most people, from what I have seen, do not.

It does. However, of course, removing a body part is going to remove chances of getting cancer there. Female reproductive tract cancer is rare anyways. It also decreases the chance of mammary tumors, which if caught early aren't life threatening. (always check your pet for lumps, whether she's spayed or not) Spaying also prevents pyometra.

Of course there are the negatives too: weight issues, urinary infection risks increase, among others. Do some research by looking at sites that look at both sides of the equation.

"Accidents" can be prevented by keeping your dog indoors and away from intact males whenever she comes into heat.

It would be a great idea to neuter your pet, unless you are planning on breeding him in the future, best to speak with the professionals as they can a long with great members here better advise you! Good Luck!

I think maybe it really depends on whether you will have major hassles with her when she's in season in regards to other dogs. But I agree with other posters on this thread - wait until she's had at least 2 seasons before you spay her.

Good luck

Thanks. I think some people do it as it's "easier".

My last Lab, Bess, had loads of lumps, but they were free moving. However, despite being spayed, she did succumb to something that caused pyometra - the vet wasn't sure what caused it, and even opened her up and checked for tumours.

I wonder if anyone makes doggy chastity belts...

In a way, I wouldn't mind her having a litter in a couple of years - I have been thinking of getting a second dog when she's fully settled anyway. I'd be more keen on this if I could be sure that the pups would go to good homes.