Pet spaying can reduce the dog population and decrease this number. If you're not sure whether it's time to spay your dog or your pup needs to wait, take a look at what you need to know about age and this procedure.
What Is a Spay Procedure?
Unlike humans, dogs don't take birth control to prevent pregnancy. Instead, a veterinarian surgically removes the dog's uterus and ovaries. Without these organs, your dog can't reproduce. The veterinary team will sedate your dog before the procedure. The use of anesthesia allows your pup to sleep through the surgery, making it a painless process. While the spay surgery itself won't cause pain, your dog may have discomfort for several days afterward.
Can the Vet Spay a Puppy?
Simply stated—yes, you can spay a puppy. But that doesn't mean all vets will spay all types of puppies. The American Animal Hospital Association recommends waiting to spay a puppy until they're five to six months old (for small-breed dogs) or between nine and 15 months (for larger breeds).
Even though there are generally accepted age guidelines, the veterinarian will need to need to factor in your dog's size, breed, age, and health-related issues into the decision. Schedule a pre-spay appointment or check-up with your pup's vet before you choose a surgery date. It's possible the vet can spay your puppy sooner if needed. Most vet offices won't spay animals before they reach eight weeks of age.
Can the Vet Spay an Older Dog?
While it's preferable to spay a younger dog, a veterinarian can perform this procedure on an adult animal. Not only will spaying your female dog help to reduce the pet population, but it can also help to protect your pup's health. The removal of the dog's reproductive organs eliminates the risk of serious uterine infections. Along with this benefit, spaying a young dog may reduce the likelihood of breast tumor development.
Is It Better to Spay a Younger or Older Dog?
In general, it's better to spay or neuter a younger dog— before their first heat. This provides the best protection against potentially cancerous breast tumors. If you have an older animal, don't let your dog's age get in the way of a spay surgery.
Discuss your dog's age and the surgical risks with the vet before you schedule a spaying or neutering procedure. Some older dogs or dogs with existing medical conditions may have a higher likelihood of complications. This doesn't necessarily mean the vet can't or won't spay your pet; they'll just help you to understand potential surgical complications and anticipate after-care issues.
Share21 September 2020
When you take your pet to the veterinarian's office, what do you expect? Most owners want kind, compassionate care for their beloved pets, whether they're just stopping by for a vaccine or taking their pet in for surgery. Veterinarians are glad to provide this kind and compassionate service. After all, they all started off as animal lovers themselves! Here on this website, we post articles related to veterinarians and their work. We hope that by reading them, you come to understand a little more about the life and work of the vets that keep your animals strong, healthy, and vibrant into their old age.
