Spaying of dogs or ovariohysterectomy, is the term for neutering a female dog. The procedure consists of surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus. If the ovaries are not removed, the bothersome heat periods still occur. Surgery is usually performed at 5.5 to 9 months of age. Though it is routinely performed, ovariohysterectomy is a major surgery requiring general anesthesia and sterile operating technique. Prevention of pregnancy and heat periods is the main reason for the surgery, but the procedure is oftern necessary in treating severe uterine infections, ovarian and uterine tumors, and some skin disorders.

What are the advantages of spaying dogs?
• There will be no heat period
• There will be no unwanted puppies
• The uterine infections common in older dogs rarely occur.
• Mammary gland cancer seldom develops in dogs spayed before their first heat.
 

Will spaying make my dog fat and lazy?
No. Obesity is due to excessive calorie intake. Weight can be controlled by proper feeding and exercise.

Will spaying change my dogs personality, disposition, or intelligence?
No. Dogs personalities donot fully develop until 1-2 years of age. If there is a personality change in a dog neutered at a young age, it would have occurred without surgery.

Are there any problems associated with spaying?
A very small percentage of dogs have trouble holding their urine as they become older. This is normally controllable with medication.