When Should You Spay a Doberman Pinscher?

[@guyhorner8165]

Greetings John from the UK. yes its a tricky subject & there are so many experts that will tell you all sorts, but in my personal experience I have owned two dobes, one spayed before her first season & the other at 12 months & they both lived happy healthy lives (providing they got their 3 x 1 hour exercise a day !!) I can report that it didnt change their personality or behaviour .

[@DobermanPlanet]

Yeah there is so much info on this topic out there that it can be information overload for sure. Glad to hear all went well with yours! It's actually really easy to get the wrong impression from some of the studies when you hear that "it triples this risk" or "doubles that risk" (etc). But if the risk is 0.04% to start with for that specific condition, then tripling it doesn't create some new giant health risk for your dog. It's still a very minimal risk. That's why I tried to mention in the video that "this is a small risk anyway" where it applied as best as I could. Totally see where you're coming from.

[@aliciadelatorre619]

Did they recommend having a gastro pexi and a laparoscopic done?

[@bradgiacona5582]

I cant tell you how many vids i watched on this channel before getting my dobie 4 yrs ago. Here i am again watching new and old since we just got our 2nd girl. Love this channel and thanks John.

[@deniseplencner5329]

I appreciate those subscribers who have shared their choice to spay earlier than 12 months. My girl will be 8 month tomorrow and she's 1 month out from her surgery. We went with laser surgery and it went wonderful. She's a good girl and haven't seen any difference in her behavior👍🏻were all just waiting for our weather to get a bit warmer so we can play catch more often outside. We try walking her 3 to 6 times a week. Thanks for this channel there's a lot of new info I might not have known about.

[@DobermanPlanet]

Yeah, I certainly don't think spaying earlier than 12 months is detrimental to the dog or anything. Some of these studies have very scary conclusions like "if spayed before XX months they are 2x more likely to develop this disease..." but when the chances of developing that disease is 0.01% in the first place, doubling that chance really doesn't equate to some horrible thing necessarily. Just have to do what's right for you (and make your vet happy of course... haha).

[@autumnclark6501]

I would love to hear your thoughts on vasectomy and ovary sparing spay vs traditional spay/nueter. Do you envision covering this topic in the future?

[@lyreparadox]

I'd also love to hear a discussion of chemical neutering using Zeuterin which reduces testosterone by about 50%.

[@stricklandgarageaviation2864]

You could talk about OSS (ovarian spairing surgery). Recently, this has become an alternative to total spaying. There are lots of opinions out there about this which makes deciding when and which method to go with. My female is now just 15 months and my traditionally trained vet is suggesting traditional spaying soon. But he wasn't up to date on OSS.

[@bigred2761]

Thank you John. I always wait until at least 1 heat. Very informative as always. BTW. Our baby girl Luna went to the vet this past week and is doing great. 13 weeks old and 23 lbs. Loves walking around Rural King looking for treats lol. Keep up the good work!!!!

[@DobermanPlanet]

Glad to hear she's doing so well Greg! Yeah I'm glad you wait for the first heat, that should get you past some of the worst health risks. Overall, spaying is actually very safe.

[@tommystenger]

I'm picking up my first Doberman on Feb. 22nd. Your channel has been very informational and wholesome. Thanks for the content John! My pup Shiloh and I are looking forward to more

[@vanessafinney1809]

Thank you for sharing this information 💜

[@DobermanPlanet]

Thanks so much for watching Vanessa!

[@annasaulsberry9859]

thanks so much for doing this video on female dobermans

[@debbiedunn4477]

Another well informed video from you John. You also showed in the clips the wonderful disposition of the Doberman breed. Thank you.

[@DobermanPlanet]

Thanks Debbie! I'm so glad you enjoyed the video and the clips within it! It not hard to show the wonderful disposition of the breed... so many good Dobies out there!

[@debbiedunn4477]

@@DobermanPlanet yes there is

[@alphadog5996]

Thanks John. I'll keep this in mind.

[@DobermanPlanet]

Thanks for checking out the video Alpha!

[@DJ_Blaker]

Great video! Loved it! Great research and advice for someone getting a female dobe!

[@DobermanPlanet]

Thanks Blaker, really means a lot!

[@megenlien1333]

Thank you!! Great video! I appreciate you making this one 👍🏻

[@DobermanPlanet]

Thanks Megen! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@bannyb41]

Love the vid and the info. Thanks for ALLLL the research and time put in this vid!

[@DobermanPlanet]

Thanks Banny! I really appreciate you taking the time to show some love and support! REALLY means a lot!

