Woman takes her golden retriever to the veterinarian. Then the doctor won’t tell her when to spay her pet: ‘Do your own research’

Many pet owners expect a straightforward answer when they ask their veterinarian about spaying. One TikToker found out the decision isn't always so simple.

Social media content creator Christina Hall (@thechristinahall) started a debate after asking her veterinarian the best age to spay her female golden retriever. The video has more than 125,100 views. Since posting her video, thousands of viewers have weighed in as to whether the vet gave her good advice.

What happened at the vet?

In Hall's video, she explained that she asked her veterinarian when she should spay her golden retriever.

Instead of giving a specific age, the veterinarian told her to research the topic and decide what was best for her dog. The vet explained that experts hold different opinions. She then stopped short of making any specific recommendation.

Hall seemed surprised by the answer. Many viewers felt the same way.

While some viewers said the veterinarian was right not to give a recommendation, others argued that pet owners rely on veterinarians for medical advice. They said Hall shouldn't have to make such an important decision without a recommendation.

Some commenters, who said they were veterinarians, urged Hall to find a different caretaker who could provide clearer guidance.

“Wow. Vet here. Get a new vet. Options: earlier helps prevent cancer, later helps prevent incontinence and maybe bone issues,” said one user.

“Vet here. The ONLY thing you should be researching right now is a NEW vet,” stated another viewer.

What did other TikTok users recommend?

Many commenters said they waited until after their dog's first heat cycle before scheduling the surgery.

“Spaying your dog after the first heat cycle I believe is the best. It allows your dog to fully develop-bones and ligaments. I work at a specialty practice mostly for orthopedic and I've kept track of how many dogs we see that have a torn ACL/were spayed/neutered prior to first heat cycles vs how many that have needed surgery if the owners waited. I've yet to see a patient for knee issues that has waited,” informed one user.

Others noted that the right timing depends on a dog's health, lifestyle, and individual risk factors.

One commenter who identified themselves as a veterinarian agreed with the doctor in Hall's video.

“Vet here. I agree with your vet. It is no longer a blanket recommendation to spay female Goldens,” they said.

Many users supported that comment. They said newer research has led veterinarians to recommend a more individualized approach instead of a single timeline for every dog.

Should golden retriever owners spay or not spay?

Some studies suggest that delaying the procedure may lower the risk of certain joint disorders and cancers in golden retrievers.

Many veterinarians now discuss the benefits and risks with owners instead of recommending the same age for every dog. Research from the University of California, Davis helped drive that shift by showing that the ideal timing can vary by breed, sex, and an individual dog's health.

Spaying offers several well-known benefits. It prevents unwanted litters, eliminates the risk of pyometra, a life-threatening uterine infection, and lowers the risk of mammary cancer when performed before the first heat.

However, newer research suggests that waiting longer before spaying may reduce the risk of some orthopedic problems and certain cancers in large breeds, including golden retrievers.

As a result, many veterinarians now weigh the benefits and risks for each dog instead of relying on a one-size-fits-all recommendation.

Hall's TikTok shows how much the conversation has evolved. Many viewers expected a simple answer. Instead, they found a question that even veterinary experts continue to debate.

Buzz News reached out to Hall via TikTok direct message for comment.