An intimate question: castration and sterilization - good or bad? Dog sterilization: pros and cons of the procedure Benefits of dog sterilization

When a tailed pet appears in the house, the owner must immediately think about whether he needs puppies from her in the near future or not. If he is sure that he does not need offspring, then the best option to solve the problem is sterilization. But sometimes the owners are late with this procedure: an accidental mating occurred and the pet became pregnant. Is it possible to sterilize a pregnant dog? How does this threaten her? What else do owners need to know about the procedure?

Sterilization and pregnancy

Some owners resort to emergency sterilization of a pregnant bitch to avoid the hassle of raising puppies. However, it is much safer for the dog itself to bear and give birth to offspring, to feed them, than to be operated on during this period. Even for a short period of time, the animal’s uterus increases in size. This makes sterilization bloodier because the pet loses more blood and takes longer to recover.

If you already know that the dog accidentally took a walk and is pregnant, then it is better to let her give birth and think in advance about where to place the puppies. And after that, carry out sterilization.

Sometimes such a procedure during pregnancy is simply necessary for medical reasons. We are talking about cases when the veterinarian accurately diagnoses that the dog will not be able to bear offspring or give birth to them. Such cases are an exception to the rule, as are situations when, during the sterilization process, the veterinarian discovers that the dog was pregnant for a short time. It happens.

About other nuances of sterilization

The main condition for the procedure is the health of the dog and the absence of contraindications. It is not recommended to carry out early sterilization, that is, before the age of five months. In this case, manipulation can lead to complications, delays in physical development, and chronic illnesses. In addition, during the procedure it is difficult to determine the required dose of anesthesia and to carry out the removal accurately and correctly. Sometimes a fragment of the ovary that is not removed can be restored. And this leads to the need to do the operation again. It is also dangerous for very old dogs.

Most veterinarians are confident that all bitches over eight years of age should undergo this procedure. This is due to the increasing risk of cancer. Removing reproductive organs helps prevent a terrible disease. The most optimal age for sterilization is the period before the first heat. This reduces the risk of breast tumors and hormonal imbalances. That is, the suitable period is from six months to one and a half years. But we must take into account genetic and breed characteristics. Small bitches mature earlier.

To correctly determine the age of sterilization, you need to ask the breeder when your pet’s mother had her first heat. If she experiences a hormonal imbalance in the form of prolonged or false estrus, then sterilization is carried out for medical reasons, regardless of age.

During estrus, this procedure is usually not performed. As a rule, even with hormonal imbalances, it is possible to support the dog with veterinary medications until the period of sexual heat ends.

In order for this important manipulation to take place calmly and without consequences, you need to make sure that the pet is absolutely healthy. You need to take a blood test, urine test, and do an ultrasound. Sometimes a routine examination by a veterinarian is sufficient. But if it is discovered that the dog has some kind of chronic illness, then appropriate strengthening therapy must be carried out.

During the rehabilitation period after the removal of the bitch's reproductive organs, her immunity will be reduced. Therefore, it is recommended to vaccinate the animal a month before the manipulation and give an anthelmintic 2 weeks before the procedure. This is standard procedure in preparation for surgery.

If your pet suffers from constipation, then she is given a mild laxative before the procedure. Three days before the procedure, the bitch is switched to light food so that on the day of the manipulation her intestines are empty. Feeding should be stopped 12 hours before surgery. Some veterinarians prescribe antibiotics to their tailed patients to be on the safe side. This recommendation should not be neglected.

Sterilization of dogs has both its supporters and opponents.. Dog owners can be divided into two camps in relation to sterilization. Some are strongly “against”, others are “for”.

But this is a purely practical question rather than a moral one, and therefore every dog ​​breeder should think about it as early as possible.

Sterilized to control their numbers. And at home - primarily for the purpose of preventing very dangerous diseases, such as pyometra, transmissible sarcoma, breast tumors and other oncological diseases.

In addition, an animal that is not sterilized and not used for breeding often experiences hormonal imbalances. And they lead to behavioral disorders: a tendency to aggression, “escape”, and as a result to injuries, sexually transmitted and infectious diseases. And no one is safe from accidental matings, and then the dog breeder is faced with the question: what to do with unwanted puppies.

