Summary: As you weigh the benefits and risks of why spay your dog, be sure to be honest with yourself. If you are not going to be vigilant when your dog is in heat, you will most likely end up with a litter of pups. It only takes seconds for your dog to become pregnant. Talk to your vet and your family and do what is best for you and your dog.
Why Spay Your Dog: 6 Reasons to Spay Your Dog
There are several reasons to consider spaying your dog. Before scheduling any surgery or treatment, if time permits, it is always best to study and research your options. Every dog and situation is unique. This article is for information only and is not meant to suggest treatment.
Here are some of the most popular reasons people spay their dog:
- No unwanted puppies: A female dog can produce a lot of puppies in her lifetime. As you may already know, there are millions of unwanted dogs in shelters across the United States. Cities spend millions of dollars caring for and euthanizing stray and unwanted pets. Spaying your dog is one of the easiest ways you can help our country eliminate this expense and awful waste of life.
- No Eustrus (periods): Some female dogs have very messy cycles. Also, when your female dog goes into heat, she will attract unwanted attention. A male dog can smell your dog in heat from several miles and sometimes more depending on the breed. They will travel great distances to mate with your dog. Don’t be fooled by your fence, you need Fort Knox to keep them out, and to keep your female IN. If your dog is in heat, and you have a strange male in your yard, use caution. Strange dogs can be dangerous, especially when wanting to mate.
- Reduces Risk of Mammary Tumors: Current research suggests that by having your dog spayed before 2-3 years old, you can significantly reduce the risk of your dog developing mammary tumors.
- Reduces Risk of Pyometra: Pyometra is a uterine disease that affects nearly 25% of intact females. By having your dog spayed, you nearly eliminate the risk that your dog will develop this infection. Some spayed dogs though can still develop pyometra in the leftover uterine tissue, or stump.
- Reduces Risk on Perianal Fissures: The title says it all.
- Removes Risk of Some Tumors: By having your dog spayed, you remove the risk of uterine, cervical, and ovarian tumors. It must be said that your dog’s risk of developing these is very small. This is not a compelling reason to spay your dog.
When Should I Spay My Dog?
Recent research suggests waiting at least a year. This will depend on the size of the breed though. Please check with your vet!
In conclusion, as you weigh the benefits and risks of this procedure, be sure to be honest with yourself. If you are not going to be vigilant when your dog is in heat, you will most likely end up with a litter of pups. It does not take very long for your dog to become pregnant. Talk to your vet and your family and do what is best for you and your pet. If you decide to have your female dog bred, have her vet checked and be sure that you are willing to go through all the work necessary to raise puppies BEFORE breeding her. Good luck with your decision!
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