Goldens in heat

Question
Our vet won't spade our 8 month old golden until she has had her first heat because she had vaginitis early on.  Is that common?  Do you think we could have missed her being in heat since she's 8 months old now.  I want to get her spade -- the sooner the better.

Answer
I have to admit I haven't see enough puppies with vaginitis to say. That is part of the reason I try to discourage medical questions.  I like to stick to subjects I know well.  

I have gone through many females and their first heat.  Yes, it is possible to miss it.  In recent years I had 2 Labs that didn't seem to go through a heat cycle before they were over a year old.  It is also quite possible she hasn't come in heat yet.  She could any time.  If not by a year, I would talk to the vet about spaying her again.  

I support your sooner the better wish.  I think most pets are better off spay/neutered by 6 months.  I would go along with your vet in this case.  Having a female go through heat is messy, risky, and a hassle, but many people cope quite well.  The second and third weeks are when the most risk of accidental breeding is. Don't take this lightly. She will do anything to get loose and get to a male. Once loose, an accidental breeding and an unwanted litter is far from the worst that can happen. Such breedings can also result in fatal infections. She can get killed when she dashes heedlessly across the road in front of a car. Other dogs or coyotes may kill her.

You can buy doggy sanitary garmets, ask for ''Seasonals''.  Some make do with childrens' training pants with the tail coming out the fly.  You need to be very careful about darting out the door, fence jumping or other things she usually wouldn't do.  

If you need more details, post back.