I've got a 11 week old Shiba girl I brought home at 8 weeks old. She's been a joy (and gremlin in equal measure) to have around and I wouldn't change it for the world. I've got her in puppy preschool for basic commands and socialization and she's making good progress in her vaccinations. The puppy blues have sucked but my village of friends who have dogs have helped keep me grounded to the reality that she's a baby, that I'm doing everything right and she's doing fantastic which has helped immensely with my anxiety about messing this up. She's my first puppy without family assistance with raising them and the first fully in my name.
So to the issue at hand. I've been doing my research on the breed for forever but one thing I've never really been able to nail down is spay timing. I've seen just as many people saying before her first heat cycle as after. This has even come down to the breeder I got her from who recommended waiting until after her first cycle and my vet who recommends just before her first cycle at around the 6 month mark. From what I've gathered doing it before reduces mammary cancer chance but doing after slightly increases that chance but reduces UTI and bone density issues. I guess my question is, does anyone have other things to add that might help me on this front? I know I'm probably over thinking it but I've had multiple dogs pass in my life from cancer so the lower risk by doing it before feels like the better option since UTIs can be treated and bone density I'd imagine we can help with supplements.
So if anyone has any other thoughts/sources to add I'd be ever so grateful cuz I want to do right by my little girl. I really appreciate it. <3
submitted by /u/SpotlessHyena
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