"Should I get my dog spayed?" It's a question that many pet owners contemplate; though many dog owners have an easier decision deciding on whether to spay a dog since the spaying surgery does not alter the dog's physical appearance.
"Many dog owners - male dog owners in particular - have a hard time neutering a male dog, in part because it alters the dog's outward appearance; but spaying a female dog is often an easier decision to make since it does not change the dog's appearance. Leaving a female dog intact can also have some unpleasant consequences, like menstruation and heat cycles," explained Dr. Michael Levine, DVM.
This article will explore the pros and cons of spaying a dog.
The Advantages of Leaving a Female Dog Intact and Unspayed
There are two basic reasons why a dog owner may decide to leave a female dog intact, opting not to spay the dog.
- A spayed female dog cannot breed. Spaying a dog makes it impossible for the dog to achieve pregnancy. If there's any chance that a dog owner may want to breed a female dog, spaying should be postponed. An ethical breeder who is concerned for the health of a female dog will only allow the dog to birth two or three litters of puppies; once the dog is finished breeding, she can be spayed, thereby getting all of the health advantages, just a bit later in life.
- Spayed or neutered dogs cannot be show dogs. The largest, and most respected kennel clubs shows, like the American Kennel Club (AKC), will disqualify a spayed or neutered dog from competing in breed conformation dog shows. Therefore, a show dog cannot be spayed or neutered until he or she has retired from the dog show ring.
The Advantages and Benefits of Spaying a Dog
While there are a few scenarios when it may be best to leave a female dog unspayed, a spayed dog will enjoy many health benefits.
- A spayed dog will not menstruate or get "periods." When a female dog goes into heat, she will menstruate. Caring for a menstruating dog can be messy and inconvenient. Spaying a dog eliminates the dog's periods by lowering the hormone levels that trigger menstruation in dogs.
- A spayed dog will not go into heat. A dog in heat can exhibit an array of undesirable behaviors. A dog in heat will often "call" and vocalize as a way to signal potential mates. A female dog in heat will also be more prone to wandering or running away when she's in heat and she may return pregnant, which brings with it a whole host of health concerns. A female dog in heat will also be attractive to male dogs, who will detect her elevated hormone levels from quite a distance; it's not uncommon to see male dogs hanging around the home of a dog in heat.
- A spayed dog cannot get pregnant. It's an obvious benefit, but a significant one. Terminating an unwanted dog pregnancy can be expensive and risky. A pregnant dog can be difficult to care for and once the puppies are born, they will require at least eight weeks of intensive care. Proper veterinary care for a pregnant dog can also be very expensive, particularly if complications arise. In some cases, a female dog may die during pregnancy or during the whelping process. Anyone considering breeding a dog should remember this rule of thumb: Don't breed a dog unless you're prepared for the possibility of losing her.
- Spaying a dog makes her less attractive to pet thieves. Unfortunately, there are many cases when an intact dog will be stolen from a yard or kennel and used for breeding. Clearly, it's easier to determine whether a male dog is intact, but many dogs are also stolen from kennels and boarding facilities, where a quick look at the dog's file will reveal if she is spayed. A spayed dog is useless to a dog thief who is seeking a "breeder."
- A spayed dog is a healthier dog. Higher hormone levels are associated with a higher risk of developing cancer and other diseases. Spaying or neutering a dog lowers hormone levels, thereby reducing the dog's health risks.
How Much Does it Cost to Spay a Dog?
Spaying a dog is more expensive than neutering because the procedure is more invasive, and the surgery takes longer to complete. Depending on the region, spaying surgery can cost between $100-$200.
For cases where the cost to spay a dog is limiting, there are spay and neuter assistance programs and low-cost spay and neuter clinics, usually made available through humane organizations and animal shelters.
Where Can I Learn More About Spaying and Neutering?
Read How to Care for a Dog After Spaying Surgery to find out what to expect when a dog is spayed and for tips on caring for a dog that's just been spayed.
To learn more about neutering a dog - the procedure used to "fix" male dogs - read How Do I Neuter a Dog? and Should I Neuter My Dog?
Mia Carter - Mia Carter - Journalist, Producer/Editor & Web Writer. Carter's work has appeared on CBS and CNN.com.
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