A sterilized dog becomes more obedient and therefore, if you do not plan to use it for breeding, it is better to have surgery.

The most suitable age for sterilization is 4-5 months for small breeds of dogs and 6 months for large breeds, that is, before the first heat. It is at this age that sterilization can reduce the risk of genital cancer by two hundred times!

It has already been proven that some owners believe that a dog needs to have at least one litter of puppies to be healthy. In fact, there is no need for this. With later sterilization, this risk is reduced by only four times. Although it makes sense to sterilize an aging animal. This is a good prevention of pyometra and other diseases.

Also from the realm of mythology is the opinion that sterilized dogs live shorter lives, become lethargic and fat. In fact, this operation prolongs life by 20%, and animals that are overfed and given little physical exercise become fat.

In addition, sterilized dogs are stress-free and their appetite improves, but there is no need to overfeed them. Today you can sterilize a dog not only in the clinic, but at home. This is not a complex abdominal operation in which the ovaries and uterus are removed. But the postoperative period requires careful care.

Cons of sterilizing dogs

The disadvantages of sterilizing dogs include the fact that the operation is performed under general anesthesia, and in any case this is a health risk, especially for the puppy. Possible complications of the operation are also dangerous, so you should carefully choose a surgeon. The main thing is that the animal is healthy before the operation and then it will tolerate sterilization well.

Many people feel morally disgusted by the very idea of ​​sterilizing a dog, “humanizing” the animal’s feelings. But in fact, the dog does not dream of becoming a mother - it is just an instinct. And she will not be ashamed in front of her friends for being an “old” maid. In this case, it is better for the dog owner to care not about his own feelings, but about the comfort and health of the pet.

Optimal age of a dog for sterilization

Sterilize your dog at 5-6 months of age. In this case, negative consequences for the dog’s health will be minimized.

Sterilizing a dog: consequences

Any surgical operation has its consequences and sterilization of a dog is no exception. The consequences of sterilizing a dog can be expressed in the following: Tendency to obesity, urinary incontinence. To avoid such a problem, veterinarians often recommend removing both ovaries, and, if the indications are favorable, the uterus.

Dog before and after sterilization

Although the operation is quite simple, it is safer to do it in a clinic. If the dog's health is of concern, it is best to postpone surgery. It is preferable to use general anesthesia. The dog is stopped feeding 12 hours before surgery.

Usually, hospitalization is not required. Males feel well already on the second day; removal of stitches is not required during standard castration.

Bitches can be offered water 1-2 hours after surgery. The first two days should be fed in small portions. Already on the first day after surgery, the dog can be taken for a walk. The surgical suture should not be allowed to lick or become dirty; for this purpose, it should be covered with a blanket. The first days after surgery, you need to carefully monitor the dog's condition. If you feel lethargic, have a fever, have bleeding or sutures are bulging, you should immediately contact your veterinarian. Sutures are removed 7-10 days after surgery

This article provides information about the risks associated with sterilizing a dog during pregnancy, precautions, features of the procedure, preparation for surgery and the rehabilitation period. We will fully address the question on the topic: “Is it possible to sterilize a pregnant dog?”

When getting a dog as a pet, you need to decide as soon as possible whether you want its offspring or not. When you are 100% determined that you do not want to have puppies, the dog needs to be sterilized to avoid serious problems in the future. Don't delay sterilization. It's not always possible to keep track of your four-legged friend. There are often cases when an animal runs away from the house through a door that opens literally for a second and an accidental mating occurs. What to do in this situation? Is it possible to sterilize a pregnant dog now, or is it better to wait and do it after birth? Does sterilization threaten the health of the animal?

