Spaying involves removing a female dog’s reproductive organs, also known as an ovariohysterectomy. You may choose to do so for a variety of reasons, such as preventing unwanted pregnancies.

There are many benefits to the procedure beyond just preventing unwanted pregnancies, such as preventing ovarian cancers, preventing uterine infections, significantly reducing the risk of mammary tumors, and correcting behaviors.

Spaying may not be for everyone; speak with your local vet and decide what’s best for you and your pet.

Spaying is a surgical procedure done to a female dog under general anesthesia. A veterinary surgeon makes an incision below the belly button and removes the reproductive tract, both the ovaries, and the uterus through the incision.

They then stitch or glue up the incision and are sent to recovery while the general anesthesia and medication wear off. The surgery can take 20 to 90 minutes, depending on your dog’s size, age, and whether your dog is in heat.

According to the MSPCA, spaying during heat is possible but may increase bleeding and surgical difficulty, so many veterinarians prefer to schedule surgery when the dog is not in heat, unless medically necessary.

Females vs. male dog neutering

Sterilizing a female dog is spaying, whereas sterilizing a male dog is neutering. Neutering involves making an incision in the front of the scrotum and removing both testicles.

According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), the best age to spay your dog depends on the breed and size of the dog:

  • small breeds of dog around ages six to nine months
  • larger breeds of dog over 12 to 18 months

Preparing your dog for surgery is important; the veterinary surgeon will most likely tell you what to do and what not to do the days and hours before their surgery.

Some ways of preparing include:

  • Your vet will most likely advise you to withhold food for 12 hours prior to the procedure; they may allow water until the morning unless otherwise instructed.
  • Be sure to check any signs of illness before surgery, too, including sneezing, vomiting, or diarrhea.
  • Bring all your pets’ records with you, too.
  • Bring a stuffed toy or teddy for them as a source of comfort, which has your smell on it.

The reason for avoiding food before the surgery is to reduce the risk of vomiting and aspiration during anesthesia.

Your veterinary surgeon will take your dog in once you bring them to the clinic. They may give them a mild sedative if they seem agitated, and settle them in a warm, clean kennel, awaiting their surgery.

Before the general anesthesia, the vet will give them a mild sedative to make them sleepy and help with the pain. They will then go under general anesthesia, fully intubated using a breathing tube in their throat.

They may also place your pet on a heated blanket to maintain a typical body temperature and prevent hypothermia during anesthesia. Low body temperatures can increase the risk of adverse anesthetic events.

The vet will monitor oxygen levels and heart rate throughout the surgery. The procedure involves removing both the ovaries and the uterus through a small incision in the abdomen. After the removal, the vet will use stitches or skin glue to close the wound.

The Animal Humane Society offers tips on aftercare and recovery for the first 2 weeks after surgery and onward.

  • Your pet will require time and attention after the surgery. Expect them to be slightly groggy after waking up from anesthesia, and listen carefully to your veterinary surgeon about post-surgical care.
  • They may behave differently in the first 24 hours, including being glassy-eyed, shivering, wobbly, spaced-out, or nauseous. This is just the general anesthesia wearing off.
  • It can take 48 hours for your pet to return to their typical appetite. Offer water and small bits of food at regular intervals.
  • Make sure they are in a clean and quiet environment.
  • Restrict activity to short leash walks for elimination only. Avoid running, jumping, and rough play during recovery.

Caring for the incision involves:

  • Avoid exercise, including running, jumping, chasing, and playing. Watch the incision carefully to avoid breaking the stitches.
  • Watch out for swelling or signs of infection, such as excessive discoloration or excessive heat around the incision. A little blood and swelling are typical, but if it is overly swollen or bleeding, speak with your vet.
  • Avoid baths and swimming for at least 10 days, and keep the incision dry.
  • Use an Elizabethan collar, or a donut, to prevent your dog from scratching, licking, or picking at the incision, as this may cause an infection or cause the stitches to break open.

There are a variety of risks and complications that can occur, some of which are typical and nothing to worry about, and others may require you to call your vet or visit an emergency vet.

Typical issues after surgery include:

  • a tiny bit of discharge, bleeding, or swelling at the incision site
  • your dog whining or crying as the anesthesia wears off in the first 24 hours
  • your dog being sleepy or spaced out in the first 24 hours after surgery
  • not going to the toilet on their usual schedule

Other issues that may require emergency care include:

  • major swelling, discoloration, or redness at the site of the incision
  • colored discharge from the incision
  • vomiting days after surgery
  • pale-colored gums
  • not eating or drinking for days after surgery
  • gaps at the spay incision

The AKC states that while you can never know what complications spaying your dog will bring, there have been previous studies stating that some overall complications of spaying may include:

  • a greater chance of particular types of cancer
  • a greater chance of soft tissue and joint injuries or issues such as hip dysplasia, if neutering or spaying too early
  • endocrine issues
  • a greater chance of urinary issues

These risks are not universal across all breeds of dog, and issues can depend on breed. Talk with your veterinarian about the best recommendation for your pet’s specific breed.

Recent research states that larger-breed dogs may develop joint disorders after spaying or neutering. However, this varies between breeds and the age at which they receive spaying or neutering.

The AKC recommends speaking with your vet and understanding your own pet-ownership needs. Some breeds may be more susceptible to complications after spaying, and it is important to weigh the benefits and risks.

Take your dog immediately to emergency care if they:

  • keep vomiting continuously
  • cannot stand up after the surgery
  • have difficulty breathing
  • the incision has opened completely
  • won’t wake up

Despite the variety of risks and complications that can come with spaying, there are a whole host of benefits, including:

  • Your pet will have protection against pregnancy. According to the ASPCA, millions of animals face homelessness each year, or euthanasia, as there simply are not enough homes or shelters to house them, including newborn puppies.
  • Spaying prevents a variety of medical issues, such as preventing tumors from developing, such as mammary, ovarian, and uterine tumors, uterine infections, and cancer.
  • They will live a longer and healthier life, according to the ASPCA.
  • They won’t go into heat, so you won’t have to manage a litter.
  • Preventing and reducing the risk of breast cancer.

Spaying your pet is widely beneficial; while it may possibly increase the risk of certain complications or future health issues, these are rare and do not outweigh the benefits.

Recent studies indicate that spayed pets live longer than unspayed pets, and, as mentioned previously, spaying reduces the risk of uterine conditions, such as tumors and infections.

Spaying a female dog, which involves removing their ovaries and uterus, can have a variety of benefits, including preventing unwanted pregnancies, helping keep down the population of homeless puppies and adult dogs, and preventing future medical and behavioral issues.

The procedure is simple and only has a few risks. Recovery includes giving your dog time and space to heal, using a collar, and avoiding exercise and baths for a while.

Speak with your vet about your pet; larger breeds of dog can receive spaying at a later age than smaller breeds.