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For those involved in working with alternative healthcare,
concerns of animal overpopulation, rescue and recovery of
animals, or general responsibility of a better planet, the
question of spaying is a mute point. However, we all will
at some time work with professional breeders of purebred
dogs. The breeders I have worked with have been individuals
of extreme integrity and breed only the best of the breed.
They are extremely careful in their breeding programs to
meet only the highest standards of the breed and sell only
to those buyers who can provide the best of homes. But,
the question of spaying the female dog (and cat) is a crucial
one and in most cases with the above exception, the one
most animal advocates will advise.
Spaying of the female dog is mainly undertaken to control
the unwanted pregnancy and massive population of unwanted
dogs produced by the crossing of some unknown, non-descript
or unhealthy dogs. Spaying can greatly reduce the aggressiveness
of the dog. Females who by nature are sweet and loving can
be dangerous when protecting a litter of pups.
Many countries are experiencing extremely large numbers
of stray and scavenging dogs and are attempting to “spay
and release” by removing the ovaries from the female
animals. In some areas, this type of population control
seems to be working. This is much better than the reproduction
of hundreds of thousands of unwanted animals competing for
food and survival, not to mention the harsh conditions under
which they live. The numbers of dog packs have increased
and the danger to the population has grown to extremes in
many countries including the USA. An alarming number of
attacks by dog packs on animals have increased. The number
of dogs dumped on country roads increases, as we have become
a “throw away society”. We do not know the logic
in a person’s mind when they leave an animal stranded
on a lonely country road. But, it immediately becomes either
a threat or burden to someone else, not to mention the horrendous
pain to that animal in fear, loneliness and deprivation.
This is just part of the role that society plays in the
continuing plaque of overpopulation of unwanted animals.
Shelters are bursting at the seams and appropriations of
funds are in constant danger. So spaying of female dogs
is not only humane and healthy for your beloved pet but
also as a responsible citizen if you are not a breeder who
only breeds with the highest standards. Education is the
best way to turn around a situation that has become epidemic.
School programs that focus on the humane and loving care
of animals and the responsible care of the environment are
proving beneficial and showing positive results with many
young people.
And as for the health issues involved, a female dog that
is spayed before the occurrence of first heat will have
almost a zero chance of development of mammary cancer, which
is more common with the dogs that are not spayed. Many conditions
can be avoided by early spaying. The fears that spaying
can cause weight problems can be solved with diet and exercise
much easier than treating for more serious, and even fatal
diseases such as cancer. The benefits of spaying much reduce
the loss of a pet that may escape the yard or home when
in heat. The “call of nature” sometimes proves
stronger than the home ties. Dogs have been known to chew
through doors and climb over electric fence when in heat,
only to meet with traffic accidents or worse. Spaying (and
neutering) can prevent the pain of losing an animal to those
types of accidents.
A female dog generally comes to heat once in eight months
or so. During the heat occurrence there is bleeding; spaying
prevents all these unwanted symptoms and pregnancy. Pregnancy
in the case of aged dogs can lead to many difficult health
issues and also serious risks of pyometra. Side effects
of pyometra include increased thirst; anorexia and vomiting
which are extremely hard on the immune system of the older
dog. Pyometra means the presence of pus in the uterus. Once
pyometra occurs, it involves many discomforts to the animal
in addition to the cost factor involved for the therapy.
Pyometra and other problems caused by unwanted pregnancies
can be totally prevented by spaying because in the case
of spaying, you are removing both ovaries and the uterus.
It is a decision that can make such a difference in the
life of your animal.
Animals that are intact still have the heat cycles and health
risks not associated with animals that have been spayed
(or neutered). Your decision will greatly affect the life
and health of your dog.
Submitted by:
Bennie Jean Kuehnle
The Animal Institute of Holistic Health
Twin Kreek Ranch Performance Horses
Petspeak@swbell.net
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