Spaying a Female Dog
To Spay or Not to Spay?
Should my female dog be spayed? There isn’t one answer that fits all dogs.
For many years, spaying was considered an almost routine choice. Today, we know that the decision is more nuanced.
There are both advantages and disadvantages, and the right choice depends, among other things, on your dog’s breed, size, age, health, and life situation.
Therefore, we do not automatically recommend spaying for all female dogs. We recommend that the decision be made individually.
What Happens During Spaying?
During spaying, the ovaries are removed, so the female dog no longer goes into heat or can become pregnant.
The procedure also affects the production of sex hormones. Therefore, the decision is about more than just avoiding heat and unwanted puppies.
Pros and Cons Must Be Considered Together
Spaying can have health benefits, but when we remove the ovaries, we also change the dog’s hormonal environment.
The risk of various consequences is not the same for all dogs. Breed, size, and the timing of spaying can all play a role.
“There are things we prevent, and things we change, when we remove the ovaries.”
Therefore, it doesn’t make sense to give the same recommendation to all female dogs.
When Should a Female Dog Be Spayed?
There isn’t one optimal age that suits everyone either.
For some dogs, it may be relevant to spay relatively early. For others, there may be good reasons to let the dog go through one or more heat cycles or wait until she is fully developed.
We would rather help you find the right time for your dog than give all dog owners the same recommendation.
What About Behavior?
Spaying should not be used as a general treatment for behavioral problems.
Hormones can affect behavior, but your dog’s behavior is shaped by much more than her sex hormones.
If behavior is a significant part of why you are considering spaying, we can help assess what might be behind it.
If We Decide on Spaying
If we jointly determine that spaying is the right choice for your dog, the surgery will be performed under general anesthesia.
Before the day of surgery, your dog will come in for a pre-operative consultation, where we will assess the dog and plan the anesthesia and procedure.
What About Weight Afterward?
After spaying, a dog’s energy needs can change, and some dogs may gain weight more easily.
It is therefore a good idea to monitor their weight and adjust the amount of food as needed.
Are You in Doubt?
You don’t need to come to us with the decision already made.
We would rather talk to you about why you are considering spaying, and together weigh the pros and cons for your specific dog.
Spaying is a permanent decision. Therefore, it deserves an individual assessment.
