Spaying Does More Than Prevent Puppies
Posted on: 26 February 2021
The primary reason to spay a female dog is, of course, to prevent puppies. However, this is not the only reason for spaying. If you're considering whether or not you should spay your female dog, then it's important to be fully aware of all the benefits of spaying. Here's a look at a few distinct ones.
Reduced Risk of Various Illnesses
The best-known health benefit of spaying is that it removes the risk of reproductive cancers in dogs. Without a uterus or ovaries, your dog cannot get ovarian or uterine cancer, which are actually quite common in female dogs. Of course, spaying also protects against other common reproductive health problems, like uterine infections and painful ovarian cysts. Since removing the ovaries reduces estrogen levels, and estrogen impacts the mammary tissue, spaying also reduces your dog's risk of mammary cancer (the dog equivalent of breast cancer.)
Safety From Male Dogs
If you have an intact female dog, then you will forever have to be on the lookout for male dogs when you are in public places. You will have to keep her away from male dogs at the dog park, especially if she is in heat when you visit. When walking her down the street, you may have male dogs approach you. And male dogs are not always friendly when they approach a female. If you have to fend them off or shoo them away, they could be aggressive towards you. It's safer, for both you and your female dog, if she is spayed.
No Mess
Female dogs can make quite a mess when they go into heat. Some owners put diapers or underwear on their dogs at this time. If you're planning on breeding your dog, this may be worth the hassle, but otherwise, it's a lot of work. Plus, diapers are not always effective, so you may still find yourself scrubbing stains off the carpet. Spaying stops your female dog's heat cycle, so messes of this sort are not an issue.
No Smells
The odor given off by female dogs when they are in heat is not pleasant. Your dog herself will smell, which may make it tough to be around her. Spaying removes this odor so your girl keeps smelling fresh.
Spaying your female dog is almost always a wise choice. If you have any concerns about the procedure, bring them up to your vet. They can address your concerns about spaying and neutering and help you make this choice.
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