>>Hi there,
>>In a couple weeks we will be moving from UT to Michigan and taking our 4 month old pup. (we have had her for about 6 weeks)How can I make this transition easiest for her? With packing up boxes, moving everything around, making the long drive, and getting into a new environment- what can I do to make sure she will be ok, happy, and not too stressed? She does have a kennel and box that she sleeps in and we will be taking it on the trip, so it will be 'familiar territory' for her in the midst of everything.
>>What is the earliest you can spay a puppy? 4 months? 5 months? 6 months?
>>
>>Thanks for you help-
>>Amanda
>>>>>>>>>>>
Keep her close to you as much as possible during the move. If she can't be with you, put her in a SECURE room where NO ONE will let her out! and with your familiar stuff that has your familiar smell on it. Make sure she is safe and comfy until all the hubbub is over, and then help her explore her new home. You'll enjoy seeing it through her eyes--and nose!
The best timing for spay is best determined by your veterinarian. Six months is a common recommendation. If there is any sign of puppy vaginal or urinary tract infection and the owner is able to keep her safe and secure for a heat cycle, I think it benefits her to go through one and then be spayed once her hormones have settled from it afterwards. But shepherding a female dog through a heat cycle is a royal pain and some people really can't do it securely.
So, discuss it with a veterinarian who can examine the dog and look at her medical history and assess your situation and wishes. Also, I recommend pre-surgical bloodwork. It's provides an extra margin of safety to verify that your dog is a good surgical candidate, and also gives a baseline of blood values that can be referred to later in her life. We really should do this with all our young dogs. Ask the vet for a copy of the lab report, and keep it with your dog's medical notes.
-----
Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series articles at http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=SRC&S=1&SourceID=47
