Dirk Rentley
Lurker
Hello all,
So I have a large dog I am considering spaying. The reason is essentially medical: she is having a heat cycle every 5 months, each time followed by a false pregnancy. When the hormone levels are higher (which ends up being about 75% of the time) she is more reactive, more dominant and overly playful with other dogs, more impulsive, and less focused. At least, this is my perception over the last few heat cycles. The false pregnancies are complete with milk production, nesting behavior, and poor appetite. I also had a vet tell me that repeated false pregnancies will increase her chances of pyometra if left intact.
My tendency is to not alter an animal unless necessary; my last dog remained intact until he got testicular cancer in his later years. This time around I'm questioning if it would actually make her life easier. I imagine that the false pregnancies would be very stressful, and that the hormones would basically be a roller-coaster for her. I'm not expecting a behavior change, but I do feel like the rapidly shifting hormones are hindering the training we have been working on.
I'm still finding this a difficult decision and would appreciate respectful opinions - especially informed opinions.
So I have a large dog I am considering spaying. The reason is essentially medical: she is having a heat cycle every 5 months, each time followed by a false pregnancy. When the hormone levels are higher (which ends up being about 75% of the time) she is more reactive, more dominant and overly playful with other dogs, more impulsive, and less focused. At least, this is my perception over the last few heat cycles. The false pregnancies are complete with milk production, nesting behavior, and poor appetite. I also had a vet tell me that repeated false pregnancies will increase her chances of pyometra if left intact.
My tendency is to not alter an animal unless necessary; my last dog remained intact until he got testicular cancer in his later years. This time around I'm questioning if it would actually make her life easier. I imagine that the false pregnancies would be very stressful, and that the hormones would basically be a roller-coaster for her. I'm not expecting a behavior change, but I do feel like the rapidly shifting hormones are hindering the training we have been working on.
I'm still finding this a difficult decision and would appreciate respectful opinions - especially informed opinions.