4 Reasons To Spay Your Female Puppy
Adding a dog to your family can be a great experience-- most dogs are loyal and loving companions. If you decide to get a female puppy, you will have to decide if you are going to have her spayed by her veterinarian. In this day and age, spaying is considered a very safe surgery and it is highly recommended. There are many reasons to spay your female dog, such as:
Prevent Unplanned Litters
Unless you are an experienced dog breeder, it is a good idea to prevent your dog from getting pregnant unexpectedly. Pregnancy can be rough on a dog, especially if it occurs at a young age. An unplanned litter can also be stressful for you as a dog owner-- you may incur large vet bills for your dog and the puppies, and you will be responsible for finding good homes for the puppies after they are weaned.
Avoid Heat Cycles
Heat cycles occur as a female dog enters sexual maturity. During a heat cycle a dog may have a less pleasant temperament and will also attract attention from male dogs, which can lead to an unplanned pregnancy. When a dog is going through a heat cycle is can also be quite messy since a bloody discharge is present. A heat cycle is typically a stressful and unpleasant time for both the dog and the owner, which is why most female dogs are spayed before their first heat cycle.
Decrease the Risk of Pyometra
Pyometra is a disease in which a dog's uterus becomes infected and fills up with pus. This condition can make a dog very ill, and even be fatal if not treated quickly. It is not uncommon for the infection to spread and affect other organs, particularly the kidneys. Pyometra is thought to be related to hormone fluctuations; it is very uncommon in spayed dogs but is seen often in mature female dogs who were never spayed.
Help Prevent Tumors
Female dogs who are not spayed are at an increased risk of developing mammary and uterine tumors. Many mammary and uterine tumors are cancerous and require very aggressive treatment to save the dog's life. Cancer is a very difficult and uncomfortable condition for your dog to live with, and it can cost you a lot of money to have your vet treat your dog for mammary or uterine cancer. A simple surgery to spay your female dog can greatly decrease her chance of ever developing these types of tumors.
For more information on spaying your pet, contact a veterinary clinic like 1st Pet Veterinary Centers.