Should an Older Dog Be Spayed?
The decision of when to spay a dog who is fully grown is much more flexible. There is no medical reason why an adult dog in good health shouldnt be spayed. Since dogs can get cancer at any age, even senior dogs can benefit from a spaying procedure. As long as a dog doesnt have any health issues that would make it dangerous to use anesthesia or undergo a surgical procedure, no dog is too old to be spayed, says Chewy.
The ASPCA points out, however, that older dogs might have a slightly higher risk of complications following the surgery. In any case, your veterinarian will likely want to conduct a physical exam and blood tests to make sure your dog is healthy enough for the procedure.
Spaying is a common procedure among female dogs, but keep in mind that it is surgery. While it is true that you may be able to take your pup in for surgery in the morning and pick her up later that afternoon or evening, but some veterinarians may keep her overnight to monitor for bleeding and ensure she remains quiet after surgery. When you drop your dog off you may be asked to sign consent forms for surgery, pain medication and a preoperative screening and blood test if she has not already had one.
When you pick her up later that day, she may still be groggy from the anesthesia. Your vet will provide you with a set of instructions for post-operative care, and this is a good time to ask questions about her recovery and what you can expect. Be sure to bring a carrier or a soft blanket to help make her ride home more comfortable. You can also give her a toy to cuddle, but refrain from giving her any treats until after the anesthesia has completely worn off.
Its important to closely follow the instructions your vet provides for post-operative care. Your vet will most likely give your pup something for her pain before she leaves the clinic. Because she is likely to be sore for a while as she recovers, your vet might also prescribe pain medication that you can give her at home. If not, be sure to ask your vet what to do for her pain before leaving the office. Under no circumstances should you give her over-the-counter medication intended for humans without first consulting your vet.
Youll also be informed whether you will need to bring your pup back in for stitch removal once shes healed or if the stitches will dissolve on their own. Your dog will need to be kept from vigorous activity or play for about a week to 10 days, and she might have to wear a cone to prevent her from licking or chewing the incision while it heals. Many dogs find these plastic collars uncomfortable, so she might do better with one of the newer, inflatable versions that can be purchased at pet supply stores.
What happens when I get my puppy spayed?
When your puppy is spayed, she undergoes a medical operation conducted by a vet. The vet removes the puppys ovaries. Depending on the veterinarians recommendations and assessment, removal of the fallopian tube and uterus may take place. Spaying renders a female dog unable to reproduce and eliminates her heat cycle.
Pros and Cons to Neutering & Spaying
You may be wondering if you should get your bitch spayed or you male dog neutered and to be honest it’s such a common question – so we thought we would get right down to the nitty gritty of it and make some pro’s and con’s so you can make a better informed decision!
What is Neutering?
Neutering is the de-sex procedure of male dogs where their testicles are removed. The actual removal of male dogs testicles is called Castration.
What is Spaying?
Spaying is when the female dogs ovaries and uterus are removed which stops them from breeding.
Pros
– Spaying stops heat Periods which can be very messy and the discharge can stain carpets and upholstery.
– She will often lick her privates and encourage other dogs to mount her… even if grandma is visiting. Spaying would stop that.
– A female on heat can be smelled from miles away which will invite unwanted attention and dogs.
– Spaying would stop her going on heat thus no wandering Rome’s Spaying prevents infections of the Uterus.
– Less Risk of Cancers Helps with the overpopulation of pets Prevents your dog from breeding.
Cons
– You can’t have a litter of puppies to cuddle.
– If done at the wrong age it can cause hip dysplasia and other joint issues.
– Spaying doubles the risk of Obesity.
– Spaying triples the risk of Hyperthyroidism.
– Spaying is a big surgery that requires general anesthesia, so it will take a while for your pup to recover.
– Spaying increases the risk of a deadly cancer called hemangiosarcoma.
Pros
– Can reduce roaming and sexual behaviours.
– Can reduces issues with dominance and aggression.
– Reduced Territorial Behavior, leg lifting and marking.
– Helps with the overpopulation of pets.
– Prevents your dog from breeding.
Cons
– Neutering Increases the risk of a deadly cancer called hemangiosarcoma.
– Neutering is a big surgery that requires general anesthesia, so it will take a while for your pup to recover.
– Triples the risk of obesity.
– If done at the wrong age it can cause hip dysplasia and other joint issues.
– Neutered dogs run the risk of developing a canine version of dementia, which is actually called geriatric cognitive impairment.
Spaying and Neutering helps to reduce overpopulation. Last year alone 3000 dogs were put down just in the Auckland region of New Zealand. Spaying not only reduces the amount of puppies that are already overrun but you are protecting the health of your dog from uterine infections and breast cancer that proves fatal in at least 50% of all female dogs. Neutering, when done before 6 months help stop testicular cancer and reduces aggression and stops roaming. Most people find Spayed and Neutered Animals are far easier to train and easier to control.
When tossing up the pros and cons it can be hard! There is a lot to think about.
Get in touch with your vet to talk over the pros and cons mentioned above and remember timing is everything!
Katie & Chico Pooch