Have you chosen not to Spay?

[phfgkl]

Originally Posted by Ladymom

That is one of the very worst reasons for not spaying.

This is from the US Humane Society:

MYTH: My children should experience the miracle of birth.

FACT: Even if children are able to see a pet give birth—which is unlikely, since it usually occurs at night and in seclusion—the lesson they will really learn is that animals can be created and discarded as it suits adults. Instead, it should be explained to children that the real miracle is life and that preventing the birth of some pets can save the lives of others.

Myths and Facts About Spaying and Neutering | The Humane Society of the United States

And from the ASPCA:

9. Your pet doesn't need to have a litter for your children to witness the miracle of birth.
We've heard this one a lot. But you know what? Letting your pet produce offspring you have no intention of keeping teaches your children irresponsibility. Anyone who has seen an animal euthanized in a shelter for lack of a home knows the truth behind this dangerous myth. There are countless books and videos available to teach your children about birth in a responsible manner.

Top 10 Reasons to Spay or Neuter Your Pet

You took the words right out of my mouth. I bred a shih tzu a few years back, she did have them during the day, lucky for me they were, as I lost a little female out of that litter and that would have devastated my kids. One time of breeding was enough for me, my shih tzu was 7 lbs, and to see her go through birth was NOT a cool thing, I thought it was actually pretty cruel

[phfgkl]

Originally Posted by yana

i am confused by the lack of evidence that throughout domesticated dog history they developed cancer, specifically such specialized cancers, due to lack of spaying/neutering. I think as with humans, diet plays a MAJOR role in development of cancer. I am also inclined to think it is another facet of a highly profitable medical industry. similar to the connection between healthier diets (raw, homemade cooked, etc.) and diminished vet visits and medical/health problems, and the curious peddling of dog foods by vets.

I think if a person lives long enough, no matter how they eat, they will end up with cancer
My golden retriever was put down at 18 because she had cancer, she was on crap food all her life(kibbles and chunks or kibbles and bits, can't remember which, but, they're both crap foods anyway), but, for a golden to live that many years on that kind of food is a long time. So, I really don't think they get cancer from the foods they eat.

[Mitzis Mom]

Originally Posted by Dara311

I am a firm believer in spaying and neutering dogs.....

I hope I don't come off harsh, but we have so many homeless animals, and animals not treated right, what is the point of breeding non expected animals?

I agree, but IOM not to spay doesn't necessarily mean to breed... I'm from Germany and there it is not as common as here to spay or neuture.

Originally Posted by Dara311

I have seen effects of dogs in their later yrs where their uterus was so infected, that they had to be spayed, its called polymetria- its not a pretty site.

My parents Beagle had to have a polymetria at 12 years old and made it to 17 until she got mammary cancer.

Originally Posted by Dara311

spaying does reduce the risk of cancer in the mammory glands

That's right but it also has its risks. What I took from my research it makes sense to wait until after the second or third heat...

[phfgkl]

It's called pyometra, and they can get this if they're not spayed. I knew a lady that lost her young yorkie to pyometra

[Mitzis Mom]

Originally Posted by phfgkl

It's called pyometra, and they can get this if they're not spayed. I knew a lady that lost her young yorkie to pyometra

Thanks!

[bjh]

I definitely feel that females that are not being used for breeding should be spayed but not before they are a year old. The chances of mammary tumors increases very little by allowing the female to have one heat but if you spay before a year older you increase the risks of other problems. The biggest risk for unspayed females is pyometra. If you have a unspayed female then you have to know the signs of pyometra.

Here is another point of view from another vet.
Castration of Male Dogs

There are risks not matter what you decide to do. I just feel that early spay and neutering in not in the best interest of the dog.

[HallTx1203]

Some good points here...


Barney was neutered before he was 6 months...actually I "think" he was 5 months to the day....This was a mandatory requirement from his breeder....He was to be "pet" only since he had a pretty good overbite...So we did as she requested....

Now Belle- we are waiting a bit to see what happens with her teeth....But I would not mind waiting a bit longer to get her spayed.....For her safety....

As for Bevo, he is such a tiny snot....I am definitely waiting til he gains weight...

[PennysMum]

If you want your kids to experience the miracle of birth, volunteer to foster a cat or a dog that is expecting a litter. Shelters often prefer to have new mommas and their pups or kittens in a foster home than in the shelter. Then you can have the babies around without having contributed to the problem-- and your kids get to experience not only the babies but also get to do good work for a worthwhile organization.

[Ladymom]

Originally Posted by PennysMum

If you want your kids to experience the miracle of birth, volunteer to foster a cat or a dog that is expecting a litter. Shelters often prefer to have new mommas and their pups or kittens in a foster home than in the shelter. Then you can have the babies around without having contributed to the problem-- and your kids get to experience not only the babies but also get to do good work for a worthwhile organization.

