I have a nearly 5 mth old labrador bitch.  I have only owned male dogs before, so am not familiar with the season etc...  Have had contrasting advise from vets on whether to neuter before or after 1st season.  Would appreciate some advise pls?

Thanks.

My vet recommends spaying midway between seasons, when the hormone levels are at their most static and the blood supply to the uterus is lowest.

A lot of people here will tell you to wait for her to have at least one season before spaying. I had my pup done at 5 months before her first season. She has developed as normal and is the correct height & weight for her breed. It is also belived that bitches spayed before there first season dont mature as they normally would and retain some puppy traits, i cant really coment on this as my bitch is still only 9 months and is still a pup really. I did what i felt was right for me and my dog and have no regrets and have eliminated any risk of unwanted puppies and pyrometra. She recovered very quickly without any problems at all.
Hope this helps a little but in the end its for you to decide whats right for you and your dog.
Julie

I have one bitch that was done at 5 months and I must say I'll never do it again -she is very immature at 3 and not at all confident. :(

Marianne

I also am new to owning a bitch and have just got my baby  i've had loads of advise from people that know what there talking about and i'm going to let her have at least one season before i have her done. but it's totally up to you xx