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Is it too late to spay my dog at 2 years old after one litter?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | unspayed | 1 year old | 24 lbs

I've been told that not spaying my dog can lead to future health problems, but I want to at least breed her once. I'm in the process of getting a male puppy and I don't think he'll be ready to breed with her until he's a year old and she would be 2 years old. I basically just want to know if 2 years is to long to wait for spaying my dog.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 9th, 2017

There are benefits to spaying and also risks. I am going to give you both so you can make an informed decision: Major Benefits Prevent estrus and unwanted pregnancy Decrease risk for mammary tumors Risks Obesity (increased food intake) Urinary incontinence Increased risk for*: • Certain neoplastic diseases in certain breeds • Certain joint diseases in certain breeds Surgical complications (e.g., hemorrhage, incisional complications) are more common in larger dogs. So, considering the increased risk for mammary tumors in later life, it may be advisable to have her spayed as soon as possible, ie before the second heat. Generally you can have your dog spayed anytime in her life.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    You are correct that not spaying her can lead to future health problems. Waiting until she is two is not too long to wait to spay her, but you do need to know that she will have at least two heats at that point. When a dog is spayed after two heats and any subsequent heats, they have a 25% chance of developing mammary tumors. If she is spayed after one heat, she only has an 8% chance. Despite this, spaying her is better than not spaying her, so if you want her to breed once, I would spay her right after her puppies are weaned. I hope this helps!

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