Spaying A Dog: Right or Wrong?
Some people claim that spaying a dog is inhumane and others claim that it is irresponsible to bring puppies into the world unless you are willing to look after the puppies for life.
That means even if you have sold the puppy to someone who no longer wants the dog, you are prepared to take the animal back while you find another home or if necessary keep it yourself.
Millions of unwanted dogs put to sleep
One of the strongest reasons in favor of spaying a dog are the many thousands of unwanted dogs euthanized every year. An estimated 6-8 million homeless animals enter animal shelters every year and tragically about half of these are put down.
It is not just the stray dogs that are put down but puppies and pure breeds that are not adopted. Prevention of unwanted litters is definitely better that euthanasia, the humane society and many other animal welfare groups insist that any adopted animals are spayed or castrated for just this reason.
Spaying a dog usually involves removing both the uterus and the ovaries. It will be done under a general anesthetic so the dog will not experience any pain during the process.
Recovery usually only requires that the dog is kept inside and quiet for a few days. It will be impossible to breed your dog after this procedure.
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Responsible breeding
If you are seriously interested in breeding and developing the breed, and willing to find responsible owners for the potential puppies before conception then spaying a dog is not for you.
Other benefits of spaying a dog
Spaying a dog can also have other health benefits, spayed animals cannot get ovarian cysts or uterine infections, they are also much less likely to develop breast cancer.
Some of the incidental benefits include no bloody discharge during heat and not having every male dog with in miles pursuing and serenading your pet.
Another benefit is that your dog will not be subject to normal hormonal mood swings and will have a more even temperament.
Negative effects of spaying
On the negative side spaying a dog can lead to weight gain, spayed animals do not have the same food requirements and tend to be less active. This should not be a problem if you monitor the amount of food your dog eats and you make sure to exercise her regularly.
Regular exercise will not only help to keep her slim but as it does in humans, exercise will keep her healthy and happy.
Either way the answer is responsible pet ownership
Whether you decide to spay your dog or not, you will be responsible for the health and well being of your dog.
If you feel that you should leave your dog as nature intended and you choose not to sterilize your dog, you will need to be be responsible for ensuring that your dog does not contribute to the number of unwanted dogs and puppies put to sleep every day.
Either way we as pet owners need to be responsible for our animals and any offspring they produce for life, they are not disposable toys.