Help! What Age Should I Get My Puppy Spayed! (Vet Answered)
This question has been answered by a vet
Veterinarian & Animal Behaviorist
With nearly two decades in veterinary medicine, Dr. Paola brings hands-on experience across multiple species. A graduate of the University of Guadalajara, she specializes in preventive care, animal welfare, and positive reinforcement training.
The Question
“I’m getting a cavapoo in a couple of months, she was born a few days ago and her name is Jade. What age should I get her spayed? Do you have any advice for looking after a brand new puppy?
Thank you so much.”
– Maria
Quick Info about Jade
Hi Maria,
Congratulations on Jade! As you know, Cavapoos are a mixed breed created from a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle, and one detail that surprises many new owners is that Poodles come in three sizes: Toy, Miniature, and Standard. The size of the Poodle parent matters because it influences how large the puppies may become and how quickly their bodies mature. Smaller dogs generally finish growing earlier, while larger dogs take longer for their bones and joints to fully develop. A Toy or Miniature Poodle mix may reach physical maturity closer to 8 to 12 months, while larger dogs can continue maturing well beyond a year.
That difference in growth is one reason veterinarians no longer recommend the same spay timing for every dog. In smaller breeds and smaller mixed breeds like most Cavapoos, spaying around 6 to 12 months is commonly considered appropriate because they tend to mature faster. Larger dogs often benefit from waiting longer before spaying because hormones play a role in bone and joint development during growth. Since Cavapoos can vary depending on the size of the Poodle parent, your veterinarian will likely assess Jade’s projected adult size, growth pattern, and overall health during her puppy visits before recommending the ideal timing. It is a bit like how children and teenagers do not all hit growth milestones at the same age, even within the same family.
Many vets recommend spaying between the first and second seasons, also known as ‘heat’ or ‘estrus’. This way, we know that she has reached sexual maturity, and we’re also minimizing the risks that come with not being spayed. Of course, you need to be extra vigilant that no male dogs can get to her during this time, and sometimes, the first season isn’t very obvious, so look for signs like irritability, swelling of the vulva, licking between the back legs, and a bloody discharge.
For a first puppy, focus on building confidence and routine from the beginning. Early positive socialization is incredibly important because puppies are learning what is safe and normal during these first months. Gentle exposure to people, sounds, handling, grooming, car rides, and calm vaccinated dogs can help shape a resilient adult dog. Cavapoos are usually very social and responsive to reward-based training, so short, happy training sessions work far better than punishment or harsh corrections. Consistency with sleep, potty breaks, chewing outlets, and preventive veterinary care will make the puppy stage much smoother for both of you.
Best wishes with your new family member!
– Dr. Paola