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My friend from out of state called me crying because her puppy died. She said it was only 4 weeks old :blink:. She told me she took it to the vet for its shots and the vet said they could spay her that day. The puppy died during the spay. The puppy was WAY too young to be away from its mom and WAY to young to get fixed. So my question is when is the best age to get your puppy fixed? She had a large breed of dog. I also told her to change vets.
 

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I'm so sorry. That's horrible. 4 weeks of age is too young for any sized puppy to be away from her Mother and siblings. I just reread your post and saw you said the same exact thing. Sorry. What a shame. I'd definitely report this vet, and the breeder, for that matter.

My babies were spayed at 7 months. I wouldn't even think about it before 6 months of age.
xoxoxoxoxo
 

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Are you sure she didn't mean four months? It's illegal to sell a puppy before eight weeks in many states. I just can't imagine a vet giving a four week old puppy vaccinations and attempting to spay her.
 

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Why in the world would any vet spay a four week old? Doesn't sound right. Are u sure she was not four months or older? A 4 week old is practically the size of your hand and still getting milk from mom.
 

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I have to agree - I hope it was 4 months because 4 weeks is criminal, on both the breeder and vet's end. Vaccinating a 4 week old puppy is also pointless. And spaying a 4 week old puppy is even more pointless. And giving vaccinations and spaying on the same day is dangerous, IMO, even if the puppy was 4 mos old.

What state does she live in? In California, it is illegal for anybody to sell a puppy under 8 weeks old.

I personally wouldn't spay a dog under 4 mos old, with six mos being a more comfortable age for me. Sorry your friend is dealing with this!!
 

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She lives in texas. And she claims her puppy is 4 weeks old. I guess maybe the vet thought it was older because it was a larger breed dog? All i know is that the whole situation is insane!
I find it impossible to believe a vet would not be able to tell a puppy is only four weeks old no matter what the breed.

I think your friend is mistaken or it is a typo.
 

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Oh my goodness! That is deplorable! I can't believe a vet in their right mind would think of such a thing. I feel sorry for your friend, as it sounds like she was naiive to normal veterinary practices. :(
 

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Oh my....spaying a four week old? That puppy shouldn't have been taken out of the litter till at least 10 weeks, best more. I am shocked that any VET would do this! I would report him immediately, that's a crime.:mad:
it sounds like it was a larger breed, so it should have been fine to go to a new home at 8 weeks.

I hope the OP's friend does some kind of follow up on this. Saying 'oh why don't we just go ahead and spay today' isn't a good idea, regardless of the puppies age, just based on the fact that the pup probably ate breakfast and could aspirate during the spay.

Very sad for your friend!
 

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I know some animals shelters are doing spay neuters on kittens and pups ,born in shelters,as young as 4 weeks old. I don't know what the hurry is to do it so young,most shelters won't let them up for adoption until at least 8 weeks or older depending on health of the animal.
 

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I know some animals shelters are doing spay neuters on kittens and pups ,born in shelters,as young as 4 weeks old. I don't know what the hurry is to do it so young,most shelters won't let them up for adoption until at least 8 weeks or older depending on health of the animal.

I don't think shelters do juvenile/pediatric spays or neuters before 6-8 weeks. 4 week old puppies are just beginning to be weaned no matter what the breed.

Juvenile Spay/Neuter

http://www.petfinder.com/for-shelters/pediatric-spay-neuter.html
 
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