Reproductive system diseases in dogs are closely intertwined with urinary tract diseases. Inflammation from one organ can quickly spread to others. Therefore, it's crucial to recognize the symptoms of urogenital disease in dogs early so that treatment can begin as quickly as possible.
An unspayed female dog is more likely to become ill because she is giving birth to litters. It's often after these litters that health problems begin. Endometritis, pyometra, cervical rupture, and vaginitis are just a few of the conditions that can develop in a female dog after a difficult birth. A male dog can also become infected from an infected female dog during mating. However, the absence of mating is no guarantee that the animal will not become ill. It's important to remember that bacteria are carried throughout the body by the bloodstream, regardless of the location of the inflammation. Microorganisms can also spread from the inflamed uterus throughout the animal's body. Pyometra often leads to sepsis (if treatment is not initiated).
Hormonal imbalances can also trigger tumor growth (including on the ovaries, uterus, and mammary glands in females, and in the testicles in males). Hormones can fluctuate in animals that are not spayed but also not mated. Some owners resort to "safe" (in their opinion) remedies—drops, tablets, and hormonal injections—to suppress heat. Frequent use of such remedies disrupts the animal's natural hormonal balance.
If you don't plan to breed purebred dogs, it's best to spay or neuter your pet. This is the best preventative measure against reproductive system diseases. And don't forget to schedule regular veterinary checkups, especially if your dog is still fertile or has recently given birth.