Sterilization during pregnancy

Most veterinarians, when asked “Is it possible to urgently sterilize a dog during pregnancy?” They will tell you that this is extremely undesirable. Some people do not want to raise puppies or find homes for them, and find it more appropriate to sterilize an already pregnant pet. But no matter how troublesome it may be to care for offspring, veterinarians still do not recommend sterilizing either cats or dogs during pregnancy. A competent veterinarian will decide to sterilize a pregnant dog at any stage only for medical reasons. It is much safer for the health of the animal to preserve and give birth to puppies than to undergo surgery. If the doctor doubts whether your pregnant dog can be sterilized, even in the early stages, he will prescribe an additional examination. This is due not only to hormonal imbalances, but also to greater blood loss during surgery, since during pregnancy, even in the early stages, the dog’s uterus noticeably increases in size.

During pregnancy, the blood vessels supplying the uterus and ovaries are dilated and more filled with blood. The surface of the uterus becomes softer and more vulnerable to damage. Also, tissues that at first glance have no connection with the uterus and ovaries (for example, skin, muscles) are more intensively supplied with blood. This can cause ruptures and severe bleeding. In the later stages, sterilization will be even more dangerous for the health of the animal. The recovery period after such an operation will be longer than usual. The risks associated with anesthesia depend on factors such as the health of the dog, the number of puppies and the gestational age.

Therefore, in a situation where a dog does not become pregnant as planned, veterinarians advise waiting until delivery. You can start looking for options in advance for where to place the puppies. After your pet gives birth and feeds puppies, you can sterilize the animal so that such problems do not arise again.

Is it possible to sterilize an already pregnant dog at a fairly late stage?

Theoretically, sterilization is possible at any time, but the earlier sterilization occurs, the greater the likelihood that the operation will take place without complications and the safer it is for the health of the animal. Late sterilization is usually resorted to in cases where stray dogs are involved.

However, there are situations when it is possible and necessary to sterilize a pregnant dog. There are special medical indications for this. It happens that veterinarians say to operate on an animal because diagnostics show that it is not able to bear offspring without serious harm to its health, or dangerous complications may arise during childbirth. Before sterilization, you need to take a blood test to check whether the animal suffers from anemia or poor blood clotting. After this, you will need to undergo an examination by a cardiologist and an ECG.

Fortunately, such situations arise rarely, but they still occur. It also happens that already during the sterilization process the doctor finds out that the dog is pregnant.

At what age is it better to sterilize a dog?

Of course, the most appropriate option would be to sterilize your dog before her first heat. Different breeds mature at different rates, so it's important to consider your specific breed's characteristics. On average, puberty ranges from six months to one and a half years. In order to correctly choose the right moment for the operation, you need to ask the breeder at what age your pet’s mother noticed her first heat.

Even if you don't mind having offspring or don't worry about your dog accidentally getting pregnant because she's always under safe supervision, most veterinarians will still advise you to spay your dog at age eight. If this is not done, there is a risk of malignant tumors. Removing the ovaries helps prevent cancer.

When it comes to sterilizing a pregnant dog, it is highly not recommended to sterilize a dog older than eight years - the body simply may not be able to withstand the load. But if the animal has problems with hormonal levels, too long or false estrus has occurred, this is considered a medical indication for surgery. In such cases, the procedure is carried out regardless of age.

Contraindications for surgery

1. Typically, sterilization is not carried out during the period of estrus. In the case where the animal has hormonal disorders, as a result of which a prolonged estrus occurs, it is advisable to first treat with hormonal drugs and carry out the procedure when the estrus period ends.
2. It is not recommended to sterilize dogs over 8-10 years of age. The exception is sterilization for medical reasons.
3. Problems with the kidneys and cardiovascular system - there is a serious risk of complications.
4. Traumatic brain injuries received less than 3 months before sterilization.

These contraindications are general; in practice, each case must be considered individually. The experience of the surgeon, anesthesiologist, equipment used for sterilization and preoperative preparation play a big role in the success of the operation.

Preparing for surgery

In order for sterilization to be successful, you need to make sure that the dog does not have. A standard veterinary examination is often sufficient. Sometimes an experienced and very responsible veterinarian prescribes blood and urine tests before the procedure, and also performs an ultrasound if he has doubts about the health of the animal. If any diseases are detected that may affect the course of the operation and the recovery period, it is necessary to carry out preoperative therapy aimed at improving health.

