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Spaying is the common term used to describe the surgical procedure known as an ovariohysterectomy. In this procedure, the ovaries and uterus are removed. In this procedure, an incision is made just below the belly button (umbilicus) and the ovaries and uterus are removed completely to sterilize a female dog, or just the ovaries (ovariectomy), depending on your veterinarian’s technique.
It is recommended that all non-breeding female dogs be spayed. Several health benefits are associated with spaying your dog. Spaying helps to reduce the pet overpopulation crisis, although there is emerging evidence to support delaying the surgery in large-breed dogs. Advantages of spaying include:
The operation may be performed to help in the treatment of several medical conditions, including:
Spaying is the best option for the overall health and longevity of your dog. Some studies have suggested an increased risk for certain health conditions. Potential disadvantages include:
It should also be noted that allowing a dog to have a litter of puppies before spaying does not have a calming psychological effect.
There are many factors to consider when determining the optimal time to spay a dog, including health, behavior, and your pet's environment. Spaying before the first heat protects against breast cancer, decreases the risk of bleeding after surgery, and provides a faster recovery. Large breed dogs may benefit from spaying at an older age. Talk to your veterinarian to determine the best time to spay your pet.
There is currently no alternative to surgery.
Spaying is considered a major operation and requires general anesthesia. With any anesthetic, the risk of serious complications, including death, is always possible. With modern anesthetics and monitoring equipment, the risk of complications is very low.. See “Anesthesia for Dogs” for further information.
The veterinarian will examine your pet and pre-anesthetic blood tests will usually be performed. If everything is acceptable, your pet will be anesthetized. Most pets will have an intravenous catheter placed to administer the anesthetic and to provide fluid therapy during the surgery. After your pet is anesthetized, a breathing tube will be placed in her trachea (windpipe) to allow the delivery of oxygen and gas anesthetic directly into the lungs.
Dogs must be kept quiet in the post-operative period to encourage healing and help prevent complications. Most dogs can resume normal activity 5–10 days after surgery. Until then, leash walks, lots of rest, and no swimming, bathing, or running is advised.
Elizabethan collars (E-collars) or alternatives are often recommended to prevent your dog from being able to lick at her incision. Many veterinarians use absorbable sutures so that you do not have to return to have them removed.
© Copyright 2025 LifeLearn Inc. Used and/or modified with permission under license. This content written by LifeLearn Animal Health (LifeLearn Inc.) is licensed to this practice for the personal use of our clients. Any copying, printing or further distribution is prohibited without the express written consent of LifeLearn. This content does not contain all available information for any referenced medications and has not been reviewed by the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine, or Health Canada Veterinary Drugs Directorate. This content may help answer commonly asked questions, but is not a substitute for medical advice, or a proper consultation and/or clinical examination of your pet by a veterinarian. Please contact your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s health. Last updated on Nov 26, 2024.
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