Can spayed female dogs still go in heat?

In the journey of raising dogs, many pet owners will choose to have them sterilized for the health of their female dogs. They thought that after sterilization, female dogs would be able to say goodbye to the trouble of estrus, but some owners were surprised to find that spayed female dogs still seemed to have signs of estrus. This phenomenon not only confuses the owners, but also affects their concerns about the health of their dogs. So, will spayed female dogs still go in heat? Let us take this concern and explore the truth behind it. ​

Sterilization surgery, medically known as ovariohysterectomy, aims to remove the ovaries and uterus of female dogs to prevent them from going into estrus and becoming pregnant. Under normal circumstances, the estrus cycle of female dogs is regulated by hormones secreted by the ovaries. The ovaries produce estrogen and progesterone, which are like precise signals that control a series of changes in the female dog's body and prompt the female dog to enter estrus. When the ovaries and uterus are removed, the body loses its main source of hormones. In theory, female dogs will no longer have a typical estrus cycle.

However, in reality, some sterilized female dogs do show behaviors and signs similar to estrus. This may be caused by a variety of reasons. First, residual ovarian tissue during sterilization surgery is a common reason. Due to the complex structure of the ovaries, a small amount of ovarian tissue may be left in the body during surgery. These residual tissues can still secrete estrogen, which can cause estrus symptoms in female dogs. Although the amount of hormones secreted by the residual ovarian tissue is relatively small, it is enough to cause some physiological and behavioral changes in female dogs.

Second, some special diseases may also cause false estrus-like appearances. For example, hyperfunction of the adrenal cortex can cause the adrenal glands to secrete too much androgen, which can produce estrogen-like effects after a series of transformations in the body, causing female dogs to have symptoms similar to estrus. In addition, abnormal hormone metabolism in the female dog's body may also cause an imbalance in hormone levels in the body, causing similar estrus performance. ​

Pet owner Ms. Li has had such an experience. After her female dog was neutered, the originally well-behaved and docile dog became restless and would lick her genitals frequently, just like when she was in heat, to attract the attention of male dogs. Ms. Li initially thought that the operation had failed, and she was full of self-blame and worry. After a detailed examination by the veterinarian, it was found that a small amount of ovarian tissue was left. After understanding the situation, Ms. Li took appropriate treatment measures under the doctor's advice, and the dog's symptoms gradually eased. ​

When it is found that the neutered female dog has similar symptoms to estrus, the pet owner must take the dog to the veterinary hospital in time. Professional veterinarians will accurately determine the cause through detailed interviews, physical examinations, blood hormone tests, ultrasound examinations and other means. Blood hormone tests can measure the levels of various hormones in the female dog's body and help doctors understand the endocrine state. Ultrasound examinations can observe whether there are residual ovarian tissue or other abnormalities in the dog's body. Once the cause is determined, the doctor will develop a personalized treatment plan. In the case of residual ovarian tissue, another surgery may be required to remove the residual tissue; if it is a hormone imbalance caused by a disease, the doctor will use medication to regulate hormone levels and relieve symptoms.​

Although the estrus-like condition of a neutered female dog may be troubling to pet owners, we should face it with a scientific attitude. In the daily feeding process, pay more attention to the dog's behavior and physical changes. If you find any abnormalities, seek professional help in time. Female dogs regard us as the most important people in their lives. We have the responsibility to give them the best care and accompany them through a healthy and happy life.