This is my very first post on the forum. I've looked over many posts, but each situation is different so I thought I'd seek opinions here.
Our sweet Golden Retriever, Maya, is 8.5 months old and not yet spayed. She's ~50 lbs and about 22.5 inches tall. I was hoping to let her go through her first heat cycle before getting her spayed, and she hasn't yet. We live on 40 acres in the country, with no fencing for her...she loves it here, and she loves to be outside. I'm terrified I'm going to miss her going into heat! I'm prepared to leash her outside the entire time she is in heat while outside, but how aggressive will male dogs be? What if I miss her going into heat? What if she accidentally sneaks out ONCE (I could leash her even inside, or crate her, to prevent it)?! I've researched what to look for and keep checking her, but no signs yet and I realize it could be months yet.
Last month she was in to the vet and diagnosed with puppy strangles (she's just finished weaning off her steroid and recovered beautifully), and while there the vet said she was 'close' to going into heat...whatever that means.
Ideally I'd like to wait until after her first cycle to have her spayed, but I'm worried I may not be able to fully control the situation once she does go into heat. We've also got 4 children at home (ages 12, 10, 8, and almost 6)...and they love to help, but can we really manage when the instinctual drive of a dog in heat takes over?
I haven't been through this before, and am just debating if I should get her spayed NOW, rather than wait, for her own safety (and my sanity!). Help!
Thanks for your input!
Sonia
Our sweet Golden Retriever, Maya, is 8.5 months old and not yet spayed. She's ~50 lbs and about 22.5 inches tall. I was hoping to let her go through her first heat cycle before getting her spayed, and she hasn't yet. We live on 40 acres in the country, with no fencing for her...she loves it here, and she loves to be outside. I'm terrified I'm going to miss her going into heat! I'm prepared to leash her outside the entire time she is in heat while outside, but how aggressive will male dogs be? What if I miss her going into heat? What if she accidentally sneaks out ONCE (I could leash her even inside, or crate her, to prevent it)?! I've researched what to look for and keep checking her, but no signs yet and I realize it could be months yet.
Last month she was in to the vet and diagnosed with puppy strangles (she's just finished weaning off her steroid and recovered beautifully), and while there the vet said she was 'close' to going into heat...whatever that means.
Ideally I'd like to wait until after her first cycle to have her spayed, but I'm worried I may not be able to fully control the situation once she does go into heat. We've also got 4 children at home (ages 12, 10, 8, and almost 6)...and they love to help, but can we really manage when the instinctual drive of a dog in heat takes over?
I haven't been through this before, and am just debating if I should get her spayed NOW, rather than wait, for her own safety (and my sanity!). Help!
Thanks for your input!
Sonia