Health Concerns for Female Dogs In Heat
Female dogs in heat
can be a challenge to deal with. Their bloody discharge can stain your
carpet and furniture, the smell of their pheremones will attract male dogs from miles around
and if she is left unsupervised outdoors, your bitch is very likely to be approached and
bred by an aggressive male dog. She may also experience a mood change when she is in heat and
become more aggressive, protective or territorial.
Unless you are operating a responsible breeding program, there is no good reason to avoid spaying
your dog. She will be happy and possibly healthier if you spay her as this procedure
can reduce her risk for certain cancers, diabetes, mange and epilepsy. If you spay your
dog before her first heat cycle, her risk of developing breast cancer is .05%. In an unspayed
dog, that risk is 8%. Think of your dog's health, as well as your own convenience.
These days, spaying a female dog
is a common 1-day abdominal surgery in which a veterinarian removes the dog's uterus and ovaries.
If you own an unspayed female dog, chances are she will come into heat for the first
time at about 6-9 months of age and about twice a year thereafter. To avoid the hassle
of handling female dogs in heat, you can have your dog spayed for a very reasonable cost
and this will prevent spotting in the house as well as the possibility of unwanted pregnancy.
Many pet over-population advocacy groups offer low-cost spay and neuter clinics. If cost
is an issue for you, search these out and see what they can do to help you.
The best time to spay your female dog is before she comes into heat the first time but after
she has some adult growth. Generally about 6 months of age is a good time to shoot for, but
check with your vet and see what he recommends for your dog's breed.

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