What are the pros and cons of sterilizing a female dog?
I recently got a female dog (mongrel), the vet recommends sterilization before her first period. What are the pros and cons of sterilizing a female dog? Is it worth sterilizing? What could be the negative consequences?
1 Odpowiedź
Advantages of sterilizing a female dog:
Health:
- Reducing the risk of cancer: Sterilization significantly reduces the risk of breast cancer, especially if it is performed before the first period. The risk of uterine and ovarian cancer is also eliminated.
- No heat: Avoiding problems related to heat, such as bleeding, attraction to males or changes in behavior.
- Elimination of the risk of pyometra: This is a serious and potentially fatal condition that affects unsterilized female dogs.
Behavior:
- Behavior stabilization: It may reduce some hormone-related behaviors, such as aggression towards other female dogs or running away from home to look for a partner.
- No phantom pregnancies: Sterilization eliminates the risk of psychological pregnancies, which can cause stress and anxiety in the dog.
Population control:
- Avoiding unwanted pregnancies: It helps prevent accidental pregnancies, which helps reduce the problem of animal homelessness.
Disadvantages of sterilizing a female dog:
Surgery:
- Risks related to surgery and anesthesia: Like any surgery, sterilization carries the risk of complications related to anesthesia and the procedure itself.
- Recovery period: After surgery, proper care and time for recovery are required.
Changes in the body:
- Metabolism change: After sterilization, caloric needs decrease, which can lead to weight gain if diet and activity levels are not adjusted.
- Possibility of developing urinary incontinence: In some cases, especially in larger breeds, sterilization may increase the risk of urinary incontinence later in life.
Cost and availability:
- Treatment costs: Sterilization is a paid procedure and its price may constitute a financial burden for the dog owner.
Which is better – sterilization or not?
The decision to sterilize should be made after consultation with a veterinarian and taking into account individual circumstances, such as the dog's age, health condition and breed. If you do not plan to breed your female dog, spaying is often recommended due to the health and behavioral benefits mentioned. This eliminates the risk of unwanted pregnancies and contributes to reducing the number of homeless animals.
However, it is worth remembering that each case is different and the best practice is to discuss all the pros and cons with a professional veterinarian who can provide information based on the latest knowledge and experience.
