Dog Sterilization — Benefits and Risks Explained
The sterilization of dogs is a matter that has been discussed for quite some time now. There are those who view it as a right decision while others consider it as an interference with nature. In many countries, the sterilization of dogs is compulsory for those that are not intended for breeding, but in most cases the decision is left to the owner of the pet.
In this article we'll discuss the basics of dog sterilization, questions to ask your veterinarian before surgery, the advantages and disadvantages of it and when it should be done. But first, let’s clarify the terminology.
Sterilization vs. Castration: What's the Difference?
You have probably come across these terms before, but they are not exactly the same. Castration means the removal of the reproductive organs (the testes in the male, or the ovaries and sometimes the uterus in the female) whereas sterilization means the prevention of reproduction.
For female dogs, sterilization is usually an ovariohysterectomy (removal of the ovaries and the uterus). Some of the vets may suggest that the removal of the ovaries only (ovariectomy) is a less complicated procedure as compared to the removal of both ovaries and the uterus. However, this decision is made based on the recommendation of your veterinarian and the needs of your dog.
The Sterilization Process: What to Expect
Before the procedure, the vet will do a check up on your dog including running blood tests, heart scans and possibly an ultrasound to confirm that the dog is healthy to be operated on. Your dog will have to be starved for 10-24 hours before the surgery.
During the surgery, your dog will be put under general anaesthesia. Based on the type of sterilization, the ovaries are removed or both the ovaries and the uterus is removed through a small cut. Some clinics also offer laparoscopic sterilization which has minimal scarring and less recovery time.
After the procedure, the incision is stitched up, and your dog is typically sent home the same day or the next. To prevent infections, your vet may give you antibiotics and painkillers. The dog will also be required to wear a recovery cone or a post-op onesie to prevent the dog from licking the stitches.
Benefits of Sterilization: Why It’s Worth Considering
The main objective of sterilization is to prevent unwanted pregnancy. This means there are no heat cycles, no unwanted mating and no unwanted litters.
Many people have the misconception that giving birth is a rejuvenating process for the body of a dog. This is however not the case as pregnancy is stressful to the mother’s organs and most especially for small breeds like Bulldogs. Also, sterilization helps in the prevention of conditions such as mammary tumors, uterine infections and aggression that are hormone related.
Behaviorally, sterilized dogs are more attentive to their owners, less aggressive, and do not tend to roam in search of a mate.
Potential Risks and Downsides
While sterilization offers many benefits, there are some potential drawbacks. As with any other surgery, there is always a chance of something going wrong, such as infection or reaction to the anaesthetic. However, there are rare cases where if a small part of the ovary is left behind, the dog may still have heat cycles and may require another surgery.
Post-sterilization, some dogs tend to gain weight because they have a slower metabolism. This can be controlled by diet and exercise. Another possible problem is urinary incontinence which is seen in about 20% of the spayed dogs especially in larger breeds. If this condition occurs, medication can be used to treat it.
When Should You Sterilize Your Dog?
Most of the vets will tell you that it is safe to neuter your dog at any age as long as the dog is healthy. However, it is advised that the dog should be sterilized when the reproductive system is fully developed. There are dangers of anaesthesia complications when the dog is sterilized before six months or after ten years.
Interestingly, early sterilization (before the first heat cycle) significantly reduces the risk of mammary tumors. There are certain breeds of dogs that the vet may suggest not to spay until the dog has had two or three heat cycles especially if the breed is known to mature slowly. It is always wise to seek the advice of a veterinarian and maybe a canine reproduction specialist for the best approach.
To support your pet’s overall health after sterilization, explore our curated selection of daily care items for dogs.
Should You Sterilize Your Dog?
Here are the principal advantages and disadvantages of dog sterilization in summary form.
Benefits for Your Dog:
- Increased lifespan
- Reduced risk of tumors and uterine infections
- No risks associated with pregnancy or labor
- Decreased chance of injuries from roaming
Benefits for You:
- Easier walks without the stress of fending off male dogs
- Savings on veterinary costs for pregnancies or false pregnancies
- No need to find homes for unexpected puppies
Potential Drawbacks:
- Risk of weight gain
- Possible urinary incontinence (more common in large breeds)
The choice rests with you. Thousands of years of human intervention in dog domestication make the argument about unnatural sterilization irrelevant. The practice of sterilization provides a method to protect dogs from harm in human-controlled environments.