when-is-a-good-time-to-spay-a-dog

If you are a dog owner, then you may have probably heard dog people talking about spaying dogs. So, wondering what is spay and is it necessary to spay your dog? How spay affect dogs? When is a good time to spay a dog? What is the best age at which spays your dog? Our today post is all about dogs and spay. If you are curious to know about all these things, then continue reading this post. You will get to know everything you need to know about spay a dog.

 

What is Spay?

The word “spay” is a term related to ovariohysterectomy, where ovario=ovary, hyster=uterus, ectomy=removal. In fact, it is a surgical process in which a female dog’s uterus and ovaries are removed. A spay should be done under general anesthesia by a vet. This process will permanently prevent the dog from having a cycle of heats, and also, the ability to reproduce. So, spaying prevents female ability to have young.
Furthermore, as ovaries lead to the right amount of estrogen in the body of female dogs, and that’s why dog no longer has a source of estrogen, ability to attract male dogs, heat cycle, and bleeding from vulva with spaying procedure.

 

When it’s Good Time to Spay Your Dog?

If you want to know the most suitable time to spay your female dog, then you can ask your veterinarian. Your vet can analyze your female dog’s individual requirements and then, suggest the best time to spay your dog.
Typically, the most appropriate time to spay your female dog is after 8 weeks of her age, especially before her first heat to get ultimate health benefits. The first cycle of heat takes place around 6 to 7 months of age, and it also depends on the breed. Many veterinarians wait until a female dog is nearby to that age to spay as they are more probably to bear the necessary anesthesia.

On the other hand, when it comes to the full-grown dog, i.e. larger dog, it becomes hard to spay as compared to a smaller dog. That’s why the role of a vet is vital while taking the decision of when to do the dog spay procedure.

Generally, dog size does not matter in spay a dog. Most vets have the ability of spaying any size of dog and size only impacts the optimum time for spaying.

If you have adopted an unaltered and older female dog, and planning on getting spaying procedure for your dog, then you should consider for your dog heat cycle before her surgery. Vets will not suggest spaying dog while she is in heat. It is because, at that time, blood flow increases to the affected area, which can complicate the surgery. Your vet may suggest you wait for 2 to 3 months once your dog heat cycle completed.

 

What Should You Spay Dog?

There are many great reasons why dog owners should spay their pets. Here, we are going to mention all the benefits to spay the dog.

 

1. Reduction in Prevalence of Cancer

One of the significant benefits of spaying dogs is the reduction in the prevalence of particular types of cancer. Female dogs that are spayed frequently experience a reduction in ovarian, cervical, uterine, and mammary tumors. So, spaying aids in preventing uterine infections and also, breast cancer. You should spay your dog before her first heat as it will provide excellent protection from all these diseases.

 

2. Behavior Benefits

Usually, after 6 months of age, female dogs who are un-spayed go into a cycle of heat for 2 to 3 weeks at a time, generally twice in a year, and this period brings a lot of troublesome behaviors, like howling and urinating more frequently. This will further attract unneutered male attention within smelling distance. So, spaying a dog is necessary for the improvement in the overall behavior of female.

 

3. Other Health Benefits

Apart from the above benefits, female dogs that are spayed also experience a remarkable reduction in perennial fistulas and pyometra.

 

4. Reduction in Pet Population

Stray animals impact a real problem in many areas of the country as they can cause car accidents, damage to local fauna, and much more. Spaying truly helps in reducing the count of animals on the local streets.

 

How to Prepare Your Dog for Surgery?

Your vet will suggest pre-surgical blood work to ensure your pet is healthy enough to perform surgery. It will also help to know if your dog is suffering from any health problems or not. It is essential to know as it can affect the anesthesia choice. Generally, healthy and young does do not have any type of health issues. However, it is right saying that “Precautions is always better than cure.”

You should follow your vet direction and recommendations. Generally, your pet should not consume anything for at least 8 to 9 hours before the surgery, and it is because anesthesia may lead to nausea. Your pet can drink water before surgery, but you should ask your vet for suggestions to avoid any complications during and after the surgery.

 

What are Things to Watch after Surgery?

After surgery, you should check for dog behavior, or you can take your dog to the vet to check if there is any problem, such as discharge from the incision. Usually, it is rare for a dog to have pain medication. However, if your pet keeps licking her stitches, then you can use an Elizabethan collar to avoid this. Many dogs have a problem with walking by wearing these. After surgery, your dog needs some time to recover and so, don’t panic, give your pet some time and she will be back into her normal routine.

 

Conclusion

That’s all on spay a dog, why it is essential and what is a good time to spay the dog. However, the best thing you can do is to call your vet if you see any unusual sign in your dog after surgery.

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