Spaying is an abdominal surgery which involves the removal of your female dog’s reproductive system, preventing her from going into heat or becoming pregnant.  Dogs are generally spayed around 6 months of age; however, the procedure can also be performed on older dogs.  This routine procedure offers health benefits and can aid in reducing pet overpopulation.

Each year in Canada alone, almost 100,000 unwanted pets are humanely euthanized in shelters.  Spaying is strongly advised to help reduce this number and lower the number of homeless pets.

On average, an intact female dog goes through 2 heat cycles a year.  During a cycle she runs the risk of leaving unwanted blood drops throughout your house.  Her behaviour will also change during a heat cycle, causing her to become more vocal, needy and in constant search for a mate increasing the risk of her escaping off your property.

There are several health benefits to spaying your dog.  Intact female dogs are at a higher risk of developing mammary tumors, false pregnancies, uterine infections, and reproductive cancers.  Spaying your dog can greatly reduce her risk of acquiring these conditions later in life.  Studies have shown that the likelihood of dogs developing breast cancer is significantly decreased when spayed before their first heat cycle.  Contrary to popular belief, there are absolutely no benefits to allowing your dog to have one litter of puppies before being spayed.

Two of the biggest myths regarding spaying are that your dog will gain weight and that your dog’s personality will change.  Weight gain can be associated with spaying due to the fact that it is usually performed around the same time that many dogs approach their mature weight when their caloric intake requirements are starting to decrease.  Spaying your dog does reduce their metabolism; therefore, it is important adjust her diet accordingly.  Food type and quantity may need to be adjusted as well as properly exercising your dog in order to maintain a healthy body weight.  Your dog’s personality will not be altered after the procedure.  Over time, your dog may become more subdued and less rambunctious with maturity, whether they are spayed or not.

Contact Centrepointe Animal Hospital for more information on spaying your pet.