Good post!

[Pinehaven]

I think that spaying is up to the owner, it shouldn't be something that is mandated by law unless it becomes a problem with an irresponsible owner who habitually (more than once) has unwanted litters of pups.

I have owned two female dogs who I never intended on breeding, that I didn't have spayed and who have never been pregnant. My first girl, a Cocker Spaniel, lived to be 17+ years, she was blind, deaf and died quietly in my arms after having a stroke.

Sabrina is a 14 year old Australian Shep x Border collie mix (smartest dog I've ever owned). In her younger days when I had horses, she was my right hand helper. She's still very willing and has the energy to help but I no longer own horses so she's now retired and is my watch dog and protector (in addition to my watch dog yorkie clan).

There are pros and cons to either choice - to spay or not to spay - but I don't feel that people who choose not to spay should be forced to spay, unless they show that they are irresponsible in preventing unwanted pregnancies. Luckily with my two girls, they lived to ripe old ages without complications from not being spayed.

[ParrotLady]

We have decided to spay our new dog. She is almost 7 months old and weighs 6 pounds. Is this a good weight? I am new to the small do thing. We have only had big outside dogs so far. (We live on several acres in the country.)

Thanks, Tracie and Penny

[txrosegirl]

Originally Posted by ParrotLady

We have decided to spay our new dog. She is almost 7 months old and weighs 6 pounds. Is this a good weight? I am new to the small do thing. We have only had big outside dogs so far. (We live on several acres in the country.)

Thanks, Tracie and Penny

i would think so i would definitely recommend getting the pre-op bloodwork done prior to the spay but i should think at that age and weight, she should do fine

my oldest was spayed at 6 months and weighed less than 3lbs and she did GREAT...it was hard keeping her calm and non-playful for the time the vet asked me to

[Ashley V]

Originally Posted by ParrotLady

We have decided to spay our new dog. She is almost 7 months old and weighs 6 pounds. Is this a good weight? I am new to the small do thing. We have only had big outside dogs so far. (We live on several acres in the country.)

Thanks, Tracie and Penny

Chip was 9 months and 6 lbs when he was neutered and he did fine. It's the teeny tiny ones that really make you worry sometimes! Like someone else said, just get the pre op bloodwork done to make sure that there is nothing wrong with her and she should be fine.

[mscat]

Here is my honest opinion about spaying my Yorkie. please no mean replies I spayed and fixed al my cats , and always am a firm believer in this.
now i have My first dog ever , it happens to be a Yorkie. Not a tiny, but still just a 7lber. My understanding is that Yorkies are more prone to being put under then other breeds, meaning that they are more sensitive . AND they have higher incidences of reactions , and bad things happening. Death, brain damagae etc.
Recently, there has been a poster , who Nearly lost her little Toby from Surgery.
I AM very frightend of this possibility. Suzi is a service animal to me, and we are bonded, inseparatable.
I am leaning towards not spaying her and being a responsible pet owner that i am not fearing that at any time she will ever become pregnant. As with the chance of tumors, and if the time ever happens , that will be dealt with accordingly. OR, she will be spayed at a later date, and YES I will have post blood work done and she will go to the best Vet doctors .
The thought of ever losing her to a simple surgery terrifies me to know end. There may come a time where I can calm down enough and be strong enough to allow her to be spayed .

[AMD]

Originally Posted by Ladymom

That is one of the very worst reasons for not spaying.

This is from the US Humane Society:

MYTH: My children should experience the miracle of birth.

FACT: Even if children are able to see a pet give birth—which is unlikely, since it usually occurs at night and in seclusion—the lesson they will really learn is that animals can be created and discarded as it suits adults. Instead, it should be explained to children that the real miracle is life and that preventing the birth of some pets can save the lives of others.

Myths and Facts About Spaying and Neutering | The Humane Society of the United States

And from the ASPCA:

9. Your pet doesn't need to have a litter for your children to witness the miracle of birth.
We've heard this one a lot. But you know what? Letting your pet produce offspring you have no intention of keeping teaches your children irresponsibility. Anyone who has seen an animal euthanized in a shelter for lack of a home knows the truth behind this dangerous myth. There are countless books and videos available to teach your children about birth in a responsible manner.

Top 10 Reasons to Spay or Neuter Your Pet

Originally Posted by PennysMum

If you want your kids to experience the miracle of birth, volunteer to foster a cat or a dog that is expecting a litter. Shelters often prefer to have new mommas and their pups or kittens in a foster home than in the shelter. Then you can have the babies around without having contributed to the problem-- and your kids get to experience not only the babies but also get to do good work for a worthwhile organization.