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When Should You Have Your Lab Spayed?
Many first-time pet owners are worried about the time window of spaying or neutering their dogs. What happens if you spay a yellow Labrador too late or early? Will it impact them for the rest of their lives? Fortunately, there’s quite a big timeframe for these surgical procedures, so you don’t have to worry too much.
Here’s what you should know before spaying your yellow Lab:
- You should spay your yellow Lab prior to her first heat cycle. spaying your yellow Labrador prior to her first heat cycle can prevent potential health risks. This is typically around 6 months old. However, months aren’t the only factor when spaying a Lab.
- Your pup should weigh at least 45 pounds to help with the healing process. If your dog is too lightweight, it might be malnourished and could experience trouble recovering from the surgery. They could develop tumors, infections, or extreme fatigue since their bodies deliver all of their resources to heal the wound.
- Talk to your vet for a precise timeframe since all yellow Labs go through puberty at a different rate. Rather than ball-parking it and fitting a surgery somewhere within the previously mentioned timeline, I highly recommend seeking professional medical advice. Every Lab is unique, so it doesn’t hurt to get a second opinion.
- If you’re worried about it being too late, there’s almost never an age limit for spaying. Care Animal Hospital shows your dog is technically never too old to spay. The healing process will take longer, but there are several benefits of spaying a dog that make it more than worth it.
As long as your Lab is old enough, healthy, and weighs over 45 pounds, there’s a good chance the vet will approve the procedure. Professional approval provides peace of mind and much-needed safety for your Labrador. The spaying surgery is often less than an hour, so it won’t take too much of your time.
Should You Let a Yellow Lab Go into Heat Before Spaying?
Female dogs go into heat once they’ve reached puberty. This time period is characterized by bleeding, discomfort, and a natural cycle of life. If you’re unsure whether or not they should go into heat beforehand, you’re in the right place. Find out everything you need to know below.
Spay a Lab Before They Go into Heat
Once your yellow Lab hits puberty, they’ll go into heat. This time period includes cycles that make them bleed and prepare their body for having a litter of puppies. However, it’s pointless for them to go through the cycle if you never intend to breed them. It can make them uncomfortable, too.
Early or Late Spaying Can Complicate the Healing Process
Your dog needs to be within the recommended parameters for the safest recovery, but it’s never too late. Learn more about spaying or neutering your dog too late or early if you want to keep your pup in good, healthy condition. Your dog is at its healthiest when it’s a young adult that’s reach puberty.
Most Owner Spay Before Heat for Many Reasons
Dealing with a yellow Lab in heat requires lots of cleaning, understanding of potential mood cycles, and more. If you don’t want to deal with these issues or want your dog to avoid the discomfort, spaying them before this process is ideal. It also prevents surprise, unwanted pregnancies if they interact with male dogs that aren’t neutered.
While people often prefer to prevent their yellow Labs from going into heat, it’s not the end of the world! Your dog will be on track to a healthy, quick recovery, even if they go through their first heat cycle. Some pups calm down after they’re neutered or spayed, so I’ll show you what to expect in the following subheading.
Do Yellow Labs Calm Down After Getting Spayed?
You might’ve heard people talk about the possibility of their dog calming down after being spayed or neutered. While there’s not a drastic change, there are many reasons your yellow Lab might seem more relaxed after the surgery. There’s no denying these hormonal changes, so let’s dive into the details.
- They won’t experience the pain associated with being in heat. Much like any animal going through a menstrual cycle, there’s a little (or a lot) of pain. Your dog will feel uncomfortable and possibly act irritable or worried. Once they’re spayed, they won’t have these issues and can relax more often.
- Your yellow Lab won’t feel the need to mate as much if they’re spayed. When an animal is trying to mate, they often have other things on their mind. They won’t care as much about other details in life, which can make a yellow Lab energetic, curious, and a bit too excited.
- All yellow Labradors calm down naturally after aging, but it’s not due to the spaying procedure. Many pet owners mistake spaying their dog as the cure for too much energy. However, your yellow Labrador might be calming down because it’s getting older, not because it was spayed. Most dogs calm down after a couple of years, regardless of surgery.
- Your pup will be very tired for a few days after the surgery, but it’s not a permanent calming characteristic. This short-term fatigue will fade away once they recover. It would be best if you didn’t gauge their new calmness based on the first couple of days or weeks post-surgery.
Whether or not your yellow Lab calms down after getting spayed, it’s important to guide them through the process. They’ll be very tired for a little while. They’ll calm down as they learn to respect your commands, understand their new environment, and age. If you’re concerned about spaying your female yellow Lab too soon, read on.
What Happens if You Spay a Yellow Lab Too Early?
PetMD shows spaying your dog too late can increase the risk of tumors, but it’s much worse to perform the surgery too soon. Young, lightweight, growing puppies don’t have the nutritional resources to dedicate to the recovery process.
Conclusion
Spay your yellow Lab properly as it can play a significant role in their recovery and the way they adapt to this new lifestyle. Remember, your pup won’t understand what’s happening, so it’s essential to let them go through puberty to age into their body before spaying them. Comfort your Labrador and ensure they weigh enough and are old enough to handle the procedure.
