8 Important Facts About Canine Spaying

1. Why Spay Your Female Dog?

If you do not intend to responsibly breed your female dog, spaying offers several advantages. It prevents accidental pregnancies and the challenge of rehoming unwanted litters. It also avoids false pregnancies, which can be distressing for both the dog and owner. Importantly, spaying prevents pyometra, a severe and potentially life-threatening womb infection. Additionally, it removes the mess and stress of managing your dog during her seasons (heat periods), such as keeping her confined or walking her at less busy times to avoid attracting male dogs.

Consider exploring reputable breeders if you are thinking of finding a female dog but not planning to breed her: puppies for sale.

2. What Does Spaying Involve?

Spaying medically known as ovariohysterectomy involves the surgical removal of both the ovaries and the uterus. This is preferred over ovariectomy, which removes only the ovaries but leaves the uterus intact, meaning the risk of pyometra remains. By fully removing the reproductive organs, spaying ensures more effective prevention of certain diseases.

3. Optimal Timing for Spaying

Many vets recommend spaying before a female dog’s first season at around 5 to 6 months of age. The surgery is often easier with younger, healthier organs, and the dog is less likely to be overweight or have other medical problems that complicate anaesthesia. Early spaying significantly reduces the risk of mammary tumours, especially if done before the first or second season.

However, spaying too early may increase the risk of urinary incontinence later in life due to hormonal changes. It's important your dog is sufficiently mature before undergoing this hormone-altering procedure.

4. Avoid Spaying During False Pregnancy

It's best not to spay a dog experiencing a false pregnancy (pseudocyesis). Spaying during this condition can cause your dog to remain psychologically in this state, which may persist for life. Veterinary advice will help determine the best timing to avoid this complication.

5. Medical Inhibition of Seasons

Some owners choose to medically inhibit their dog's heat cycles using progestogen or androgen compounds administered as depot injections during anoestrus (the resting phase of the reproductive cycle). While this can prevent a heat cycle, side effects include increased appetite and weight gain, lethargy, mammary enlargement, coat and temperament changes, and a higher risk of pyometra. Therefore, medical inhibition is generally less preferred than spaying for long-term management.

6. Concerns and Potential Downsides

Some owners worry about possible problems from spaying. Hormonal changes, especially if done very young, may lead to urinary incontinence and changes in coat condition. Weight gain can occur but is manageable by adjusting calorie intake and exercise. It's important to discuss these concerns with your vet to weigh the benefits and risks carefully.

7. Surgery Should Be Timed Carefully

Spaying should generally be avoided when your dog is in season as the blood vessels supplying the ovaries and uterus are engorged, increasing the risk of bleeding and complicating surgery. Elective spaying is usually performed between seasons unless there is a compelling medical reason to operate otherwise.

8. Advances in Spay Surgery: Keyhole Technique

Keyhole or laparoscopic-assisted spaying is a minimally invasive option, usually more expensive than traditional surgery. The benefits include reduced surgical trauma, less pain and discomfort post-operation, smaller wounds with lower complication risks, and faster recovery times. This advanced method is a great option where available and suited to your dog’s health.

Ultimately, spaying is a crucial decision to improve your female dog’s health and wellbeing. Consult your vet to determine the best timing and method tailored to your dog’s individual needs.