Spaying in Dogs

What is spaying or ovariohysterectomy?

Spaying is the common term used to describe the surgical procedure known as an ovariohysterectomy. In this procedure, the ovaries and uterus are removed. In this procedure, an incision is made just below the belly button (umbilicus) and the ovaries and uterus are removed completely to sterilize a female dog, or just the ovaries (ovariectomy), depending on your veterinarian’s technique.

Why should I have my dog spayed?

It is recommended that all non-breeding female dogs be spayed. Several health benefits are associated with spaying your dog. Spaying helps to reduce the pet overpopulation crisis, although there is emerging evidence to support delaying the surgery in large-breed dogs. Advantages of spaying include:

• Prevention of heat or estrus.
• Prevention of fatal uterine infection known as pyometra.
• Prevention of breast cancer. Dogs spayed before their first heat have less than 0.5% chance of developing breast cancer.
• Elimination of the risk of uterine and ovarian cancer.
• Elimination of the hormone fluctuations that cause false pregnancy following the heat cycle.
• Female dogs in heat experience an urge to escape to find a mate. Spaying eliminates this unwanted and dangerous behavior.
• Reduction in separation anxiety or fearful elimination.
• Spayed dogs generally live longer than those that are unspayed.

Are there other benefits to spaying my dog?

The operation may be performed to help in the treatment of several medical conditions, including:

• intractable false or phantom pregnancy
• irregular or abnormal cycles due to ovarian cysts
• diabetes 
• uterine infection (pyometra) or cancer
• dystocia (difficult birthing) or post-cesarean-section surgery

What are the potential disadvantages of spaying?

Spaying is the best option for the overall health and longevity of your dog. Some studies have suggested an increased risk for certain health conditions. Potential disadvantages include:

• Spaying large-breed dogs before bone growth is complete has been associated with an increased risk of cruciate ligament tear (knee injury) and the development of certain cancers.
• Spaying before maturity may be associated with an increased risk of certain behaviors such as noise phobia.
• Spayed dogs may be at risk for urinary incontinence, which primarily affects middle-aged and older female dogs.
• Spaying a dog will reduce her metabolism; however, obesity is the result of overfeeding and lack of physical activity. Obesity in dogs can be prevented by regulating your dog's diet and caloric intake and ensuring daily exercise.
• Spaying does not cause a change in personality, intelligence, playfulness, or affection.  

It should also be noted that allowing a dog to have a litter of puppies before spaying does not have a calming psychological effect.

When should I have my dog spayed?

There are many factors to consider when determining the optimal time to spay a dog, including health, behavior, and your pet's environment. Spaying before the first heat protects against breast cancer, decreases the risk of bleeding after surgery, and provides a faster recovery. Large breed dogs may benefit from spaying at an older age. Talk to your veterinarian to determine the best time to spay your pet.

Is there any alternative to surgery?

There is currently no alternative to surgery.

Are there any dangers associated with the surgery?

Spaying is considered a major operation and requires general anesthesia. With any anesthetic, the risk of serious complications, including death, is always possible. With modern anesthetics and monitoring equipment, the risk of complications is very low.. See “Anesthesia for Dogs” for further information.

What happens when I leave my dog for this procedure?

The veterinarian will examine your pet and pre-anesthetic blood tests will usually be performed. If everything is acceptable, your pet will be anesthetized. Most pets will have an intravenous catheter placed to administer the anesthetic and to provide fluid therapy during the surgery. After your pet is anesthetized, a breathing tube will be placed in her trachea (windpipe) to allow the delivery of oxygen and gas anesthetic directly into the lungs.

Are there any post-operative precautions I should take?

Dogs must be kept quiet in the post-operative period to encourage healing and help prevent complications. Most dogs can resume normal activity 5–10 days after surgery. Until then, leash walks, lots of rest, and no swimming, bathing, or running is advised.

Elizabethan collars (E-collars) or alternatives are often recommended to prevent your dog from being able to lick at her incision. Many veterinarians use absorbable sutures so that you do not have to return to have them removed.