Does your dog need to undergo a dog spay procedure? Many pet owners who own female dogs wonder if dog spaying will actually do any good. Does spaying change a dog’s behavior? What are the benefits of spaying dog and at what age should a dog be spayed? Today, we’ll debunk myths that surround this procedure!
To Dog Spay or Not to Dog Spay
Myth #1: The kids will benefit from seeing the dog give birth to puppies
Fact: It seems like a wonderful idea to show kids how a mother dog gives life to its offsprings. However, the labor and giving birth usually happens in a secluded and isolated area where the mother dog will be undisturbed. If you want the kids to learn from this experience, teach them about the gift of life instead. Teach them how precious each puppy’s life is.
Moreover, letting a dog give birth just for the sake of the kids witnessing the event is unnecessary. There’s no point in having puppies if you can’t care for them which is something kids should also understand.
Myth #2: The puppies will be given new homes
Fact: Sure, you might be able to find new homes for those puppies. However, you also need to realize that for one home you find for your puppy, that’s one less home for dogs in animal shelters. You also have to consider that the more puppies you have, they will give birth to more dogs when they’re of age. This will just continuously increase the dog population. More dogs will then end up in shelters.
Myth #3: Spay after your dog has one litter
Fact: This dog spay myth is one of the more popular ones out there and it encourages pet owners to wait for the first heat before they get their dogs spayed. Well, there is no truth to this at all. Fact is, the female dogs will benefit from being spayed before their first heat due as it will reduce breast cancer risk.
Myth #4: A beautiful dog’s puppies will look exactly like the mother
Fact: There is no exact copy of puppies born from their mothers. There’s always a couple of things that set them apart. Even professional dog breeders cannot guarantee an exact replica of puppies. With that said, pet owners will have a harder time making that happen.
If you’re feeling bad about not letting your dog have puppies because it’s purebred, don’t. Regardless of breed and lineage, they’ll still end up in animal shelters if you can’t take care of them.
Is your pooch always on top of her style game? Let her strut her stuff like this one here!
Myth #5: It’s taking a dog’s womanhood away from her
Fact: If you’re feeling guilty about it, please don’t. Find comfort in knowing that dogs do not get emotional when they’re spayed. There are no emotions attached here and they won’t undergo an identity crisis once their reproductive system is removed. They will still be your adorable furry friends at home!
Myth #6: Dogs will be unprotective and lazy
Fact: All dogs have the natural instinct to protect their families and spaying doesn’t change that at all! Genes are responsible for a dog’s personality and character. Her sex hormones have nothing to do with her instincts.
Moreover, a dog’s energy levels won’t be affected with spaying. Being fat and lazy happens when your dog doesn’t exercise enough or if you’re giving them too much food. However, do take note that after a dog spay procedure, your dog might have reduced metabolism for the first six months of surgery. You will need to keep an eye out for her diet.
Myth #7: Dog spaying is expensive
Fact: The rate for dog spay procedures vary from one veterinarian to another. Rates will depend on the size, sex and age of the dog, too. But whatever the rate is, it’s just a one-time fee that you need to pay to ensure your dog’s health. Come to think of it, it will always be cheaper than taking care of an entire litter!
Are you looking for a soap that will moisturize your pet’s skin as well as make sure he smells good? Make this DIY oatmeal, tea tree oil and lavender dog soap with the help of thefrugalcrafter Lindsay Weirich:
Should your dog undergo dog spay or not? The decision is really up to you. Ask yourself, are you wholeheartedly willing to care for the puppies? And will you be able to? There are pros and cons of dog spaying but each situation differs from one pet owner to another. Decide based on what’s best for your dog and your family. Hope these dog spay myths and facts will help you make the right decision!
Let us know what other myths you’ve heard about dog spaying in the comments section below!
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