What age can female dogs be spayed?

Welcome a lovely female dog to your home, and watch it grow up little by little, just like witnessing the wonderful journey of a little life. Every movement and every call of it can easily touch the owner's heartstrings. As the dog grows up, an important question is placed in front of the owner - when can the female dog be sterilized? This decision is not only related to the health of the dog, but also full of the owner's deep love and responsibility for it. ​

The sexual maturity and physical maturity of female dogs are two different stages, which are closely related to whether they can be sterilized. Generally speaking, small dogs will usher in their first estrus when they are 6 to 8 months old, at which time they begin to enter the stage of sexual maturity. The first estrus of medium-sized dogs is usually 8 to 12 months, while large dogs are relatively late, and may not have their first estrus until 12 to 18 months. When a female dog has its first estrus, many owners will feel both novel and a little overwhelmed. The female dog may become restless and urinate frequently to attract the attention of male dogs. However, sexual maturity does not mean that the body is fully mature, especially the bones, muscles and internal organs are still developing and improving. ​

When considering the age of female dog sterilization, there are different views and research results in the veterinary community. The traditional view is that it is more appropriate to sterilize the female dog after the first estrus, which is about 8 to 12 months. There are many benefits to sterilization at this stage. From a behavioral point of view, it can effectively reduce the behavioral changes caused by estrus in female dogs, such as no longer howling frequently and being restless, and it can also reduce their impulse to go out to find a mate and reduce the risk of getting lost. Many owners have had such an experience. The abnormal behavior of female dogs in estrus makes the house a little "chicken flying and dog jumping", and after sterilization, the dog has returned to its former well-behaved state, and the owner is naturally relieved. From a health perspective, sterilization during this period can significantly reduce the probability of female dogs suffering from reproductive system diseases such as breast tumors, ovarian cysts, and uterine pyometra. According to relevant research, if a female dog is neutered before the first estrus, the risk of developing a mammary tumor can be reduced by more than 90%; if it is neutered after the first estrus, the risk can also be reduced by about 80%. Once these diseases occur, not only will the dog suffer great pain, but the treatment process is often complicated and expensive. The owner will feel very uncomfortable watching the dog suffer. ​

However, with the deepening of canine health research, some new views believe that it may be more beneficial for large dogs to postpone the time of sterilization. The bone development of large dogs is relatively slow. Neutering after 18 months or even 2 years old can help the bones grow and develop better and reduce the incidence of bone diseases such as hip dysplasia. For example, if a golden retriever is sterilized before the bones are fully mature, the sudden change in hormone levels may affect the closure time of the bone growth plate and increase the risk of bone deformity. For such large dogs, the owners often invest more effort and emotion, hoping that they can live a healthy and long life and accompany them for a longer time, so they will be more cautious in choosing the time of sterilization.​

Before the female dog is sterilized, the owner's heart is often full of entanglements and worries. On the one hand, they hope that sterilization can protect the dog from reproductive system diseases and have a healthier life; on the other hand, they are worried about the risks during the operation and the changes in the dog's body and personality after sterilization. This complex mood is like the uneasiness when making a major decision for a child. Before deciding the time for sterilization, it is essential to take the dog to the veterinarian. The veterinarian will conduct a comprehensive physical examination, including blood routine and biochemical tests, to assess whether the dog's physical condition is suitable for surgery. They will give professional advice based on the dog's breed, age, weight and overall health. In this process, the owner can also confide his concerns and questions to the veterinarian and get more information and confidence from the veterinarian. ​

When the time for sterilization is finally determined, the owner should be fully prepared before the operation. For example, according to the veterinarian's instructions, fasting and water abstinence for a certain period of time before the operation to prevent vomiting, aspiration, etc. during the operation. At the same time, prepare a quiet, warm and comfortable postoperative recovery environment for the dog, and lay a soft mat so that the dog can get a good rest after the operation. On the day of the operation, when the dog was sent to the hospital, the owner's mood was like sending a child to face a challenge, worried and full of expectations. When the dog was pushed into the operating room, the owner's heart was also hanging, and he waited anxiously outside the operating room.

After the operation, the owner saw the dog lying there weakly, with traces of the operation on his body, and his heart was full of distress. Postoperative care is very important. You must strictly follow the veterinarian's instructions and give the dog medicine on time to prevent wound infection. Pay attention to the healing of the dog's wound and keep the wound clean and dry. In terms of diet, make appropriate adjustments and give nutritious and easy-to-digest food to help the dog recover. In this process, the dog may show some abnormal behaviors due to the pain of the wound, such as unwillingness to move and loss of appetite. The owner needs to give more patience and care, gently comfort the dog, and accompany it through this difficult period. ​

There is no absolute standard for the selection of the age for sterilization of female dogs, but it needs to comprehensively consider the dog's breed, physical development, and the owner's expectations for the dog's health and life. No matter when you finally choose to sterilize your dog, it is out of the owner's deep love for the dog. When the owner sees that the neutered dog is still healthy and lively, and happily around him, he will understand that this decision is made for the dog to have a longer and happier life. In this process, the relationship between the owner and the dog will become deeper and deeper with mutual companionship and care.