Is a 4-year, 4-litter dog guardian program healthy for my dog?

I would recommend mating anytime after 2 years of age and before the age of 6 in this breed. But even with that said you must consider Rosy's current health status to determine when she can truly stop breeding. So frequent health exams by the vet are important. Statistics show that a bitch's chances of getting pregnant drops significantly after the age of 6. Litter size is normally around 7 puppies in this breed. I hope this helps!

Thank you for contacting PetCoach with your question about Lav. I've heard many owners quote the UC Davis study, and there are a number of things wrong with the study. Check out this article on it: https://humanepro.org/magazine/articles/deconstructing-spayneuter-debate Not spaying her can cause a pseudopregnancy reoccurrence, but it doesn't increase her risk of mammary tumors. That's already going to be 25% because she's had more than two heats. Keep in mind, 50% of mammary tumors in dogs are malignant. She is eight years old, so she is already at a higher risk of developing cancer simply because she is an older dog. She is also at risk of a pyometra, which is an infection of the uterus that is fatal without treatment. The treatment for a pyometra is spaying the dog, which is an emergency during a pyometra and can cost many thousands of dollars. In all honesty, it's best to spay her. It will keep her from developing a pyometra as well as a pseudopregnancy, and it will keep her from getting pregnant if she accidentally mates. Dogs over the age of six should never have puppies. In my opinion, it's best for her to health to get spayed asap. I hope this helps!

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. There is much debate over the best age to spay/neuter large breed dogs. Ideally you want to allow for them to get to full size, but neuter before negative behaviours and signs present. For a Labradoodle, I would recommend between 10-14months of age. If you notice behaviour changes (humping, aggression, trying to escape the yard) then I would pursue neutering sooner than later. Any-time after 6 months of age however is perfectly fine. Best of luck with Bogey.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Yes, it is fine to spay a 6 year old dog. It is the best way to prevent further pregnancy and to prevent an infected uterus (pyometra) which is life threatening. The only negative at this age is that the surgery will be more difficult and she is at a bit of a higher risk for bleeding. I would also be sure your Vet does a good exam and gets blood work before surgery to be sure she is healthy. It will also take her a bit longer than a young dog to recover. She will likely be acting like herself with in 3 days but will be fully recovered at 2 weeks like younger dogs. I wish you the best!

Hi there and thanks for posting on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Typically, spay surgery is recommended around 6 months of age but current research has shown it is a little better to wait until 9 months to a year of age especially for large breed dogs to avoid certain orthopedic problems. I hope this helps!

Hi, thanks for using PetCoac! Most dogs go into heat every 6 months or so. Your Vet can measure progesterone levels and vaginal cytology to guide help you get as close as possible to the correct time to breed her. The breed of the male dog doesn't matter though Angel isn't purebred and your male is of a different breed and the puppies will be mixed breeds. Overall if Angel isn't healthy I do not think you should breed her until she is. If her coughing is from a tracheal collapse that is genetic and it isn't ideal to continue to breed dogs with genetic conditions. Also keep in mind all the dogs in the world who do not have homes and are strays. I hope this helps!

Thanks for using PetCoach. I do recommend spaying even for adult or older dogs. The primary reason is the risk of pyometra, a fatal uterine infection. Every time she goes into heat she is at risk. Here is more info, so you know what to watch for if you opt not to spay her https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951481 As she is a littler older, there are things you can do to make surgery a bit safer. Even if not required by her veterinarian, a full exam and bloodwork should be performed prior to surgery. This helps to assess if there are any diseases that may affect her under anesthesia or her ability to heal. She should receive IV fluids during her surgery. Here is more info on spay https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951464 Even at this point in her life, Cookie can benefit from spay surgery.