It is by no means obligatory to get your dog spayed. But it may be the best thing for her, and the PDSA recommends it. In any case, you should always speak to your vet about making the best decision for your pet.
Getting a dog spayed: what is spaying?
Spaying is the way that a female dog is neutered. Your vet will put your dog under general anaesthetic and remove her uterus and/or ovaries. This means that your dog won’t be able to have puppies. It also affects her natural cycles and reduces the chances of some illnesses.
It’s usually best to spay a female dog when she’s around six months of age. Your dog’s vet can give you more specific advice on timing depending on your breed and individual. Indeed, some giant breeds may mature more slowly than smaller breeds, and may therefore need their operations later on. Alternatively, if you're raising two puppies of opposite sexes from the same litter, you may have to spay and neuter earlier on. Pregnancies resulting from siblings reproducing are never a good idea, no matter the breed!
It’s usually best to spay a female dog when she’s around six months of age. Your dog’s vet can give you more specific advice on timing depending on your breed and individual. Indeed, some giant breeds may mature more slowly than smaller breeds, and may therefore need their operations later on. Alternatively, if you're raising two puppies of opposite sexes from the same litter, you may have to spay and neuter earlier on. Pregnancies resulting from siblings reproducing are never a good idea, no matter the breed!
The spaying operation takes around one hour, with a recovery time of between ten days and two weeks.
Getting a dog spayed: what are the advantages of neutering a dog?
Getting a dog neutered comes with several benefits for her and you. In the first place, it will prevent her from coming into ‘heat’ every six months or so. This is when an unspayed dog is in ‘season’ and is able to get pregnant. It can cause difficult behaviour both from her and from male dogs in the area, who sense she is looking for dog nookie and go crazy to get some!
And of course preventing these ‘seasons’ doesn’t just keep her temper more even and the lads at a distance. It means she won’t get pregnant. Unless you’re planning for her to breed, unwanted dog pregnancies are risky. Unwanted litters also lead to unforeseen expenses and overpopulation. There are already plenty of dogs in rescue kennels who need a home! Plus, remember that dogs don't go into menopause! Female dogs will go into heat at least once a year for their entire lives, unless they are spayed.
But one of the most common reasons for spaying a dog is the health benefits the operation entails. Indeed, spaying your dog reduces the chances of her developing certain types of cancer, such as mammary gland cancer. It also prevents pyometra, a very serious womb infection that strikes some dogs.
Getting a dog spayed: are there any disadvantages to neutering a dog?
In general, the disadvantages of getting a female dog spayed are outnumbered by the advantages.
Spaying makes your dog more likely to be incontinent or overweight in old age. It can also have other impacts on her health and well-being, for example affecting the quality and quantity of her fur.
Whether or not the inability to have puppies is a disadvantage, is partly up to whether you’d like the opportunity for her to breed.
Some dog owners believe that it is not fair to deprive an animal of their natural desire and ability to have sex and procreate. But pregnancy itself can be an uncomfortable and dangerous time for a domestic dog. Besides, once your dog is spayed, her desire to reproduce will subside!
Getting a dog spayed: How much will it cost?
The cost of spaying a dog varies according to factors like geographic location and size of the dog. Generally, vet clinics charge over £235 for the surgery. A low-cost clinic will charge less, between £35 and £105.
Getting a dog spayed: how to prepare
The best way to make an informed decision about this procedure is to speak about it to your vet. He/she knows your pet's full medical history and will be able to evaluate any possible risks or complications that could ensue from her procedure or recovery period.
If you decide to have your dog spayed, you need to make sure she’s going to be as comfortable and safe as possible. This is one reason why it is helpful to wait until your dog is trained before you do it. That way you know she will be in control while she’s recovering.
You can also get her accustomed to travelling in the car and in a crate before the operation. This means that she is less likely to get nervous or upset as the big moment approaches. You should also stay calm and treat her with love, affection, and encouragement. Soothe her so that she is happy and comfortable.
At home, you should create a safe environment so that she doesn’t hurt herself while recovering. For example, block the staircase with a gate, and arrange cushions on the sofa to discourage her from jumping up. While recovering, your dog will need to be kept from playing with other dogs, and from spending prolonged periods of time outdoors. Additionally, she should not be bathed during this time.
Your dog might be required to stop at the vets overnight for observation. But if you bring her home after the operation, be aware that she will be drowsy and possibly anxious. Ask your kids to leave her alone, apart from making a very gentle fuss to calm her. And keep a close eye that she is recovering well.
Your vet will probably have fitted her with a cone (or Elizabethan collar) to keep her from licking her healing scar. If you do see any redness, swelling, or discharge coming from the affected area, make sure to contact your vet as a precaution.
If your dog is showing signs of discomfort or even pain, such as excessive panting or restlessness, you should ask your vet about pain management methods. Pain medication can help your dog tolerate an uncomfortable recovery period.
Getting a dog spayed is very normal and safe. If you decide to go ahead, your vet will give you specific advice on how to prepare your dog.
