I have a 2.4 years old lab. I was going to breed her last time but it didn't work. One vet tells me the best thing for her is to have puppies once. Another vet told me she doesn't have to. I want to do what ever it is the best for her. What would be the best for her?
Could you please advice me?
Thanks

I was told by my vet that it is a good idea (health wise) to never even let them go in heat. With the cats that I find I try to have them spayed well before their first heat cycle. Also It is not good to bring puppies into this world as we already have so many puppies and dogs that are put to death each day due to overcrowding and lack of homes. I have answered some of your other post and I feel you want what is best for your animals. Call the vet that suggested spaying and talk to him he will give you the medical reason why it is not necessary to breed her before spaying. Have it done, then you will not have to worry about accidental breeding. Also you never know how your puppies would be treated if you gave them away. Some people think it is OK to chain dogs, let them fight , wander around unattended, sleep out in the freezing cold, let nature take its course and breed as often as they can. It would be so hard to ensure that you find the perfect home for each puppy she had. Even your young male dog needs to be neutered, I know that the aggression level, marking, and less roaming and prostate cancer will be greatly reduced or even eliminated if you have him neutered. I am sure that there are more benefits I am just not aware of all of them. Please call your vet. Good luck

There are definite risks in a pregnancy. I have recently seen some material that suggests the case for early spay/neuter is not as clear as I thought. However, at her age, do so before her next heat cycle. Take a look at this link, Just One Litter I have been familiar with the Woodhaven site for a long time, and it seems to have reliable information, unlike many sites somebody Googles up.

Yes, judy take a look at the woodhaven site, they have some good articles on feeding your dogs and about different brands of dog foods. If I remember when you joined this site you were concerned about your female's eating habits . I have added it as a favorite it has so much valuable information. :)

Thank you. I'll take a look at this site. Actually I do have a lot of questions. You are right my main concern is Priscilla´s eating habits. She ate kind of Ok this weekend when I was there but today she is not eating again. I'll see what happens when I get home at night. My husband and I don't have kids. My husband works at home but he can't play with Priscilla all day. We brought Moe (4 months male lab) home so Prisci could have some companion. I thought it was working fine because she plays with Moe all day long. But maybe it wasn't such a good idea since she is getting too skinny. Moe has being home only for 2 weeks. It is hard not to pet him because he is so cool. I hope time helps and Prisci gets better and they both become good friends. This is why now I had the question about breeding since her heat is coming soon and now Moe is there. Thanks

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/dogs/w...tml#post448817 here is the post that show what their bodies should look like. There are a couple of different sites . I think the dog food bag shows great detail. But remember get her spayed as quickly as possible. That is very important. :) peace

Judy, it is good that you are asking this question now and not waiting until Priscilla gets pregnant asking us what you should do.

FYI, Priscilla will come around to viewing your pup as a companion. She has been your one and only and is just suffering the effects of your attention being taken away from her and focused on your little guy. Just follow labman's advice regarding leadership.

Regarding the pregnancy, aside from what others have posted here, there are all sorts of things that you need to know to be a responsible breeder. It is a great deal of work and you will be constantly cleaning up feces and urine for 8 weeks. If both you and your husband work, you have to think about how much time you would have to devote two months of your time to taking care of puppies. You also have to worry about illnesses such a parvo virus which can kill a whole litter of puppies. You don't need the possibility of that kind of heartbreak. The smartest thing you can do is to have her spayed as soon as possible.