Dog Spaying -
everything you need to know!
Dog spaying is one of the best things you can do for your puppy, not only that, it's the responsible choice.
There are literally millions of unwanted dogs in the world, and if your un-spayed female has an 'oops' litter, you're adding another half-a-dozen to the figures!Spaying a dog is a big step towards protecting her future health, as the incidence of reproductive diseases and cancers is significantly higher in unspayed females. Why take the risk with your precious pup?
When do I spay my dog - at what age?
What's the optimum age for dog spaying? Well, although there's no firm age at which spaying or neutering must be done, it's definitely better to spay your female pup before she has her first heat cycle.The timing of this first cycle depends on Fifi's size and breed (small breeds mature faster than larger ones), but it is usually somewhere between 6 and 18 months. The chances of tumors and reproductive organ cancers increase with every 'season' (heat cycle) she experiences, so obviously it's safest to spay earlier rather than later. On average female dogs come into season twice a year, but some may come in three times and some only once. Spaying your female puppy means that her ovaries and uterus are removed surgically, obviously removing any chances of her becoming pregnant. It's a good idea to bring up the subject of dog spaying when your pup has her Rabies shot at around 4 months of age. That way you have time to make arrangements without risking an unwanted pregnancy. Many animal shelters and organizations practice early spaying or neutering programs, in an effort to reduce the number of unwanted dogs and cats. There's no reason to believe this early surgery is in any way more harmful than the standard timing, but most veterinarians will recommend that you wait until Fifi is at least four months old.
What's involved in spaying a dog?
Spaying your dog is a surgical procedure which involves general anesthesia, but is very straightforward and routine. There are definite health benefits to spaying your female dog as it significantly reduces the risks of diseases such as mammary cancer and some uterine conditions that go along with pregnancy.Contrary to some old wives tales about spaying or neutering your dog, it will not cause a dramatic change in her personality. If any change occurs, it is likely to be for the better as un-spayed females are more prone to nervousness than spayed females. You can rest assured that Fifi will not feel as though she missed out on some life-changing experience because she didn't get a chance to have puppies! The benefits of spaying your dog are not all Fifi's either. You won't have to worry about how to prevent her from ruining your favorite rugs and furniture with her 'spotting' (bleeding) when she's in season. You'll also be spared the 24/7 visits from all the neighborhood Romeos who have been alerted to Fifi's impending fertility by her seductive aroma wafting around your household.
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Spaying or Neutering
Puppy Health
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