MMDR
Spaying refers to surgically
removing the reproductive organs of a dog (or cat) including both ovaries and
the uterus. When the female dog is spayed, she will be unable to become
pregnant with offspring. Although
spaying is considered major surgery as the veterinarian needs to enter the
dog’s abdomen, the procedure is very routine and safe for your pet.
As with any surgery, there is always a risk. Ensure you speak with your veterinarian
to discuss any possible complications. There are many myths in regards to
spaying your pet. One myth discusses that you should allow your dog to go
through their first “heat” and/or litter before spaying them. This is untrue,
actually by spaying the dog before their first “heat” will reduce the changes
of mammary cancer by 97% over the dog’s lifetime.
Neutering (also known as castration) refers to surgically
removing the reproductive organs of a male dog. The veterinarian term for this
is orchiectomy. With the removal of the dog’s testicle,
he will no longer be able to get a female dog pregnant. Weight gain should be
monitored when a dog is neutered as they require 25% less calories than before
the operation. Your dog’s energy level can also decrease as a result of
neutering. As with all major surgeries, ensure you discuss your dog’s health
and procedure with your veterinarian. The ideal time for neutering to occur is
between five and seven months of age and the procedure is very routine.
The main reason to spay or neuter your dog is
to control animal population. A female dog can do into heat (have the ability
to become pregnant) as early as six months old (usually 12 months at the latest).
Litters can occur one to four times per year, with an average of nine puppies
per litter. The average dog lives to about 12 years old, and although they do
eventually become infertile, the age of when a dog can no longer become pregnant
varies. One female dog can dramatically affect the dog over population problem
over the course of her life. It is extremely important to spay and neuter your
dog to do your part to help control this issue.
What can you do to help?
1)
Ensure you spay or neuter your dog! Good news,
when adopting from Manitoba Mutts (and most other rescues and shelters) spaying
and neutering is part of your adoption fee.
2)
Adopt – Don’t Shop. By adopting a dog from a
rescue you help reduce the dog over population and avoid giving your business
to puppy mills
3)
Donate and help support rescues that help
control the dog over population in Manitoba
Useful links:
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