Popular literature indicates (and we agree), that there are more risks than there are benefits, to early spay in Weimaraners.
If you own a Weimaraner from the Barrett Collective (Barrett Weimaraners, BaseCamp Weimaraners, or L&L Weimaraners), your purchase contract indicates that your dog should not be spayed prior to her first heat cycle or neutered prior to 18 months. The operative word is should. (And yes, there are some advantages about spaying and neutering.) At the end of the day, you own your dog and it’s up to you, but we recommend waiting for the following reasons:
- Weimaraners need hormones (that are produced with puberty) to close growth plates in their bones. Early spay/neuter sends mixed (hormonal) signals that lead to long bones and “leggy” Weimaraners who look proportionately “off.” In other words, this happens because of the delay in closure of growth plates.
- A study in Golden Retrievers concluded that early spay leads to higher rates of mast cell tumors, and early neuter leads to higher rates of lymphosarcoma.
- A study in Vizslas showed an increase in several types of cancer, including mast cell tumors, lymphoma and hemangiosarcoma.
- Increased rates of hip dysplasia.
- Increased rates of urinary incontinence in early spay.
- Increased risk of obesity and orthopedic injury.
- Increased risk of ligament tears.
- Increased risk of behavior disorders including reactivity and aggression. Here’s another link on the topic.
- Increased risk of bone cancer. And here’s another link on the topic.
- Increased risk of joint disease.
For many Barrett dogs, this event starts somewhere between 12-18 months, and occurs about every 6-9 months. During this time, we put our girls in britches to keep their mess contained. Styles vary from simple disposable models that you can buy from Target, Petsmart or Petco, to the super fancy reusable ones that you can find from sellers on Etsy. (With a gaggle of girls in the house, we have at least a dozen pairs.)
This is Greta, in her cute little lacy panties during her first heat cycle.
When young dogs first begin to cycle, it is normal for their cycles to be somewhat irregular. (It can take up to two years for a female dog to develop regular cycles.) For Weimaraners, there is no time of year that corresponds to a breeding season [fun fact: Basenjis and Tibetan Mastiffs typically cycle in the Spring].
At left, a normal vulva. At right, an engorged vulva (right at the beginning of a heat cycle).
The earliest sign of estrus is swelling or engorgement of the vulva, but this swelling is not always obvious. In many cases, a bloody vaginal discharge is the first sign that you’ll notice when your dog is coming into heat. In some cases, the discharge will not be apparent until several days after estrus has begun. The amount of discharge varies from dog to dog.
The vaginal discharge will change in color and appearance as the cycle progresses. At first, the discharge is very bloody, but as the days pass, it thins to become watery and pinkish-red in color. A female dog that is in heat will often urinate more frequently than normal, or may develop marking behavior, in which she urinates small amounts on various objects either in the home or when out on a walk (our second generation Barrett dog Mango does this!). During this phase of her cycle, the urine contains pheromones and hormones, both of which signal her reproductive state to other dogs. This is the reason that dogs in heat will attract other dogs, particularly males.
Just like humans, all dogs are different and will display different behaviors when they’re in heat. Some pups may demand more of your attention and become overly clingy. Some dogs get restless or very tired during this period of heat. Some dogs may even start to display anger or aggression towards other dogs, especially males who try to mate with her that she doesn’t want to mate with. (And if you have multiple dogs in your household, the safest way to manage raging hormones is to keep your girl separated from everyone else.)
Your dog may also seem hungrier than normal when she’s in heat. Equally those bitches who act more lethargic may seem disinterested in their food and have a lack of appetite. She may also display increased mounting behavior, even trying to mount your leg, cushions and other objects around the house.
During this time:
- Try to avoid talking your dog for a walk when there will be lots of other dogs around. (If you do encounter other dogs on your walks, try to distract your dog with games and treats.)
- Avoid open spaces like parks if there will be lots of dogs running off the lead.
- Keep garden gates closed to deter other dogs wandering onto your property.
- Dab some menthol on the tip of your dog’s tail to help mask the scent.
When the time comes, have some diapers ready, make sure your crate training is up to par, and have a list of dog tricks ready to teach her to help you both pass the time while you’re on lockdown mode.
Best wishes!
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