Sterilization of a dog

More and more pet owners are turning to veterinary clinics to have their pets spayed. This procedure is considered one of the most necessary for animals not intended for breeding. Although spaying a dog is a surgical procedure, it's not dangerous.

As the dog matures, its reproductive system also develops. The first heat, the first estrus. During this time, the dog becomes practically uncontrollable. Often, she breaks away from leash on a walk and runs away. Animal instincts speak within her.

In addition to unwanted large litters, a dog can "bring home" an infectious disease. The risk of mammary tumors and inflammatory processes in the reproductive organs increases.

Even the first birth may not go as expected. Serious complications can arise, especially if the male was significantly larger than the female.

Pros and cons of sterilization

Let's explore the pros and cons of spaying and neutering dogs. This will make it easier to make the right decision.

Pros

1. It helps control the number of dogs. For this reason, stray dogs are spayed to prevent the population from increasing due to offspring. Domestic dogs are also spayed for the same purpose.
2. The risk of developing sexually transmitted diseases is reduced.
3. If you don't plan to breed your dog, but don't spay or neuter her, don't be surprised if your dog develops serious health problems. Hormonal imbalances are the most common cause, which can disrupt the functioning of virtually all organs and systems.
4. Behavior changes, and not for the better. A "mature" pet begins to show signs of character, especially during heat. Even the sweetest and most affectionate dogs become overly aggressive. They try to escape the house or break free from the leash. They don't look where they're going or around, which can lead to injuries.
5. A spayed or neutered animal lives several years longer with proper care and nutrition. Only pets with an improperly formulated diet and lack of long, active walks tend to gain weight. Furthermore, a dog eats with gusto. This shouldn't lead to overfeeding.

Cons

1. Although the surgery isn't particularly complicated, the animal requires anesthesia. Its effect on a young and fragile body is unknown. If the animal has chronic illnesses, general anesthesia is not recommended.
2. Both the surgery itself and potential complications afterward pose risks. If you choose a good surgeon and thoroughly examine your dog before spaying, the likelihood of any complications is minimal. Providing your pet with proper postoperative care is crucial.

When is the best time to spay or neuter dogs?

Some owners are under the misconception that it's healthier for a dog to wait until she has at least one litter of puppies before taking her to the vet for surgery. This isn't true. After pregnancy, a dog's hormonal levels change.

It's best to spay or neuter animals that haven't mated yet. It's even better to do this before their first heat or estrus. Each breed has its own "maturation age."

It's important that your pet is completely healthy on the day of the scheduled surgery, and that their body temperature is within normal limits. Conduct preventative checkups in advance. deworming.
However, if you didn't have time to take your dog to the vet before her first heat cycle, don't worry. Spaying can be done at any age. The main thing is that your pet isn't emaciated or weakened.

How to prepare a dog for sterilization

A couple of weeks before the surgery, be sure to undergo preventative deworming. Visit your veterinarian for a medical examination. The veterinarian should rule out any acute or chronic inflammatory conditions, infectious diseases, or parasitic diseases.

Feed your dog in the evening (12 hours before surgery) with a light, non-fatty diet. Ideally, it should be low in fat. You can give water in the morning. This is because the dog will vomit after the anesthetic is administered. Feeding your dog before surgery can cause aspiration (vomit entering the airway).

How to care for a dog after sterilization

Usually after the operation the dog is handed over to the owner for home recoveryIn rare cases, the animal is hospitalized. It's advisable to purchase a special tummy blanket or neck collar to prevent the animal from chewing through or damaging the stitches. Ensure complete rest.

Don't put your dog on the sofa or bed.

Only on the floor, on a soft surface. Otherwise, when your pet "awakens," he or she may fall from a height and injure themselves, as their coordination is impaired. Be prepared for the possibility of an involuntary bowel or bladder defecation. Don't scold them. It's not their fault.

Do not feed or water the animal until it begins to walk confidently.

The dog recovers from anesthesia gradually. Even if it's already walking with a swaying motion, it doesn't necessarily mean the throat muscles are able to contract. So, wait until it's walking steadily. And give it some water. The pet should eat small, frequent meals. The food should be low-fat. You can transition back to its normal diet a couple of days after spaying.

Be sure to treat the area around the seams, as advised by your veterinarian.

Measure your temperature

An increase in this level is a warning sign. An inflammatory process may have begun. The sutures should not be oozing, bleeding, or oozing pus. If you notice any of this, either call a veterinarian or take your dog to the clinic.

Seams

In recent years, veterinarians have been using absorbable sutures. Therefore, the suture material in the abdominal skin will disappear on its own. However, it's still worth visiting the clinic where the surgery was performed a week later. The veterinarian will inspect the suture and remove any remaining suture tails that haven't dissolved.

Video review of dog sterilization

• Why do surgery?
• How does dog sterilization work?
• Postoperative care

Any questions? You can ask our website's staff veterinarian in the comments below, who will answer them as quickly as possible.

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