When can a dog be sterilized: suitable age, characteristics and results of the procedure. Castration of a bitch. When to castrate. Is it worth mating once? Should I sterilize my dog?

To be prepared to deal with them should they arise. In particular, it is noted that as a result, the dog may increase in growth - which means that it will require special nutrition that prevents obesity and at the same time provides it with all the elements necessary for healthy growth and development.

Do not read various mythical messages on Internet sources. Seek advice from professionals. You will be told in detail about the various features of sterilization in a veterinary hospital, as well as in a nursery engaged in breeding. So, on many sites you can find information about changes in the behavior of dogs after sterilization. This is incorrect, if only simply because the female canines, unlike the male ones, experience a surge of hormones only a few times a year. The rest of the time their behavior is not regulated by them. Accordingly, sterilization will not affect him in any way.

Take all of the above steps before your pet is 5-6 months old, since sterilization surgery is considered optimal at this age. Please note that you will also need to decide in advance whether the procedure will be performed at home or in a clinic, and select the appropriate facility and doctor. Make a decision not based on your own interests, but based on the dog: performing this operation requires sterility, and if you are not ready to create such an environment at home, refuse a home operation. On the other hand, an overly nervous dog may have a worse time undergoing surgery in the clinic.

Carefully study the features of postoperative care and prepare everything you need in advance. Prepare especially carefully to assist with your dog's recovery from anesthesia. Be prepared for the fact that, like people, animals also react to it in accordance with their individual characteristics, and may behave differently than described when listing standard symptoms.

Although the operation still has many opponents, bough is used throughout the world for population control. Even the most caring and attentive owner cannot be one hundred percent sure that his pet will not break off the leash and go to get to know some male dogs better.

Giving away a litter of mixed breeds is not an easy task, and killing helpless newborn puppies is not humane. It is much better to prevent them from appearing.

The heat itself is also a sad time for the owner. Twice a year, he is forced to buy special underwear for the dog so that it does not dirty the apartment, while the animal regularly strives to get rid of unnecessary clothes and do hygiene procedures.

Some owners of bitches prefer not to sterilize their animals, but to use hormonal drugs to prevent estrus. However, such drugs have many side effects. For example, they contribute to the appearance of cysts on the ovaries and inflammation of the uterus, after which sterilization becomes urgently necessary.

When to spay a dog

Doctors have different opinions about at what age it is best to sterilize a dog. Some veterinarians offer such services as early as five to six months of age, while others recommend scheduling surgery after the dog's first heat, which is eight to ten months. Sterilization too early (before five months) is not advisable. Puppies' organs are actively growing, and removing some of them can lead to deformation of the remaining ones. You can also sterilize an adult dog, but the operation is not recommended for older females.

As a rule, sterilization is carried out under general anesthesia, and such stress can cause irreparable harm to the cardiovascular system of an elderly animal.

When planning to register your dog for sterilization, focus not only on the age, but also on the health status of the animal. Your dog must be absolutely healthy. When working with young bitches, the veterinarian, as a rule, is limited to a visual examination, measuring temperature, and listening to heart rhythm. For animals over five years old, blood and urine tests are taken and an ECG is performed. If you are determined to sterilize your dog, do not delay the operation. The sooner you do it, the faster your pet will recover and live a full life again.

Castration, sterilization of the bitch and why it is necessary

Castration of a bitch- a surgical operation to remove the ovaries (sex glands) to prevent the manifestation of sexual behavior and associated consequences (disobedience, aggression, pregnancy, childbirth, the appearance of offspring, vagrancy, escapes). Castration is carried out in animals whose procreation is not desirable.

Which dogs need to be neutered:

• domestic or service dogs not intended for breeding (both purebred and mixed breed);
• homeless dogs;
• purebred dogs with genetic abnormalities that lead to the emergence and consolidation of pathological signs in the offspring, which negatively affects the development of the breed (cryptorchidism, hip dysplasia, cleft palate and other diseases).

Cost of castration of a female

The cost of castrating a female dog at home is from 4,000 rubles. The cost of castration includes all procedures and medications necessary for castration of a female dog.

Our guarantees of quality and safety

We guarantee that when performing an operation by our specialists and following his recommendations for caring for the animal after the operation everything will be 100% successful and safe.

