Nov2010_DO I DESEX MY PET
OR LET HER HAVE A LITTER?
As vets, we answer this question on a daily basis as people grapple with the decision to either desex their pets at 6 months (prior to puberty) or to allow them to mature and have a litter.
Some people believe it allows their dog to have a more “normal” life experience and to others they want the experience of birth and puppies for them or their kids.
There are just a few myths, old-wives tails and things that people should know before making this decision. Firstly, desexing your pet will NOT change their personality – this is set from birth. Usually the start on maturity (for some breeds) starts at the time of desexing and a “slowing down” occurs as the pet sheds some of its puppy behaviour. Secondly, a pet will not know what they are missing if they have never sexually matured as opposed to an animal which has matured and developed behaviour consistent with an entire male or female, then had it taken away.
Whilst a spay is a major operation not to be taken lightly, it significantly reduces the risks of many life threatening tumours later in life; life threatening infections of the uterus; as well as unwanted pregnancies; and the risk of birthing problems – especially if your dog is mated by a breed mismatched to her size.
Whilst most dogs give birth with minimal to no complications, when complications do occur they are usually spectacular, life-threatening and expensive, and very distressing to watch in a beloved pet. Birthing complications can range from puppies with various congenital complications, puppies stuck in the birth canal, the female needing a caesarean section, up to infections, milk fever and seizures post birth.
New laws recently introduced make it compulsory to microchip all animals given away or sold under 12 weeks of age and to microchip and register with the local council any animal given away or sold over 12 weeks of age. This can make giving away unwanted litters a much more expensive exercise also.
Overall, desexing your pet prior to puberty is the safest option allowing the prevention of unwanted litters and all of the potential problems associated with giving birth, as well as preventing certain cancers and infections later in life, allowing your pet to be a healthy, happy member of your family. Should you, however, wish to breed a litter after making an informed decision, make sure you know what the recommendations are from your vet before embarking on this huge task. For more information about desexing, management of the pregnant bitch, or puppy care, please contact the Old Mill Vet Surgery on 3425 2222.
There are just a few myths, old-wives tails and things that people should know before making this decision. Firstly, desexing your pet will NOT change their personality – this is set from birth. Usually the start on maturity (for some breeds) starts at the time of desexing and a “slowing down” occurs as the pet sheds some of its puppy behaviour. Secondly, a pet will not know what they are missing if they have never sexually matured as opposed to an animal which has matured and developed behaviour consistent with an entire male or female, then had it taken away.
Whilst a spay is a major operation not to be taken lightly, it significantly reduces the risks of many life threatening tumours later in life; life threatening infections of the uterus; as well as unwanted pregnancies; and the risk of birthing problems – especially if your dog is mated by a breed mismatched to her size.
Whilst most dogs give birth with minimal to no complications, when complications do occur they are usually spectacular, life-threatening and expensive, and very distressing to watch in a beloved pet. Birthing complications can range from puppies with various congenital complications, puppies stuck in the birth canal, the female needing a caesarean section, up to infections, milk fever and seizures post birth.
New laws recently introduced make it compulsory to microchip all animals given away or sold under 12 weeks of age and to microchip and register with the local council any animal given away or sold over 12 weeks of age. This can make giving away unwanted litters a much more expensive exercise also.
Overall, desexing your pet prior to puberty is the safest option allowing the prevention of unwanted litters and all of the potential problems associated with giving birth, as well as preventing certain cancers and infections later in life, allowing your pet to be a healthy, happy member of your family. Should you, however, wish to breed a litter after making an informed decision, make sure you know what the recommendations are from your vet before embarking on this huge task. For more information about desexing, management of the pregnant bitch, or puppy care, please contact the Old Mill Vet Surgery on 3425 2222.
