Spaying a bitch is a surgical procedurethat involves removing the ovaries and, in some cases, the uterus. Its purpose is to end the bitch’s ability to reproduce and to prevent unwanted pregnancies.
During the operation the bitch is placed under general anaesthesia. The veterinarian makes an incision in the abdomen, removes the ovaries and, in the case of surgical castration, the uterus as well. The wound is then closed with sutures, which are removed after a set period of time.
Spaying a bitch brings many benefits, both for the animal and for her owner.
Here are some of them:
-
Population control: spaying prevents uncontrolled breeding, which matters particularly for a bitch, who may have several puppies in a single litter. It also helps to reduce the problem of stray animals.
-
Protecting health: removing the ovaries and the uterus eliminates the risk of serious diseases such as ovarian tumours or conditions of the uterus, including inflammation or growths.
-
A lower risk of unwanted behaviour: spaying a bitch can help to reduce unwanted behaviour such as aggression, territoriality or running away while she is in season.
-
Better mental wellbeing: ending the reproductive cycle helps her avoid the stress, tension and anxiety linked to being in season and to the males gathering around her.
-
A longer life: spaying can lengthen a bitch’s life by eliminating the risk of serious diseases and complications linked to reproduction.
A bitch can be spayed at various stages of her life, but there are situations in which the procedure is particularly advisable:
-
Before the first season: many veterinarians recommend spaying a bitch before her first season, usually at the age of 6-12 months. Doing it before the first season reduces the risk of many reproduction-related diseases, such as mammary tumours or infection of the uterus.
-
Between seasons: if a bitch comes into season regularly, spaying can be scheduled between cycles to avoid the risk of an unwanted mating.
-
If a bitch has been spayed before her first season, there is no need to fit her reproductive cycle around the date of the procedure. In that case the spaying can be scheduled at any convenient time, in line with the veterinarian’s advice.
It is worth remembering that in some cases the veterinarian may recommend spaying a bitch in other circumstances, such as health problems or previous litters. It is important to consult a veterinarian at Zviropolis, who, on the basis of an individual assessment of the bitch’s health and situation, will be able to advise on the best time for the procedure.
It should also be stressed that spaying is a personal decision for the owner and one that deserves careful thought. Weigh up both the benefits and the potential risks of the procedure and talk to a veterinarian to get all the information you need before making a final decision.