Why castrate a bitch?

• Stopping sexual behavior animal and its associated consequences;
• As part of treatment hormonal disorders.;
• For therapeutic and prophylactic purposes(prevention of the risk of pyometra, ovarian cystosis, false pregnancy and breast cancer, infection with sexually transmitted diseases, prevention of certain dermatological diseases associated with an imbalance of sex hormones);
• Injury prevention and other accidents due to the uncontrollable behavior of the animal during the period of heat;
• Prevention and correction of sexual aggression when there are several animals in a group;
• Prevention vagrancy, poisoning, infection with dangerous diseases, including for humans, death in road accidents

At what age should a female dog be spayed?

The operation can be performed at any age.

The belief that dogs should be allowed to "give birth once" is a myth and does not make any positive contribution to the health of the animal later in life.

If possible, it is better to perform the operation before the first heat, which reduces the risk of mammary gland cancer to zero. When planning surgery on mature animals, it is necessary to undertake additional preoperative examinations to prevent the negative consequences of anesthesia and stress in general. The minimum base includes: general and biochemical blood tests, ECG, urinalysis, other tests at the discretion of the doctor and based on the results of primary studies.

Recommendations for dog owners after sterilization of female dogs.

1. The operation to sterilize a female dog is performed under general anesthesia, so it takes time for the animal to recover from anesthesia. When the animal is immobile, make sure that air flows freely to the animal’s nose, otherwise it may suffocate. It is necessary to turn the animal over every 30-40 minutes. Sensitivity to anesthesia varies from dog to dog and awakening time ranges from 2 to 12 hours. During this period, it is necessary to provide the animal with complete rest, on the floor, at a comfortable room temperature. Place water nearby. If during this period the gag reflex appears 2-3 times, then do not worry - this is a natural phenomenon in the post-anesthesia period. During the period of immobility of the animal after anesthesia, it is necessary to periodically turn it over to the opposite side every 30-40 minutes.

2. Depending on the surgical technique, external or cosmetic (internal) sutures are applied. Internal sutures do not require removal, but in any case, the surgical site must be protected with a blanket for a period of 7-10 days and lubricated with an antiseptic solution once a day or every other day. The blanket can be replaced with a special Elizabethan collar (). At the site of the operation, a fairly noticeable, dense swelling forms under the skin. This is a normal tissue reaction to suture material. This swelling disappears without consequences after 10-20 days. It is important to assess the health of the suture on the 5th day after surgery. On the 5th day after surgery, the suture should be dry - this is the most important thing. A wet and reddened suture is a sign of inflammation and requires consultation with a surgeon.

3. In the first 3-5 days after surgery, it is necessary to take antibiotics and painkillers. The castration operation for females is more complicated than for males, both in terms of morbidity and the potential risk of developing complications. Therefore, the choice of a doctor is very important, since in case of a dirty operation, even antibiotics will not save you from the development of infection. Pain management is necessary to reduce the intensity of pain after surgery. Pain relief allows for an earlier appearance of appetite, normalization of the volume of substances and a reduction in the pathological effect of pain stress on the liver, kidneys, heart, and pancreas. For painkillers, you can use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, non-narcotic analgesics, and narcotic analgesics if there is a legal opportunity to purchase them. The following drugs are recommended: for injection - Ainil 1%; Ketofen 1%; Norocarp; Rimadyl 5%; Phenylbutazone 20%. For oral administration - Caprodil; Ketofen; Quadrisol; Loxicom oral suspension; Norocarp; Previcox; Rimadyl; Tolfendin; Trokoksil. Check the dosage and regimen with your veterinarian or in the instructions for use of the drug.

4. Within 2-3 days, the animal should have a normal appetite; anorexia for more than 5 days is a sign of ill health and requires consultation with a doctor.

5.After 7-10 days, remove the external seams and stop wearing the blanket. If the stitches are internal, then there is no need to remove them - just stop wearing the blanket.

7. Remember that the further happy life of you and your pet largely depends on proper feeding. Inadequate feeding can lead to many internal diseases. Use food recommended by all professionals - PurinaPro Plan, Hills, Eukanuba , RoyalCanin etc. The daily dosage is indicated on the packaging, do not exceed it, and if you notice that your pet has noticeably gained weight, then the amount of food per day must be reduced. Walk and play with her at least 2 times a day for 1-2 hours.

