Spaying

The spaying of bitches is recommended by the

British Small Animal Veterinary Association for the following reasons.

1) Unwanted pups are prevented. This removes the problems associated with finding homes or increasing the stray population.

2) No false pregnancy. False pregnancy is very common in bitches, and can occur after each season. It may result in distress to the bitch and anguish to the owner. A bitch undergoing false pregnancy may produce milk, lose her appetite and become quite aggressive.

3) Pyometra and other womb diseases are avoided as unspayed bitches can develop pyometra later in life, which then requires lifesaving surgery. Spaying a healthy bitch does not involve the risks of spaying an older bitch with pyometra.

4) Reduced risk of mammary tumours. The risk of mammary tumours increases progressively with each successive season. The earlier the bitch is spayed, the lower the risk.

5) No oestrus. Oestrus (season or ‘heat’) occurs about every six months in entire bitches. During this time bitches have to be kept away from other dogs and walked under close guard.

The BSAVA believes the benefits of spaying a bitch

outweigh any potential risk that are involved with the procedure.

We prefer to spay a bitch three months after the end of the last season, or it can be arranged to have your bitch spayed pre-season.

This means you do not have the worry of when the first season will occur as it varies from six months of age to eighteen months of age depending on size and breed. You will need to make an appointment with a vet to discuss this in detail first.