[@madginger3634]

Great video! I liked it a lot

[@DobermanPlanet]

Thanks Cronk! That means a lot. So glad you enjoyed it!

[@markwilliams3148]

I've got mine stated when she was about three months old. She's fixing to be nine. I'm one of the lucky ones with no health issues.

[@EtherealMoose]

If you could provide the original risk and then the multiplier that might help us a bit more too, that way we know whether we should be really worried about it or just know about it, saying that it increases the risk by 2x can be from 2% to 4%, but other than that, awesome video.

[@DobermanPlanet]

That's a good point. I tried to verbally provide that information where I had it (which I did for some categories) but in a lot of the categories I just flat didn't have that info because the studies didn't have it. This was a tough topic to research... especially since every study is done a bit different. Then you factor in what age you spay at and how that might affect things (some studies talked about age and other just talked about spaying at all vs. not spaying) you could drown in this information! In general when it talks about risk factors they're usually pretty low to start with so doubling them isn't always so horrible.

[@EtherealMoose]

@@DobermanPlanet ah okay that makes sense, I deal with risk factors and percentages a lot at work so not having them kinda pulls my string, still though, thank you for the info, I have in-laws to educate.

[@DobermanPlanet]

@@EtherealMoose No problem! I'm right there with you though! Tripling the risk sounds horrible but if it's only a 0.002% risk to start with, tripling isn't really a huge downside.

[@boysenberry8540]

Thanks John for another great video! Did you read anything in your research about dobermanns growing more / legs becoming too long if desexed early? I believe they need hormones for their epiphyseal/growth plates to close ? Most Ausralian breeders recommend 18months plus - some will even hav you sign a contract to this effect also

[@silviakapfinger4956]

GREAT VIDEO! THANK YOU JOHN,VERY INFORMATIVE! GREETINGS FROM BAVARIA,GERMANY! 😘👍💜😘👍💜👍

[@DobermanPlanet]

Thanks Silvia! Good to see you in the comments again!

[@linakoh4206]

Thank you John great 👍🏻 intro Understand your view and believe your research but for me, I am not in favour of doing that to mine but that’s just me. Also I think it’s what we feed them I have since changed since she was 5 weeks to BARF diet and so far I don’t have issues with her medically and she’s already 5 years old So still in doubt to do this to them but always love and keep my mind and view of what you advice.

[@DobermanPlanet]

Yeah I really should have talked more about the "not doing it at all" option which is VERY valid too. There are apparently a LOT of impacts on the dog's health no matter when you do it. Thank you Lina!!!

[@linakoh4206]

Doberman Planet oh yes pls just some of us just won’t do it to a pet , unless it’s life threatening, had done it once and it shocked when I saw his natural part was gone till to date I just couldn’t forgive myself but thank you for always replying sweetly too 👍🏻🥰

[@DobermanPlanet]

@@linakoh4206 Of course, I really appreciate you always checking out my videos and commenting! Even if you offer an alternative view from time to time. Which is actually SUPER helpful because there will be others out there who feel the same and who read your comments and are happy that you brought up that view point. Plus it gets me thinking and looking at things from a different view too.

[@myfivestarrealty]

According to Walkerville Vet, the best age to spay a female Doberman is between 6 and 11 months, or after her first season at around 11 months. However, they also say that female Dobermans may be more likely to experience incontinence if spayed before they are 2 years old.

[@bethmason3764]

I was wondering everyone's thoughts on having gastropexy done on their female during the spay as a preventative. Do you think it is necessary or no?

[@brittanyfarber7665]

Thank you for this video! My Dobe is 6 months. My vet suggests spaying soon. The breeder strongly recommended waiting 1-2 heats. Not sure what we will do. Is there a lot of blood with these heats?😳

[@richonebrown]

Hi, what did you end up doing?

[@brittanyfarber7665]

@@richonebrown we ended up spaying. Waited as long as we could...just before 1st heat. No issues from it that we can see yet. She is 1.5 years.

[@aliciadelatorre619]

@@brittanyfarber7665 did they recommend getting a gastro pexi or a laparoscopic done? A vet I went to told she recommends those things.

[@SashaUvarov95]

It is also important to recognize that there is a minute amount of quality, peer reviewed research released in the last 15-20 years in terms of risks and benefits of spaying any dog.

