What is Spaying?
Spaying refers to the surgical removal of a female dog’s reproductive organs including the uterus and ovaries. This procedure is also called an ovariohysterectomy, or an ovarioectomy. This is a common procedure that can be used to prevent unwanted pregnancies and lower the risk of developing certain diseases. Spaying is permanent birth control. Before making a decision, it is important that you discuss all pros and cons with your vet.
Spaying Your Dog is a Bad Idea.
Spaying your dog can help prevent many health issues, such as uterine infections, mammary carcinoma, and pyometra. This is a serious infection that affects the uterus. Spaying can also reduce the chance of unwanted pregnancies. This can be expensive and time-consuming. Spaying can also reduce aggression and other behavioral problems as well as the risk that animals roam and fight with each other.
Do You Allow a Female Dog to Go into Heat before Spaying?
It is up to the individual to decide whether or not to allow a female dog into heat before spaying. Some veterinarians recommend spaying before the first cycle of heat, while others recommend waiting until the second or the third cycle. Before making a decision, it is important to discuss all the pros and cons with your veterinarian. Waiting to spay your dog may have the advantage of helping the body adapt to the procedure. Some studies have shown that the risk of incontinence may be increased by spaying prior to the first heat cycle. It is important to remember that the risk of urinary incontinence is very low and that the benefits of spaying outweigh any potential dangers.
The Benefits of Spaying Before You Heat
Spaying before the heat cycle begins is beneficial in reducing the chance of mammary carcinoma. Because hormones released during heat cycles can increase the likelihood of mammary cancer, this is why spaying before the first heat cycle is so important. Spaying before the heat cycle begins can help reduce the chance of developing pyometra (a serious infection of your uterus).
Cons of Spaying before Heat
Spaying before the first heat cycle can have the potential to increase the risk for urinary incontinence. Because hormones that are released during heat cycles can help the dog adjust to the procedure. Some studies have shown that spaying before the heat cycle begins can increase the chance of developing bone cancer. It is important to remember that the risk of developing bone cancer is very low and that the benefits of spaying outweigh any potential dangers.
Conclusion
It is up to you to decide whether or not to allow a female dog into heat before spaying. Before making a decision, it is important to talk with your veterinarian about the pros and cons. Spaying before the first heat cycle will reduce the risk for mammary cancer and pyometra. However, spaying after the first heat cycles may decrease the risk of urinary problems. Spaying has many benefits that outweigh any potential risks.
External Resources
Wikipedia.org Definitions of Neutering and Spaying
Youtube.com Search: Should You Allow a Female Dog to Go into Heat Before Spaying