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Can I spay my dog when she's in heat, or is it safer to wait?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Cockapoo | Female | unspayed | 7 months and 14 days old | 16 lbs

Is it safe to spay dog when in heat or is it better to spay after first heat is over?

5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Ana M, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 23rd, 2020

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Doodles. I prefer to wait 2-3 months after a heat cycle to spay a patient. The surgery is technically less difficult as the vessels are not as engorged with blood after the heat cycle. It is possible to have it done during a cycle, but I feel it is riskier. I hope this information helps!

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2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 25th, 2017

    It's much safer to wait at least 2 months after the heat cycle to prevent any complications during the surgery. when in heat, the blood vessels are very big and the uterus is very fragile, which makes the surgery very risky.

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    6Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 22nd, 2018

    It's possible but it is much more risky because the uterus is very fragile and filled with large blood vessels, for this reason only in specific circumstances the vet will chose to spay a dog when in heat.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Dr. B. DVM, DACVIM (Oncology)

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 23rd, 2018

    Yes it is no problem at all to have her spayed after her heat cycle. And, it is actually a less complicated surgery if they are no longer in heat due to less blood flow to the uterus when not in heat. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 27th, 2016

    While it's true there may be an increased risk spaying right after a heat due to the increased blood flow to the uterus, there are many vets who spay dogs right after a heat. I can certainly understand how conflicting information is tough to deal with, but if you trust your vet, I would trust his judgement :-)

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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