Are you confused as to whether you should spay your female dog? If you don't plan on breeding your dog, spaying can offer certain advantages both in terms of convenience and in terms of the health of your dog.
An unsprayed female dog generally comes into heat about every six months, starting after six months of age. At this time, your female dog will attract male dogs who can congregate around your house in hopes of breeding with your female. Your female dog may also become restless and anxious to find a mate during her period of heat and may be more inclined to escape from your yard. This can be a source of worry and inconvenience especially if you don't plan on breeding your female dog. Plus, a female dog that's not spayed will also experience a vaginal discharge during her period of heat which may be bloody. This discharge may stain your furniture and carpeting.
Spaying your dog offers your dog some protection against a variety of diseases. Some health advantages of spaying your dog include:
Less wandering
A spayed female will be less likely to escape from the yard and wander off and potentially become lost.
Reduction in the risk of mammary cancer
Spaying significantly reduces the risk of this cancer which is not uncommon in unsprayed females. The earlier the spaying surgery is performed, the lower the risk to your dog.
Reduction in the risk of diabetes
A spayed female dog has a reduced risk of diabetes mellitus due to the reduction in hormone levels that occurs due to spaying.
Decreased risk of uterine infections
An unsprayed female dog is at a higher risk of certain types of uterine infection. One of the most serious is pyometra which may be life-threatening.
No pregnancy related health risks
Just as in humans, dogs can have complications related to pregnancy which are difficult for your dog and expensive to treat.
Spaying should also be considered to reduce the risk of pet overpopulation which has become a major problem in this country.
How is the procedure of spaying your dog performed? Dog spaying surgery involves making an incision in the abdominal region and removing both ovaries and the uterus. The procedure is usually very well tolerated by your dog with your dog recovering completely in a period of days. There is a small risk related to the use of anesthesia but this tiny risk is far smaller than the risk of undergoing several pregnancies.
If you don't plan on breeding your female dog and want to reduce her risk of future health problems, consider spaying her. The earlier this procedure is performed, the more her risk of mammary cancer is reduced. Spaying may be your dog's ticket to a long and healthy life.
