How to Tell If a Female Dog Has Been Spayed - Reliable Signs

Sometimes when you adopt or find an adult female dog, it isn’t obvious whether she has been spayed. Unlike male dogs, where neutering is often easy to spot by absence of testicles, spaying a female involves internal surgery leaving only a small scar that can be difficult to see, especially if the fur has fully regrown.

In this guide, we'll share detailed steps and signs to help you determine if a female dog has been spayed, promoting responsible ownership and the importance of vet consultation.

1. Look for the spaying scar

Spaying involves a surgical incision to remove the ovaries and often the uterus. Depending on the surgical method, the scar may be located on the dog’s belly midline or on the left flank.

A fresh spay (within six months) often shows uneven fur regrowth and a faint pink or white line where the skin healed. For older spays, the scar may be faint or hidden under fur, so carefully part the hair or gently shave a small area under vet guidance to check.

Remember scars vary depending on the vet’s technique and the dog’s healing.

2. Secondary physical signs

Female dogs spayed at a young age and that have never had a litter may have smaller, less developed vulvas, nipples, and mammary glands compared to intact females or those spayed after breeding. This isn’t definitive but can help support your suspicion.

If the dog has had puppies before spaying, these features usually do not differ much from intact bitches.

3. Observe behavioural changes

Bitches in heat show signs like vulvar swelling, discharge, and attract male dogs. A spayed female usually does not display any heat behaviours. If your dog has never shown signs of coming into season (heat), this is a positive indicator she may be spayed.

However, some dogs with ovarian remnants may show heat signs despite surgery; if you observe heat signs, seek vet advice promptly.

4. Hormonal testing by a vet

If you suspect, but cannot confirm spaying status, a veterinarian can perform hormone tests. These include blood tests or cell samples to detect reproductive hormones. Hormone tests provide a reliable indication of whether the ovaries are functioning and present.

5. Wait to see if the dog comes into season

Bitches usually come into heat once or twice a year. If you can wait, monitoring your dog over several months can help determine if she is spayed. Absence of heat signs over a long period suggests she is likely spayed, but this is a slower method and not always practical.

6. Check for microchip records

Vets and animal shelters can scan for a microchip and contact the company managing it. Microchip records often include veterinary history indicating whether a dog has been spayed or neutered if the owner provided this information.

When to consider exploratory surgery

If all other methods fail to confirm spay status and it is essential to know (for health or rehoming reasons), your vet may recommend exploratory surgery to check for reproductive organs. This is the most invasive option and should be considered a last resort.

Always promote ethical pet ownership: requesting spaying before adopting or rehoming helps reduce unwanted litters and supports animal welfare.

Consult your veterinarian to discuss your dog's situation and explore the safest and most accurate options for confirmation.