8. If the operation was performed by our surgeons, for all questions about animal care, feeding and maintenance, please contact us by phone. 642-58-29, 987-49-02.

What happens after castration

1. Stopping the birth of offspring
2. Stopping behavioral reactions during estrus (vocalization)
3. Stopping aggression and fighting with other animals
4. Stopping vagrancy, transmission of dangerous infections, poisoning, death in road accidents
5. Prevention of polycystic disease and ovarian cancer
6. Prevention of breast tumors
7. Prevention of purulent inflammation and uterine tumors in adulthood
8. Appearance of caution in behavior
9. Lack of attention from male dogs during estrus
10. Reducing costs for veterinary services with the problems described above

After the operation, the only side effect that can be expected is obesity. This means that after sterilization the dog can no longer be fed uncontrollably. Talk to your doctor about the amount of food you need each day. If he does not have such information, consult a nutritionist. Weigh the animal once every 2 weeks to control weight. It is important to prevent obesity. Joint diseases, diabetes, hypertension are real diseases of obese dogs, the treatment of which will entail a considerable investment of time, effort, and money. Be wiser.

Video of castration, sterilization of a female

Castration of a bitch video part 1.

Castration of a bitch video part 2.

Sterilization during a dog's heat

It is not recommended to carry out sterilization during a dog’s heat, based on the characteristics of the physiological processes taking place in the animal’s body during this period. In animals (usually adults) that have developed cystic endometrial hyperplasia, there is a so-called “constant estrus” with incessant discharge from the genitals, sometimes bloody. This has nothing to do with true estrus. This is a disease accompanied by the formation of bubbles with fluid on the uterine mucosa, and vaginal discharge is the contents of such bubbles. Castration in this case is not contraindicated, but is necessary, but with removal of the uterus.

Sterilization during pregnancy

It is not contraindicated, but the shorter the pregnancy, the less negative consequences on the body and hormonal metabolism. In general, sterilization is recommended within the first month of pregnancy.

Sterilization during false pregnancy

Strictly contraindicated due to the risk of consolidation of hormonal changes, milk may subsequently form and flow continuously. It is necessary to wait until the end of the false pregnancy.

Many people consider sterilization to be inhumane, a violation of the laws of nature, abuse of animals, etc. But mostly people who do not have it think so. Owners, as a rule, are aware of all the health problems of these animals and the difficulties with raising and distributing their offspring. Therefore, before you form your opinion about this procedure, you need to find out: what it is, how it happens and in what way dogs are sterilized, what are the real consequences of the operation.

Characteristics and purpose

Sterilization is a type of surgical intervention that is used to deprive a dog of the ability to reproduce.

Dog owners decide to sterilize their pet for the following reasons:

• the presence of a disease of the reproductive system;
• unwanted offspring;
• reducing the risk of breast tumors.

Did you know? There is a type of sterilization called laparoscopy. This is the safest operation, after which the animal recovers very quickly.

Dog sterilization

Before deciding whether to undergo sterilization, carefully study all the pros and cons of the operation.

Behind

1. Increase in life expectancy by an average of 2 years.
2. The animal marks its territory less often.
3. Getting rid of hormonal problems.
4. Reducing the risk of subsequent diseases such as sarcoma, ovarian cyst, pyometra, etc.
5. Lack of desire and attempts to have offspring.

Against

1. The risk of errors on the part of the doctor during the operation and serious consequences after them (infection, bleeding, hernia, suture ruptures, etc.).
2. Weight gain due to changes in metabolism after sterilization.
3. Urinary incontinence for 3-7 years after the procedure, which threatens the occurrence of diseases of the genitourinary system.
4. General anesthesia also has a negative effect on your pet's body.

When can a dog be spayed?

Some experts advise performing surgery on an animal at the age of 8-10 months. That is, in their opinion, it is better to sterilize a dog when the first heat has already passed. In any case, sterilization should not be done before 4 months of age.

Important! Do not sterilize pets over 6 years old. Old bitches do not tolerate general anesthesia well.

How does the procedure work?

Immediately before the procedure, a little preparation will be required.

Preparation

To carry out sterilization you will need:

• proper lighting;
• a table for placing an animal on it;
• bedding for pet comfort;
• container for surgical waste.