[@boysenberry8540]

Thank you yes! So much anecdotal info out there

[@user-ey9qk7bz1e]

Hello, i have been binge watching your videos for the past couple of hours, i a considering getting a doberman. I really hope you see this comment and answer me : at what age is the best to get the puppy ? Is an 8 month old dobie already potty trained too old? If you already talked about this in one of your videos could you please tell me which one? Thanks in advance Sincerely Yours,

[@alexistillman308]

Ok I commented on you're male desexing video, what about female. Asked and answered. Thank you

[@zg6879]

I just got my girl spayed right on her 18 month birthday because she developed phantom pregnancy syndrome. She began lactating, her nipples seemed very tender, inflamed, and some were unusually hard, she began having a fluid drip out from her vulva, and her behavior seemed like she was never comfortable, happy or able to relax. She managed to somehow become even more whiny, needy, and pushy, which was a small bother at times before but it was clear now that she was just not well at all. She went from being neary 70 lbs to 60, appetite totally diminished and looking like a starved stray. The vet said she suspected pyometra because her uterus was filled with fluid and put her on antibiotics, which seemed to help her recover slightly enough to begin eating again. It took a long time to finally have her surgery because all the shelter clinics were booked and unable to make new appointments for the future and next available with out local vet hospital happened to be just a week ago. So we had to wait over two months to get her spay surgery. During that time she finished her antibiotics and slowly regained weight with wet food and lots of treats to encourage her appetite. Her energy came back up and was acting more like her puppy-self. It’s only been 4 days since she came home from her surgery and she’s looking very thin and boney again, but at least she’s eating and drinking, and already wants to run around and play. I’m sad that I can’t let her be active for the next couple weeks, and she’s miserable with her cone.

[@clarabonazza2853]

Thank you for the great video. I have a 4 month old female and will wait until she is 18 months for spaying. What are your recommendations for type of dog food? With grain or grain free?

[@DobermanPlanet]

It seems like the food issue always has new studies coming out that change people's minds. I felt frustrated giving recommendations because things were always changing. So now, I just keep my most current recommendations for food on this page: www.dobermanplanet.com/recommended-products/food-treats/ That way if my recommendation changes I can just go update that page and everyone see's what my best recommendation currently is, and why. Hopefully it'll be helpful!

[@ix9regretz311]

John why is my puppy licking the ground?

[@crisantopedro19]

My doberman is about to be 5 years old. He is aggressive towards a few dogs. Getting him neutered will make him less aggressive.

[@madebydevrie820]

My dobie is 16 months un neutered and is obsessed with sniffing and smelling EVERYTHING! Would that subside with neutering?

[@RockStar-zm1dd]

Can Doberman be adopted by first time owners

[@aedumpster396]

What if I have 2 opposite sex Doberman puppies and I’m afraid they will end up mating? I don’t want that but they’ve been raised together for a few months now.

[@Ben-ef2nu]

Our vet said either we spay our new 7 week old puppy at 6 months any later and she will not be doing it. Should we trust her or should we get a new vet ??

[@numbone]

I'm taking my girl in Tomorrow at 9 months old to be spayed. I live in a city with a lot of intact males around me so it is a no brainer. My vet recommends before their first heat but will spay my dog whenever I CHOOSE! Maybe find a new vet brother

[@Ben-ef2nu]

@@numbone thank you

[@Daniellehiu]

Get a new vet.

[@troyclements4546]

As I mentioned in another thread my female was spayed at 3.5yrs & has now got Hormonal (or lack of) Response Incontinence. This means she wets in her bed, would potentially wet in my bed, potentially on my sofa, wets on my floor regularly (require lots of large rubber mats, no rugs or carpets), potentially in my car or at a friends house. These leaks have left us restricted to limited contact between the dog & myself as well as introducing her to other environments. She is taking fake hormones daily as opposed to her body making & providing a natural supply, which are being purchased at my expense. I also have now some scepticism regarding the infections that studies highlight as potential problems for unspayed bitches. I figure now that my poor dog often wakes laying in urine & leaks without proper body posture, these factors will increase her chances of ulterior urinary infections as well as perhaps cause long term conditions when she is older. I think the likelyhood of her dying from an unspayed infection (when treated promptly) is far less than the aggravation & stress induce by daily incontinence. I just returned from an hour long walk with my dog & the only treat I gave her upon our return was her prescribed medication in a piece of sausage (remember to include associated costs with a veterinary consultation & any required tests prior to a prescription even being provided, every time, FOR LIFE). About half an hour later as she relaxed on my floor she left a medium sized puddle on a rubber mat. She then moved to her dog bed in which I had placed a clean large towel. Within 30 minutes she had leaked an made a substantial damp patch on her bedding. After prescribed medication & a healthy walk, two accidents in less than an hour. I believe she also drips periodically as I frequently hear her cleaning herself. Believe me when I say it's far better to avoid spaying your Dobermann, as I feel the aforementioned risks/consequences outweigh the 'supposed' benefits. Vets are there to care for your pets when they are sick or injured. I say don't let them mutilate a healthy animal by removing organs which are intrinsic for their body functions. That's an abuse of your pets health & trust in your leadership & care. I feel devastated that I was convinced, coerced & perhaps deceived into thinking it was the 'right' thing to do. I also feel the weight of her anguish every time she awakes in a puddle or tries to clean up her own mess. It is soul destroying on a daily basis. Don't have it done to your dog! BTW IMO ear cropping & tail docking are acceptable because they do not remove vital organs in these processes. More training should be available such as IPO to regular owners worldwide for managing the inherited abilities of the breed & to prove their viability for good breeding. Included in the future breedings would be health checks to screen out all of the inheritance ailments of the breed. Dobermanns are freaking awesome as standard, if it ain't broke don't try to fix it!