During the postoperative period, the animal’s immunity will be weakened, so approximately one month before the operation, all vaccinations must be done, and an anthelmintic should be given two weeks before. If the animal is constipated, it is recommended to give it a laxative before surgery. To ensure that the intestines are empty during sterilization, it is recommended not to feed your pet heavy food for three days before the operation. The last meal should be 12 hours before surgery. If the veterinarian notices any problems during the preoperative examination, he may prescribe antibiotics to be on the safe side.

Performing the operation and post-operative care

Sterilization is a relatively complex abdominal operation. It is always performed using general anesthesia. On average, the operation itself lasts one hour, but a certain amount of time will also be needed to prepare the dog for anesthesia, the introduction of anesthesia and recovery from it. The animal recovers from anesthesia strictly under the supervision of an anesthesiologist. During sterilization, the surgeon removes the uterus and ovaries. The abdominal incision is immediately sutured and a special postoperative dressing is put on. It must be worn throughout the entire rehabilitation period, as it helps protect the body from dangerous bacteria and also prevents damage to the suture.

It is worth remembering that rehabilitation in the case of sterilization of a pregnant dog will last longer than usual. Usually the sutures are removed after two weeks, but if the operated dog was pregnant, there is no need to rush - immunity is lowered and the tissues may need more time to heal. Even if the surgeon performing the operation is an expert in his field and the procedure was successful, complications such as allergies to anesthetics and suture threads, frequent involuntary urination and acute manifestations of pre-existing diseases may arise during the rehabilitation period.

What else you need to know about sterilization

Even if we are not talking about sterilizing a pregnant dog, it is important to make sure that the animal has no contraindications to the operation. This is one of the main conditions for sterilization. Veterinarians do not recommend sterilizing animals that are not yet at least five months old. Early sterilization is fraught with serious complications and can even lead to chronic diseases. For a young animal, it can be difficult to calculate the correct dose of anesthesia.

If the body is still in the process of growth and development, an incompletely removed ovary can sometimes recover, which means that the procedure will have to be performed again and once again subject the animal’s body to severe stress. Very old dogs are also not recommended to undergo sterilization if possible - the animal will need much more time to recover, and some may not survive the operation at all.

A mockery or a benefit? Necessity or whim? Whatever sterilization of dogs is for the owner, the pros and cons should be considered objectively, without being influenced by emotions. Castration of female dogs (what we call sterilization) is practiced in all developed countries. This is a well-studied process, and veterinarians are aware of both the immediate and long-term consequences. When comparing the pros and cons of sterilizing dogs, it is important to proceed from the given case, not to generalize, not to humanize the pet, and be sure to listen to the opinion of a doctor who knows your dog well.

Sometimes the owner is not against sterilization as such, but he is stopped by the only question: “What if something goes wrong?” I am extremely outraged by authors who try to convince the reader that sterilization is a mere trifle. No, this is a serious abdominal operation. This is deep anesthesia. This is rehabilitation for at least a couple of weeks. Therefore, the procedure must be taken with full responsibility, otherwise the consequences of sterilizing dogs can really be disastrous.

First of all, you should find a competent veterinarian who does not brush aside the client’s numerous questions. Then it is worthwhile to thoroughly examine your pet, even if at first glance she is absolutely healthy. And it is extremely important to follow all the surgeon’s recommendations, without doing anything on your own. If all these conditions are met, the chance that negative consequences will arise during or after sterilization of dogs is about the same as the chance that a brick will fall on your pet’s head when leaving the house. Maybe? Yes. But this happens extremely rarely.

We must not forget that during sexual intercourse, a pet can become infected with many diseases, from specific STDs to viral, fungal and bacterial infections.

Many people are concerned about incontinence, which occurs in about 10% of spayed dogs. But more often these are giant breeds. And in cases where the dog is operated on after childbirth or in adulthood. Those. The chances of an unsuccessful outcome are also extremely small. In addition, incontinence is treatable in most cases.

Some people are afraid of obesity, and a female dog can actually get fat after spaying. But it’s not the procedure that’s to blame, but the owner’s negligence. By revising your diet, obesity can be avoided in 100% of cases. All you need to do is reduce the portion a little.