As for your pet, you must first undergo an examination, an electrocardiogram and tests.

Next comes the stage of premedication - the introduction of drugs that help maintain the body during the procedure.
These manipulations minimize the effects of general anesthesia. Next, anesthesia is introduced into the dog’s body, and the doctor begins the operation.

Carrying out the operation

The duration of sterilization is 30-60 minutes. In male dogs, the testes are removed in the most convenient way for the doctor. Females undergo abdominal surgery, opening access to the abdominal cavity.

Thus, the ovaries are removed either with or without the uterus.

Post-operative care for your pet

After sterilization, like any other operation, dogs need special care. It will take some time for your pet to recover from anesthesia.

To keep him safe during this time, move the animal's bedding to the floor.

After the dog comes to its senses, wet its nose and tongue with water, but it is still not recommended to drink a lot.
The pet can only be given the next day, and then in a mild form. It can be minced meat or pate. The sutures are treated with antiseptics for another 10 days.

Important! Protect seams from getting wet.

To prevent the animal from chewing them on its own, use a collar or blanket. Part of postoperative care includes a course of antibiotic therapy. The dosage and duration are determined by the veterinarian.

Possible complications

• Weight gain, obesity due to altered metabolism and unbalanced metabolism.
• Chronic urinary incontinence.
• Tears, inflammation of sutures.
• Infectious diseases.
• Internal bleeding.
• Hernia.

Will the dog change after surgery?

The animal remains virtually unchanged after sterilization. Changes do occur, but it is impossible to determine what is causing them. A pet's personality may change as it gets older.
Although the myth that the dog becomes calmer and more submissive also exists.

The only confirmed fact is about dominance. Bitches already try to dominate males, but after sterilization this desire becomes stronger, which is reflected in their behavior.

Is it possible to carry out the procedure at home?

According to some dog owners, there are circumstances when it is possible to sterilize your pet at home. And indeed it is. In order not to create unnecessary stress for the animal, experienced surgeons often perform operations at home.

But it is safer for your pet to have sterilization done in a clinic.

Did you know? Neutered dogs are not unhappy at all. They do not have dreams of motherhood, like people do, so the pet will not be sad about the loss of reproductive function.

Sterilization has its pros and cons. The decision about whether to do it is made not only by the pet owner himself, but also by the veterinarian. After the pet has successfully completed the examinations, it is prepared for surgery.
If you choose a highly qualified surgeon, then you won’t have to worry about your dog.

Dog owners who do not plan to breed sooner or later think about sterilizing their dogs. Some doctors believe that surgery is indicated for most animals, while others warn against possible complications. The choice is up to the owner. Before deciding to have surgery, you need to learn as much as possible about it, weigh the pros and cons, and consult with specialists.

Sterilization is a surgical method of depriving a female dog of reproductive function. Under anesthesia, the dogs' ovaries and uterus are removed, the production of hormones stops, and the dog loses not only the ability to become pregnant, but also sexual desire. The animal becomes calmer, more cooperative, and balanced.

The operation is necessary for severe diseases, the indications for it are

• repeated false pregnancies;
• pyometra;
• ovarian cysts;
• breast tumors.

Removal of reproductive organs is necessary to humanely reduce the stray dog ​​population.

Important. All animals in shelters, as well as many purebred pet-class females not intended for breeding, undergo surgery. Some kennel owners sell purebred puppies from the pet category only after sterilization.

Myths about dog sterilization and their refutations

For experienced dog handlers, the question of the advisability of sterilization is decided on a case-by-case basis. The health of the animal, its exhibition career, the quality of possible offspring, breed and many other nuances are taken into account. For pet owners, things are not so clear cut. Often owners are guided not by common sense, but by a set of myths.

Myth 1. Surgery is not necessary; if necessary, pregnancy can be terminated with medication.

Abortion pills are very harmful to your dog's health. The same applies to drugs that can delay estrus. This measure is used in special cases, for example, before an exhibition. It is impossible to use “contraceptive” pills often; they cause purulent inflammation of the uterus or ovarian tumors.

Myth 2. A dog must know the joy of love.

Do not humanize pets. A set of hormones that have nothing to do with feelings are responsible for the reproductive instinct. After the operation, the genitals of animals stop hormonal releases.

