Preventing animal overpopulation through spaying female dogs is an important part of responsible dog ownership, yet many people hesitate when it comes to this critical procedure. After all, the thought of your favorite dog undergoing surgery is bound to cause some anxiety. Fortunately, you can alleviate your concerns by understanding the benefits that spaying provides for your pet’s long-term health along with what to expect when you take your dog to the vet for spaying.
Pet Care & Spaying
When you get a new puppy, one of the first things to discuss with your veterinarian is when to spay. Although opinions in the veterinarian community can vary, most vets agree that spaying should be done before a dog’s first heat to provide the most health benefits. Typically, a dog can be spayed once they have been weaned and reached the age of eight weeks. However, it is also important to note that older dogs and those who have already had a litter of puppies can still be spayed.
Benefits for Dog Parents
For new dog owners, dealing with a dog’s first heat often comes as quite a surprise. Spaying eliminates many of the messes associated with a dog’s heat cycle that can damage your carpet and furniture, and it can allow for more freedom since dogs will not have to be confined to a crate when you are away. After spaying, many behaviors associated with a dog being in heat will also be eliminated such as flirting with male dogs and jumping fences.
Health Benefits for Dogs
Dog lovers often encounter myths such as that waiting to spay until after a dog has their first litter will prevent health problems. However, the opposite is true. Pregnancy and giving birth carries risks for all dogs, and it is painful to lose a beloved pet simply because you wanted one litter of puppies. It is also true that a dog’s risk for mammary tumors goes down when they have one or fewer heat cycles. Over time, being spayed reduces the risk of uterine infections along with cancer of the uterine and ovaries which can greatly increase your dog’s overall life expectancy and comfort.
Planning for the Procedure
The benefits of spaying a female dog are clear, and knowing what to expect during the procedure can help you ensure their comfort throughout the healing process. It is important to begin by having the procedure done by a qualified veterinarian that preferably knows your dog. For most dogs, an overnight stay will be required, and it is reassuring to know that all spaying is done with pain relief so your dog will not feel any discomfort. After you bring your dog home, you will need to keep them calm during the first few days, and it may be necessary to use a special cone collar to keep them from licking their stitches.
Spaying is a safe procedure that prevents unwanted dog pregnancies while also providing significant benefits for both you and your dog. Since spaying is a medical procedure, it is best to discuss your options during your pet’s veterinarian visit early on to ensure that your dog is spayed at the ideal age. From reducing the annoyances caused by a dog’s heat cycle to protecting their reproductive organs, choosing to spay will benefit your dog’s health along with your relationship.