Others fear hormonal deficiency. Like, there are no ovaries now, where do hormones come from? But sex hormones are produced in sufficient quantities by the adrenal glands, which are stimulated by the pituitary gland. More often than not, there are too many hormones even after sterilization, and their levels have to be reduced with medication. Cases of hormonal deficiency are rare, and most often have nothing to do with removal of the uterus and ovaries.

Nature and childbirth

Often owners, sincerely caring for the well-being of their pet, allow her to become pregnant and give birth, because “this is Nature, and going against it is immoral.” How many women are ready to give birth once a year? No, because we understand that this will simply kill our health. And how to provide for so many children? Yes, a bitch will not be able to give birth after sterilization. But does a dog need this? From our point of view, children are a joy. What if there are five or ten children? And so once a year? Do you have enough money for decent cultivation? Are you strong enough to find a loving family for everyone? Bitches flow 2-3 times a year not at all because it is provided for by Nature. And they raise their offspring not out of love, but obeying naked instincts. Frequent estrus, multiple births and almost 100% survival of offspring are the influence of man on Nature. And life in such a rhythm kills a dog.

Breeding dogs of decorative breeds involves many specific nuances. A narrow pelvis and large head of a puppy mean a difficult birth. Multiple births often end. Timely sterilization of small dogs can save your pet's life. Especially if the owner is not a breeder or a veterinarian.

Under natural conditions (when there are no garbage dumps, warm basements, etc. nearby), a dog becomes pregnant once a year. Due to hunger and physical exhaustion, not every pregnancy ends in childbirth. During childbirth, some of the puppies die (there is no one to resuscitate a choking puppy). Another part of the puppies die within the first three to five days after birth (no one puts weak puppies to the nipple). That is why there are so many fruits, so that at least some of them have a chance to survive. The bitch does not feed ten puppies, she takes care of the survivors, sometimes just a couple of babies. Of course, spaying a female dog is unnatural. However, frequent births and nursing large numbers of puppies are just as unnatural as surgical birth control. It is also unnatural to poison worms and fleas, vaccinate and treat a dog, feed your pet daily not with tripe, but with meat or ready-made food.

Often there are quite a lot of large puppies. And at the same time, large breeds today are not the most popular in terms of sale. Sometimes puppies stay for up to six months, destroying the apartment to smithereens. Therefore, sterilization of large dogs is a reasonable solution if the owner lives in a standard apartment and cannot provide the offspring with conditions for growth and development.

In addition, practice shows that sterilization of females without family or breed is the only truly effective method of reducing the number of stray animals. The point is not that purebred dogs are somehow better than mongrels. And thoroughbreds are thrown away, but this happens much less often. By paying a round sum for a puppy, a person (although this is disgusting) treats it, at least, as an expensive thing. And they try to take care of expensive things. And, getting rid of it, they are looking for ways to compensate for losses - you can resell the dog, this is more profitable than just throwing it away. But outbred puppies, carefully placed in “good hands,” are worth nothing in material terms. And very often they end their lives on the street, having managed to produce dozens of unnecessary dogs, which, in turn, will produce even more strays. And so on ad infinitum.

Read also: Possible complications after sterilization of dogs

Selfishness or caring?

When considering the pros and cons of sterilizing dogs, some owners consider the completely normal desire for convenience to be selfish. Bitches mark during heat, some try to run away “on a date,” others become aggressive, and still others stain linen, furniture, and floors with blood. Walking with a bitch in heat is torture: crowds of male dogs surround the owner and the delicious-smelling girl, fight, mark the entrance door. Particularly active “suitors” howl under the windows day and night. And the especially smart ones quickly figure out who is the obstacle between them and the “bride,” and this is a direct danger to the owner’s health. But what does sterilization of a bitch have to do with it? If you adopted a dog, be prepared to endure inconvenience, it’s your problem!

That’s how it is, but let’s look at “minor” problems from the other side. Is a dog happy if it constantly feels irritated by its family? Does she like to walk for ten minutes? Is she happy about the crowds of “grooms” fighting nearby and ready to literally tear the “bride” apart so that they too get something? And then there are the opposite bitches who show aggression towards their competitors. And the fights of female dogs, as any dog ​​handler will confirm, are always bloodier and tougher than the fights of male dogs.

