Why not spaying your dog can lead to unexpected vet bills
Spaying is a surgical procedure performed by a veterinarian to remove your female dog's ovaries and uterus. Also known as an ovariohysterectomy, the operation can not only prevent pregnancy but also help protect your pup from health and behavioral issues. Sadly, uterine infections, some cancers, urges to escape (usually to mate), and aggression can result from not spaying a dog.
These surgeries played a massive role in reducing shelter euthanasia from 13.5 million in 1973 to 1.5 million in 2009, according to Shelter Animals Count. However, the pandemic put many of these operations on hold, thus likely creating more accidental and unwanted litters on the streets or back in shelters.
Owning a dog can be expensive, but taking proactive steps like spaying can make it less so. Use this article for insight into how spaying benefits your savings and the health and life expectancy of your pet.
What Happens During the Procedure?
A spay and neuter Austin, Texas, procedure won't take long, as it's an outpatient operation, so you'll be able to take your furry friend home afterwards. Yes, your dog will be under general anesthesia and unconscious, so they won't feel any pain. In some instances, your vet may advise having your dog fast before the surgery to avoid counteracting the impact of anesthesia.
Your vet will monitor their vital signs on a machine. Once the operation starts, the veterinarian will make an incision in your dog's abdomen. From there, they'll remove the uterus and ovaries and close the incision with stitches.
Expect a typical procedure for a dog to take anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes, with an additional 30 minutes for them to wake up out of anesthesia. Your dog should rest for at least a day afterwards as they adjust. You may also need to buy a cone to prevent your dog from licking the incision area.
When Should Your Dog Get It?
The time to have your dog spayed depends on their size, age, and reasoning. Small breeds lighter than 25 pounds can be spayed around 5 to 6 months.
Medium breeds between 25 and 50 pounds can get the procedure at 6 to 9 months to help behavioral control.
Larger dogs between 50 and 90 pounds can benefit from having this procedure at 12 to 15 months. Doing so can help them avoid orthopedic issues.
A giant breed heavier than 90 pounds can avoid hip dysplasia and joint issues by being spayed at 15 to 18 months.
What Are the Risks of Not Spaying?
The risk of costly dog health expenses greatly increases when putting off spaying. Your female dog may develop:
- Uterine cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Uterine infections, like the severe Pyometra
- Mammary tumors
- Dystocia
- Aggression issues
- Roaming
Going through multiple heat cycles puts your female dog at risk for mammary tumors; spaying them before the first heat greatly reduces the risk. Overactive hormones can also create more aggression.
If the female is encouraged to roam more in search of a mate due to being in heat, it can also put her at risk for outside dangers like getting lost or being hit by a car. That heat can also create more unpredictable and irritable behavior.
What Are Veterinary Care Costs Linked to Not Spaying a Dog?
In 2023, Mass Live reported a rescued stray dog named Paloma needed a $5,000 surgery to save her leg. Such sad incidents and unexpected vet bills can happen if a roaming or aggressive dog gets injured by a car or another dog in a fight.
According to MetLife Pet Insurance, an average emergency visit for your dog may cost:
- $100 for exams
- $150 to $250 for X-rays
- $1,500 - $3,500 for a few days of hospitalization
- $800 - $2,500 for wound treatment
- $1,800 - $5,000 for emergency surgery
If your dog develops uterine cancer, basic costs for the initial visit and diagnostics may cost up to $500. However, more aggressive treatment can cost up to $20,000 to $50,000, according to Dog Cancer.com.
Stress on Shelters
Those costs extend beyond your personal household. That's because as excessive puppy and cat litters are born, they overwhelm existing shelter and animal rescue populations. However, without an overflow of unwanted animals, shelters can invest more time and energy resources into the dogs already in their facilities.
As a result, it can permit these caring professionals to provide a higher standard of care, such as better living conditions, costly vaccinations, and higher adoption rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
At What Age Is It Too Late to Spay Your Dog?
There is no set age at which it is too late for canine spaying. However, experts recommend doing so between 6 and 9 months, or later months for larger breeds.
As long as your dog is in good health and can withstand the aspects of the procedure, such as anesthesia, your vet will be able to perform it. Expect them to run some blood work to ensure your dog's organs can hold up. Regardless of age, once the procedure is done, it comes with increased health benefits.
Do Female Dogs Change After They Get Spayed?
You can expect changes in your female pup after she undergoes the procedure. Such changes usually involve reduced poor behaviors, such as no longer showing restlessness or roaming, relating to being in heat.
Your dog may now appear calmer and display more of their normal personality and playfulness. However, the shift in hormones after the surgery may cause slight weight gain, so you may have to be more mindful of diet and exercise.
Spay Your Dog and Spare Your Wallet
Not spaying a dog increases the likelihood of poor behavior and disease that can hurt your pup or shorten their life. Without this surgery, you may have a female dog that is roaming and howling while looking for a mate, potentially getting into accidents, and has a reduced lifespan due to the higher likelihood of reproductive cancers.
As a result, putting this off can hurt your pocket as you pay higher bills to handle their medical care. Make it easy on yourself and your dog's well-being by getting timely spaying if you don't plan on letting them breed soon.
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