My dog might be in heat. What are the signs & spaying pros/cons?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

• Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Well the menstrual cycle consists of vaginal swelling and bleeding (sometimes not as evident in smaller pets, especially if they lick themselves clean). Small breed dogs cycle every 6 months starting from 6-8 months of age.
  
  Pros to spaying- prevent a life threatening condition called pyometra. If done before the 3rd cycle you can significantly decrease the chances of mammary cancer.
  
  Cons to spaying- none that I can think of, unless your pet is deemed an unfit candidate for surgery.

  

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• Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on October 26th, 2019

  Irregular estrus cycling indicates that the ovaries are not functioning properly. So, usually the underlying cause is either an ovarian cyst or a granulosa cell tumor of the ovary. There are other possibilities but they are less common. Usually spaying is the "cure".
  
  There is really no higher risk spaying her versus a younger dog as long as she has no other underlying health issues. We spay dogs a lot older than her all the time. If you don't spay her and she continues with abnormal heat cycles her risk of getting a pyometra (life threatening uterine infection) increases exponentially.
  
  Hope this helps. Best wishes.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful