Spaying and neutering are the best ways to keep the pet population from exploding. As a result of these procedures, the number of dogs and other animals in shelters is lowered. This leads to fewer euthanizations of unwanted pets. It also frees up resources at shelters so dogs can get the care they need.

Spaying and neutering are also important for dogs’ health. Dogs that are not spayed or neutered are at greater risk for certain types of cancer. They are also more likely to get lost or wander and get injured. Finally, they are more likely to have aggressive, competitive tendencies.

There are many benefits to spaying and neutering dogs when they reach sexual maturity. But not every dog parent can cover the cost of the procedure. That’s where low-cost spay and neuter clinics come in. They provide the procedure at a discounted rate for those who can’t afford the services of a veterinarian. Unfortunately, there are people who try to take advantage of these services. These people just want to save a buck. However, they take up time and resources that could be used for people and animals that really need them.

Low-cost spay and neuter clinics are not meant for everyone. They are only meant for those who need them. So, what can we do to make sure that dog owners are being honest? And how do we ensure people aren’t taking advantage of the services that these clinics provide? Here’s what you should know about low-cost spay and neuter clinics.

What low-cost spay and neuter clinics are

Low-cost spay and neuter clinics offer spaying and neutering procedures at a discounted rate. These clinics are usually run by volunteers and veterinarians who donate their time to help people and their pets. Most of these volunteers do not get paid or only get paid very little for their services. Community and local organizations typically fund the clinics. Hospitals often donate equipment and supplies.

Low-cost spay and neuter clinics are not run for profit. Therefore, their budgets are tight and they really rely on donated resources. Their supplies are limited, and every animal that they care for requires some of those supplies. That’s why it’s so important to not overburden these clinics with clients who could pay for the services elsewhere.

Who low-cost spay and neuter clinics are for

Most shelters spay or neuter dogs available for adoption from their facilities. Adoption fees may include some of the cost of the procedure. That said, there are many reasons dog owners might have a dog that hasn’t been fixed. They might have inherited an unaltered dog. They may have been surprised by an unexpected pregnancy in their pet and have a litter of puppies to care for. Or, they might rescue a dog that doesn’t come from a shelter. If they can’t afford to have their dogs spayed or neutered, they rely on spay and neuter clinics to help them out.

Low-cost spay and neuter clinics are for dog parents that are under a certain income level or those who live on public assistance. These services can remove some of the financial burdens of pet parenthood and provide an incentive for pet parents to get these procedures done. In turn, this takes some strain off of shelters by ensuring that new puppies aren’t accidentally born and surrendered.

Dog parents abusing the system

Unfortunately, some people who should be able to afford to have the procedures done at their own expense choose to take advantage of these clinics. Some volunteers see purebred animals that were clearly bought from breeders or pet stores for hundreds or thousands of dollars come into their clinics. The owners are definitely able to afford to have these dogs spayed or neutered. Some justify this by saying that their normal vet is trying to rip them off, but it’s mostly about being cheap.

Because these clinics run on volunteers’ time, financial contributions from the community, and donated supplies, one could say that these people are stealing from charity. How can we keep people honest and make sure that they are really in need of low-cost spay and neuter clinic services?

How to stop people from taking advantage

Some clinics solve the problem by requiring proof of income or proof of public assistance. Spay-Neuter Kansas, for example, accepts tax returns and other forms of proof. The ASPCA’s Mobile Spay/Neuter Clinics in New York City accept proof of welfare, Medicare, Medicaid, food stamps, public housing, and more.

There are other clinics that don’t require proof of income or public assistance at all. These are the clinics that might be misused by people who don’t have a real need. They prefer to trust people to do the right thing, and while most people are honest, some are not. How can we protect them?

Requiring proof of income or public assistance can be one step in making sure these clinics can operate for people who need them, but it may also make it hard for people in desperate situations who, for one reason or another, cannot provide proof of their need. Maybe one thing we can do instead or in addition to requiring proof of need is educating people about low-cost spay and neuter clinics and how they operate.

