months or older. If she has started her seasons then half way between seasons is the best time. Most dogs will have 2 seasons per year and so having her spayed 3 months after she has finished her latest season is an appropriate time.

We recommend that all mixed breed pets be spayed. Purebred animals that are not being used for breeding or for show should also be spayed. Spaying a female dog or cat involves the surgical removal of the uterus and ovaries. The primary benefit to spaying your pet is to eliminate their ability to have puppies or kittens. See similar questions...

Females, regardless of cat or dog, are spayed while males, again regardless of cat or dog, are neutered. See similar questions...

This can vary from one dog to the next. Typically, the heat cycle lasts around two to three weeks. The female's vulva will swell and then bleed for several days. Mating is typically done after being in heat for a good 10 days. Some females have what is called a silent heat. This occurs when a dog does not show the typical signs of being in heat but can still get pregnant. Be careful if your dog is in heat and you do not wish her to be bred. See similar questions...

Yes, all dogs must be spayed or neutered unless it's a pup up to age 8 months old that is not yet sexually mature. See similar questions...

In the United States, most dogs are spayed between 5 and 8 months of age. Dogs should be spayed BEFORE they have their first heat. To try to control pet overpopulation, many humane shelters have started to spay/neuter all animals before they are adopted. This means they are spaying/neutering animals at a younger age, even 6-14 weeks of age. Many veterinarians in private practice have started early spaying/neutering as well. See similar questions...

It is best to wait until a female is out of heat before she is spayed. During the heat cycle all the blood vessels that lead to the ovaries and uterus are inflamed and this makes surgery more of a risk to the dog. A dog can be spayed if she is early pregnant. You should discuss this with a veterinarian. See similar questions...

NO. The female should be spayed by the time she is six to eight months of age. Many veterinarians now believe that spaying at an earlier age presents little or no increased risk. Spaying a female puppy before the first heat cycle helps protect against mammary tumors and helps prevent the development of several reproductive tract diseases. See similar questions...

While technically a cat or dog can be spayed/neutered at any age, it is best to perform the surgery while the animal is young and healthy to reduce anesthetic and surgical risks. See similar questions...

Our participating clinics set their own guidelines, however in general, puppies can be spayed or neutered at about 4 months old. Kittens should be spayed or neutered at around 4 months as long as they weigh at least 2 pounds. See similar questions...

If your dog was not previously licensed you will need to get an Unaltered Dog Permit. The cost is $50. This provision of the ordinance will become effective April 5, 2007. We strongly recommend that you spay or neuter your dog if you are not a breeder, or involved in other activities that would dissuade you from doing so. If you are in your own yard with your puppy or dog the animals should either be confined in a secure enclosure or accompanied by the owner and under his/her direct control. See similar questions...

Give a Bordetella vaccination if the dog is going to be boarded in a boarding kennel during your vacation. Remember to have your pet wormed every time it gets vaccinationed, especially when it is a puppy. See similar questions...

That's not surprising. There are two veterinary organizations in the United States. They disagree on the most important canine issues such as feeding, vaccinations, and dental care. Your vet no doubt belongs to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). The health information on my web site comes from vets who belong to the American HOLISTIC Veterinary Medical Association (AHVMA). See similar questions...