Neutering is a surgical procedure also known as spaying for female dogs and castration for male dogs. Depending on breed and size, most male and female dogs will reach puberty between 6 and 23 months. We generally recommend neutering dogs from 6 months onward.
We strongly recommend that all bitches should be neutered to prevent unwanted pregnancies and potential health complications later in life.
Bitch Spay
Female dogs who have not been spayed usually have a season every 6 months. Seasons last roughly 3 weeks and it is during this time that a female dog may become pregnant. We generally advise that spaying be performed soon after 6 months, and prior to the first season. If your dog has already had a season, then we recommend that neutering be performed around 3 months after the season has ended. This should be discussed with one of our vets in order to decide the best course for your dog.
What does Spaying involve?
Spaying is a surgical procedure in which your dog’s ovaries and uterus are removed. It is a routine operation that we perform daily at the practice, however, it still involves major surgery and the risks should be taken seriously.
Spaying is performed as a day operation in the practice. Your dog will be pre-medicated with sedatives and pain killers and then given a general anaesthetic. An incision will be made on your dog’s lower abdomen to perform the operation, which will be subsequently stitched.
After the operation, your dog will be cared for and monitored by one of our trained auxiliaries to ensure that they come around comfortably. Once we are happy that your dog is recovering well, we will give you a call to arrange a time for her to go home later that same day.
Once home, your dog should be kept calm and comfortable. Exercise should be restricted for at least 10 days, or as advised by the vet. The veterinary surgeon who performed the spay will advise on the best post-operative care following surgery and will provide you with 5 days of post-op pain relief. This is included in the full price of the Bitch Spay.
It is common practice for us to request that you bring your dog back to the practice 3 and 10 days following the surgery to have the wound checked by one of our nurses. These follow-up appointments are standard procedure and free-of-charge.
What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Spaying my Dog?
We often get asked this question by concerned owners who’ve been exposed to varying, usually conflicting advice from magazines, friends and online sources. We would recommend that all female dog owners consider spaying as the advantages far outweigh the risks involved.
Advantages:
- This procedure completely prevents unwanted pregnancies, as well as false pregnancies (more information on false pregnancies is provided below).
- Removal of the ovaries and uterus completely prevents your dog from developing uterine and ovarian tumours.
- Your dog is also prevented from developing serious uterine infections, such as Pyometra.
- Spaying your dog has been found to significantly decrease the risk of tumours developing in the mammary glands. Research has found that the younger the operation is performed, the better they are protected from developing mammary tumours.
- Bitches who have not been spayed will be victims of constant attention from male dogs in the neighbourhood when they do come into season.
- Finally, when dogs come into season they, like humans, bleed regularly. If your dog is spayed, she will not come into season and you will not have to keep her on a lead and away from other dogs. Nor will you have to use nappies or clean the bloodstains around your home.
Disadvantages:
- Spaying is an operation that involves general anaesthetic and major surgery, both of which can be a risk to your dog.
- Weight gain can be an issue for spayed dogs, but this is easily controlled with diet and exercise.
- Spaying your dog will alter their hormones, which can very occasionally result in an altered coat texture. Should this occur, you can discuss with your vet about possible remedying through diet and vitamin supplements.
Please talk to one of our vets if you would like more information on spaying your dog.
False Pregnancies
Also called ‘phantom’ pregnancies, false pregnancies are a common condition in which the dog develops all the symptoms of pregnancy, such as lactation and nursing, without having been mated.
The symptoms usually appear around 2 months after your dog’s season ends, and can include:
- Anorexia
- Abdominal enlargement
- Nest making
- Nursing soft toys
- Mammary development
- Lactation
- Other behavioural changes
If your dog develops these symptoms, please contact the practice for advice. False Pregnancies do not occur in dogs that have been spayed.