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Confused? What's the best age to spay my large breed dog or puppy?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Female | spayed | 6 months and 26 days old | 80 lbs

7 mo old lab/berner. 2 vets from same clinic w dif't recommendations re spay age - 14 mos & 9-10 mos. I read 6, before first heat. when is best?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on November 6th, 2016

I personally recommend spaying at six months before the first heat. That's because the incidence of mammary cancer goes from 0.8% to 8% if you spay after the first heat. Some vets recommend waiting longer due to potential growth issues. There have been conflicting studies on this, whereas studies have definitively proven the significant increase in the chance of mammary cancer if you want until after this first heat (8%) or second heat (25%). For that reason, I recommend spaying before the first heat.

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    Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

    Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

    Published on

    As you can tell, the best age to spay is a somewhat controversial questions! :) There are pros and cons to doing it early vs. later on. Spaying before the first heat cycle will virtually eliminate the risk of mammary cancer, which is otherwise quite common in older females. But, in large or giant breed dogs, studies have shown a higher incidence of orthopedic problems such as hip dysplasia and cruciate ligament (ACL) tears in adults that were spayed or neutered before they were finished growing. So there are trade-offs with both recommendations. For me personally, I normally recommend spaying at 10-12 months of age in large breed females. This still provides quite a bit of benefit in terms of mammary cancer risk, etc. but also minimizes any impact on growth plates and joints since she should be full grown (or nearly so) at this age.

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