But what about character?

Sterilization is rarely carried out before six months of age, and by this time pets are already accustomed to the pet’s certain character: “How does sterilization affect dogs? What if our Missy becomes lazy or aggressive? What if she turns into a sleepyhead? What if he gets offended by us?” Sometimes we are not talking about spiritual connection, but about very specific qualities - security, watchdog, hunting, etc.

Let's remember that a bitch sheds on average twice a year. And her behavior changes precisely during this period, and not always for the better. After sterilization, the dog will not react to competitors and males, will not run away, and will not mark (if these are indeed hormone-related marks). The character of the pet will remain the same. Of course, it will change as it gets older - a five-year-old bitch is less active than a puppy, and an older dog does not jump as quickly as a young bitch. But these changes have nothing to do with sterilization; dogs are not changed by the fact that they have lost their ovaries and cannot give birth. The same applies to working qualities: if the bitch was vicious to the point of a beast or had a pronounced territorial instinct, nothing will change.

Sterilization of dogs is a surgical procedure after which the pet loses the ability to reproduce. This procedure can only be performed by a qualified veterinarian, since an unprofessional operation can lead to very disastrous consequences. Laparoscopic sterilization of dogs and endoscopic sterilization of dogs have both supporters and opponents. Dog owners are divided into these 2 camps based on their attitude towards sterilization.

Is it necessary to sterilize a dog?

The issue of sterilization is more of a purely practical nature than a moral one, so every dog ​​owner should think about it early.

Stray dogs are sterilized to control their numbers. Homemade - primarily for the prevention of such dangerous diseases as transmissible sarcoma, pyometra, breast cancer and other types of cancer. The opinion of some owners that a dog needs to give birth to at least 1 litter to be healthy has been established and proven wrong. There's really no need for this.

Late sterilization reduces the risk of breast cancer by 4 times, early sterilization to an even greater extent. However, it makes sense to sterilize even older dogs. This will serve as an effective prevention of pyometra and other diseases.

It is also a misconception that sterilized dogs have a shorter lifespan and become fat and lethargic. In fact, such an operation significantly prolongs life, and only those dogs that get fat are fed too much and given little physical exercise.

Also, sterilized dogs do not experience stress, their appetite increases, but overfeeding them is unacceptable. Nowadays, laparoscopic sterilization of a dog can be performed both in the clinic and at home. It is no longer a complex abdominal operation. However, during the postoperative period the dog needs careful care.

Advantages and disadvantages

Arguments in favor of sterilizing dogs:

• Life expectancy increases by an average of 1.5-2 years.
• The dog becomes calmer, aggression disappears. The dog becomes more obedient and tries less to dominate its owner.
• The dog marks the owner's house and the houses of his neighbors less.
• Hormonal problems are eliminated, in particular the risk of hormone-dependent breast cancer.
• The risk of pyometra, transmissible sarcoma, cysts and cancer of the ovaries, testes and uterus, as well as prostatitis, is greatly reduced.

A dog needs sexual intercourse solely for reproduction; it does not affect the pet’s health in any way. In this case, the dog will not feel remorse and will not try to reproduce again and again, since a conscious desire to have children is not typical for dogs. This procedure is indicated for dogs of all ages. However, there are some negative consequences associated with sterilizing older dogs. The sooner this procedure is performed, the easier the animal will tolerate it.

Arguments against sterilizing dogs:

Neutering dogs, although generally a fairly predictable procedure, can sometimes still go against the plan. This is mainly due to the clinic itself and the qualifications of the veterinary surgeon. Inexperienced new veterinarians can make serious mistakes that dogs later pay for.

1. Complications are likely, in particular, infections, bleeding, hernias, suture rupture, inflammation.
2. After surgery, the animal gains excess weight due to changes in metabolism in the body.
3. During the period 3-7 years after sterilization, urinary incontinence may occur. This, in turn, can lead to chronic and acute diseases of the urinary tract.
4. To sterilize a dog, anesthesia is required, which can negatively affect the pet’s body.