Myth 3. An animal must give birth at least once to be healthy.

A myth that resulted in hundreds of unwanted puppies. If you plan to sterilize your animal, there is no need to wait until the first mating.

Myth 4. After sterilization, young dogs stop growing.

The genitals do not produce growth hormones; the thyroid gland is responsible for them. In normal health, the operation does not affect the dog’s development, height, weight or coat condition.

Myth 5. Sterilization has a detrimental effect on health, the animal becomes apathetic, moves little and quickly gets fat.

Appetite depends more on the breed and other individual characteristics. It is important to monitor portion sizes, not overuse treats, and give your pet long walks.

Myth 6. The dog may die during the operation.

Like other abdominal operations, sterilization is fraught with complications. In rare cases, there is an individual reaction to anesthesia that can be fatal. However, this risk is minimal. The number of animals that died during surgery or due to complications after it is quite comparable to the number of dogs that died during childbirth.

Pros and cons of sterilization

Like any serious intervention, sterilization has positive and negative sides. Before deciding to have surgery, it is important to weigh the pros and cons. A consultation with a veterinarian will help you make the right decision.

The advantages of sterilizing dogs include:

• the risk of malignant tumors in the uterus and ovaries is reduced;
• the risk of breast tumors completely disappears;
• the dog will not get sexually transmitted infections;
• The character of the animal improves, the dog becomes less aggressive.

The disadvantages of sterilizing dogs include:

• with surgery at an early age, the risk of osteosarcoma and hyperthyroidism increases;
• the risk of urinary tract diseases increases;
• Possible adverse reactions to vaccines;
• up to 20% of female dogs experience problems with urinary incontinence.

It is worth considering the exhibition career of purebred animals. After sterilization, the dog will not be able to participate in the election of the best representative of the breed, but at some exhibitions such animals perform in the “bitch with sexual changes” class.

Puppy or adult dog: at what age is it better to have surgery and what is the cost of sterilization

Most veterinarians are confident that sterilization is best done before 2.5 years of age. Some experts insist on an earlier age - from 9 months to 1 year. The choice depends on the breed. It is better to operate on large dogs after 1 year, otherwise the risk of bone sarcoma increases, which is practically untreatable.

Adult and elderly dogs are operated on after a detailed examination and consultation with a doctor. The cause may be benign or malignant tumors, complications after childbirth and other factors.

The price of the service depends on the region, the status of the clinic, the size of the animal and its condition. It is cheapest to operate on small dogs (from 2000 rubles). The cost of surgery for large sick animals starts from 3,000 rubles. It is advisable to carry out the procedure in a clinic; it requires special conditions, precisely dosed anesthesia. It is more difficult to cope with complications at home.

Features of postoperative dog care

The operation lasts about 1 hour and is done under general anesthesia. For small breed dogs, laparoscopic sterilization is often used; large dogs undergo classical surgery using a scalpel. After the procedure, the dog is allowed to recover, after which the owner can take it home.

Important. If the operation was performed for medical reasons (pyometra, inflammation of the ovaries), the animal will be offered to remain in the hospital for observation. The first day is the most difficult time, during which the dog needs special care.

Immediately after the operation, the pet is put on a special fabric bandage that completely covers the stitches. It protects vulnerable areas from accidental damage and prevents the animal from licking wounds. The seam is sealed with adhesive tape. On the day after surgery, it is better not to feed the dog; water can be given without restrictions. The animal will not be able to go for walks; its bed must be covered with waterproof diapers.

On the second day, the dog can be fed semi-liquid or canned food and taken for a walk. It is important to protect the seam from moisture and dirt; in bad weather, the dog should walk in waterproof overalls. After 10 days, the animal’s sutures are removed independently or with the help of a veterinarian.

Properly carried out sterilization does not affect the future life of the animal. The sutures heal quickly and do not cause any discomfort to the dog. It is important to follow a proper diet, reducing the amount of carbohydrates and increasing the protein content in the feed. The best option is premium and super premium industrial food, designed specifically for sterilized animals. They contain calcium, which prevents age-related changes in bones, iron, magnesium and other valuable microelements. It is useful to alternate dry and wet food, enriching the diet with special treats. Such food is balanced and does not require additional vitamin supplements.