Oct 11
16
Neutering Dogs – The Effects on Female Dogs That Have Been Spayed
The female dog’s reproductive system is composed of suspensory ligaments, ovaries, oviducts, horns of the uterus, uterus, cervix, and vagina. When a female is spayed, an ovariohysterectomy is performed. This means the removal of the ovaries, oviducts, uterine horns and uterus.
Physical Effects of Neutering
Spaying/neutering prevents the female from falling pregnant, eliminates the twice yearly heat cycles, and removes the source of production of estrogen and progesterone. These two hormones regulate heat cycles in the intact female, but as she ages they can have harmful side effects. For example, estrogen is one of the main causes of breast cancer. Pyometra is a severe uterine disease which may occur after heat cycles – undetected, this condition is fatal! Occasionally, a spayed female may develop urinary incontinence, but the health benefits of spaying outweigh this disadvantage.
Behavioural Effects of Neutering
Some females fail to go out of their heat cycles correctly, causing a condition called false pregnancy. Although no mating has taken place, the body believes it is pregnant due to incorrect hormonal stimuli. Abdominal swelling and/or engorgement of the mammary glands occurs and there are also behavioural changes such as digging a nest, guarding objects, and holding toys against the teats. When hormones return to their normal levels the pregnancy symptoms disappear. But until they do, this is a very stressful time for the female.
Perpetuation of the species is something for which dogs are genetically programmed. Although the heat cycles usually last about 14 to 21 days, the female is receptive to the male for a very short period – approximately 10 to 12 days after bleeding begins. However, their scent attracts males right from the onset of the heat cycle and many females find this constant attention very stressful.
What happens during those few days that females are receptive? The need to reproduce drives them to seek a mate to the extent of escaping. Not being able to escape to satisfy that need is going against a very important means of survival, thus causing extreme distress. Females in heat have been known to run through glass patio doors, jump out of moving cars, etc., in their attempt to find a mate. The result can be a badly hurt or even dead pet!
By having his female dog spayed, the owner is ensuring that none of these behaviours occur. Changes of character in the female and tendency to gain extra weight are popular beliefs that have no scientific proof to back them up. Spaying/neutering also prevents harmful genetic traits such as epilepsy and hip dysplasia from being passed on.
Next, let’s talk about neutering “the guys”, shall we?
Alexandra Santos
Canine behaviour consultant, dog trainer and author of Dog Care Books.