Before deciding whether his dog needs sterilization, the owner should consider that deaths from this procedure are extremely rare, while deaths from sarcoma and other cancers are very common.

Disadvantages of the procedure

The disadvantages of sterilizing a dog include the fact that this operation is actually performed under general anesthesia, which in any case poses a certain health risk, especially if we are talking about a puppy. Possible complications of the operation are also quite dangerous, therefore it is necessary to be extremely careful when choosing a veterinary surgeon. Before the operation, the dog must be healthy, then it will definitely tolerate sterilization normally.

Some people have a moral aversion to the idea of ​​sterilization, attributing human feelings to animals. However, in reality, a dog does not dream of children - it is only an instinct. She will not be ashamed in front of her friends because she remains an “old maid.” Therefore, dog breeders should think not about their own feelings, but about the comfort and health of their dogs.

At what age are dogs sterilized?

Veterinarians advise sterilizing pets at the age of 5-6 months. In this case, the negative consequences for the pet’s health will be minimized.

Consequences of sterilization

Like every operation, dog sterilization has certain consequences. Sterilization can lead to obesity and urinary incontinence. To avoid this problem, veterinarians often advise removing both ovaries along with the uterus.

Before and after sterilization

Although this operation is quite simple, it is safer to perform it in a clinic. If the animal’s health condition causes any concern, it is better to postpone the operation. General anesthesia is used for this. The dog is not fed anything for 12 hours before the operation.

Dogs usually tolerate sterilization easily, so there is no need to keep them in a hospital. Males feel good on the 2nd day after castration. Standard castration does not require the removal of stitches.

The bitch can be given water 1 or 2 hours after sterilization. Feeding during the first 2 days is necessary in fractional, small portions. During the first 24 hours after surgery, you can take your dog for walks. It is unacceptable to lick and dirty the seams, so they are covered with a blanket. During the first 3 days after surgery, you must carefully monitor your pet's condition. In case of lethargy, bleeding, fever or suppuration of the sutures, you should immediately contact a veterinarian. Sutures are removed 7-10 days after surgery.

Why is sterilization necessary?

There are 2 serious reasons that can force a dog owner to perform this operation. The first is the absence of offspring from the animal after the operation. After all, the reproductive instinct is one of the most powerful. A dog that desires lovemaking can be quite difficult to contain, and regular dog weddings can be very annoying. Owners of bitches constantly experience problems with the placement of puppies. With purebred puppies there may not be any special difficulties, but with ordinary mongrels they are guaranteed. I don't want to kill them either.

The second reason is that sterilization serves as a reliable shield against various diseases. Dogs also get sick, and their various ailments can be transmitted through sexual contact. Sterilization can protect a dog for life from pyometra, mammary cancer, and transmissible sarcoma.

How the operation is performed

It is performed by a qualified veterinarian under general anesthesia. The operation takes 1-1.5 hours. The method of performing it is determined by the gender of the pet. The testes of male dogs are removed by any method that is convenient for the surgeon. In bitches, everything is much more complicated, since it is necessary to perform abdominal surgery, which opens access to the abdominal cavity. In this case, either only the ovaries, or both the ovaries and the uterus, are removed.

When to carry out

In male dogs, this procedure is not recommended until they reach the age of 6 months, as otherwise growth and development may be delayed. In females, this operation is most indicated before the first estrus in life, that is, at 4-5 months, since in this case the likelihood of genital cancer drops almost 200 times. The later this procedure is performed, the higher the risk of cancer.

How to care for your pet after surgery

Immediately after sterilization, dogs should be laid on a flat floor with bedding. After your pet recovers from anesthesia (this can happen within 24 hours), it is necessary to moisten its tongue and nose with water. Don't give too much liquid. You can feed only on the 2nd day and only with soft food (minced meat or pate). The seams should be treated with antiseptics for 10 days and protected from getting wet. Sometimes it happens that the animal licks the stitches. To avoid this situation, you should use a protective blanket or collar. Caring for your pet after sterilization involves antibiotic therapy. The duration of their use is determined by the veterinarian.

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