We do not require spay/neuter until 1 year of age, but we recommend it at 6 months of age. When to spay or neuter your dog has become a controversial and sensitive subject. There are health problems associated with early spay and neuter, and there are also health problems with late spay and neuter. Small dog mature fast, and by 6 months many are done growing. Please consult your veterinarian about when is best for you.

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We recommend neutering your male dog as soon as he starts lifting his leg to pee, so he doesn’t start marking.

 

We recommend spaying your female dog before her first heat cycle, which is generally at 8 months old. (Note, some dogs can go into heat as early as 4 months old!)

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We also recommend a doggie onesie instead of a cone, the name brand is Suitical but there are many cute alternatives. Watch your dog at first to make sure they can’t access the surgical site with the suit on – we have used them on all our dogs without an issue. Your dog will need to be clipped short before using a surgical suit, as long hair will mat underneath it! Long hair will also mat with a cone and a donut. Right before their spay/neuter appointment is a great time for their first short hair cut. 6-12 months is also when they will start to loose their puppy coat and grow in their adult coat, a time when matting is very hard to control, so cutting them short during this transition is recommended.