[@bronzePower]

Troy, I want to Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your story has changed my mind about spaying my Doberman. I was planning to spay her but not anymore. It will break my heart to see my pet go through that. I really wish you and your pet the best.

[@EnglishWithDoberman]

Your story is heartbreaking… Mu gut instinct has always told me to avoid spaying. Fortunately I and my husband share the belief that every single organ in our bodies and in the bodies of the animals in our care are there for a reason and must not be removed.

[@ix9regretz311]

John is it okie that my dobbermann is eating bones? Not biting he is eating them

[@DobermanPlanet]

What kind of bones? Generally that's not ok if you mean swallowing them. They can get stuck in the throat, cause an obstruction, or even cause perforations in the intestines or other places inside the dog. Not good. A few exceptions of course.

[@ix9regretz311]

@@DobermanPlanet Chicken. And thanks ill take care not to give him any bones

[@maxboya]

@@DobermanPlanet it’s called raw diet. I’ve fed my Doberman boned raw diet for the past 14 years.

[@christinamolina5514]

My doberman female its 6 months so the recommendation to spay her will be in to 1 year correct

[@ultra3065]

Hey john can you please please let me know where I can get a pure, healthy European Doberman

[@DobermanPlanet]

I'm really sorry Ultra. I'm not able to recommend specific breeders. There are many reasons I can't "endorse" a breeder... if things change I'll certainly let you know.

[@amandahibbs3690]

With all the research I’ve done the 18/24 months falls right in line. Though a lot of breeders have the pesky sterilization by 6 months of age line, Just so there are no first heat pregnancies. Sally actually started lifting her leg after we got her spayed. It was the first time I have ever seen a female do that

[@DobermanPlanet]

Yeah that's true, sometimes those puppy contracts might mean you have to do it at other times. There's always the option of not spaying at all of course (if the contract allows it). But I'm personally pretty comfortable with that 18-24 month window otherwise. Overall spaying is actually pretty safe.

[@derek554]

Hey John anyway we can get in touch? I have a lot of collaboration ideas and I think we can benefit each other greatly. I’m currently making a video on the American versus European Doberman and I’m shouting out your video because it’s such an informative masterpiece. Hopefully we can get together soon, enjoyed this video as well have a good day!

[@DobermanPlanet]

Hey Derek! Yeah definitely. Would love to chat! Shoot me an email [e-mail]

[@newtonmoon]

Should you get them spayed at all?

[@user-bm3ts2ql6s]

Man i spayed my doberman when she was two and she had so many problems. Don't want to do it to my new baby.

[@SergioGonzalez-om8uk]

People said to wait two years till you neuter a female… it’s that true ?

[@amandawallace105]

Spay mine at 6 months 😭

[@theroller5673]

Find a great veterinarian, listen to your veterinarian! Not KZbin.

[@awarenessbusinessgroup2187]

A lot of vets are clueless and in it for the money, so this isnt good advice. Do research. Neutering is unnecessary in males, cant speak for females, never had a female.

[@MultiChillidog]

@@awarenessbusinessgroup2187 I agree, Vets are some of the most clueless and most worthless people to get advice from in regards to the health of the animals, even for the animals that they see and treat on a regular basis.

[@amuto4eva101]

People who say not to trust veterinarians are people who should not own animals.

[@jesusmejia79]

dogs and cats can be obese but that happens by diet.