If people knew that these are non-profit clinics run completely by donations, they might be less willing to take advantage of people’s generosity. Very few people think that stealing from charity is a good or right thing to do. We can also educate people on what goes into a spay or neuter procedure so they can better understand why veterinarians charge what they do. It doesn’t hurt for caring dog parents to share this information. Sure, there will always be people who do the wrong thing, and we need to find solutions to prevent them from using resources provided by charity, but education is an important step to take.

The post Low-Cost Spay and Neuter Clinics Aren’t Meant for Everyone appeared first on DogTime.

Dog neutering is a simple surgical procedure that sterilizes a male dog so he’s incapable of parenting puppies. “The big snip,” as some people call it, provides many benefits beyond making sure dogs don’t become puppy daddies. Neutering can cut the risk of certain diseases, unwanted behaviors, and conflicts with other dogs.

There are many myths surrounding both neutering and spaying, and you should take time to learn the facts before you make a decision about the procedure. Here are a few things you should know about neutering your male dog.

Neuter surgery basics

The surgery is even simpler than a spay. A veterinarian puts the dog under anesthesia, makes an incision in front of the scrotum, cuts the stalks of the testicles, and then removes the testicles through the incision.

The incision usually needs stitches, and the dog will likely need an Elizabethan collar — also known as the “cone of shame” — during recovery to prevent them from licking the area. After about two weeks, the incision fully heals, and the dog can go on living a normal, healthy life.

The benefits of neutering your dog

Of course, the primary benefit of neutering your male dog is that he won’t sire any puppies and contribute to pet overpopulation. Hundreds of thousands of dogs are euthanized in shelters every year because of overpopulation, so neutering is extremely important.

But that’s not the only benefit of neutering. Here are a few more reasons to neuter your dog:

• He’s less likely to get certain diseases, such as testicular cancer and most prostate diseases.
• He will likely be calmer with less testosterone in his system, and thus you’ll be calmer too.
• He’ll mark less, inside and outdoors, since he has less incentive to announce his presence.
• The lower level of testosterone can improve if not eliminate roaming, aggression, humping, and other dominance-related behaviors. He still might want to hump, but mounting after neutering has more to do with dominance than reproduction. He may still show interest in females in heat, too.
• He’ll likely get in fewer fights with other dogs, especially other males.
• In the case of senior dogs, neutering reduces the size of an enlarged prostate.
• The health and behavioral benefits occur whether your boy is a wee puppy or a distinguished senior citizen.

When to neuter your dog

A male dog can be neutered any time after 8 weeks of age. Veterinarians used to advise waiting until puberty hit at about 6 months, and some still make that recommendation. Talk to your vet about what’s best for your dog.

In general, dogs neutered before they go into puberty grow a bit bigger than those neutered after puberty because testosterone is involved in bone growth. Sometimes that growth is preferable and sometimes it’s not. Most dogs are sexually mature by the age of 5 or 6 months, which can seem like the blink of an eye.

If your dog’s testicles don’t descend, you still need to have him neutered. Cryptorchidism is the term for this condition. Dogs who suffer from cryptorchidism tend to have more testicular tumors than other dogs. Therefore, it’s especially important for these dogs to undergo the neutering procedure.

Dogs neutered at an adult age have a slightly higher risk for complications from the surgery, as do dogs who are overweight or in poor health. However, these can be managed by your vet, and the benefits from the procedure often outweigh the risks. Talk to your vet if these risks concern you.

Preparing your dog for surgery

Your veterinarian will usually offer pre-surgical blood work to make sure your dog is healthy enough for surgery and doesn’t have any health conditions that would affect the choice of anesthesia.

Typically, young and healthy dogs don’t have any issues, but it’s a good idea to have a baseline reference for future blood tests.

Follow the directions your clinic gives, but generally speaking, your dog should not eat for at least eight hours before the surgery because the anesthesia may cause nausea. Drinking water beforehand is usually fine, but check with your vet.

What to expect post-surgery

The neutering surgery is typically simple and straightforward. Your veterinarian will give you instructions for post-surgery care, and your dog will likely recover completely within a couple of weeks.

Here are some things you can expect after your dog is neutered:

• Male dogs can usually go home the same day they have the procedure.
• The dog might have some nausea and turn away from food for the first day or two. No need to be an overbearing parent and force your dog to eat — he’ll be fine even if he misses a few meals.
• For the first few days after surgery, the dog’s scrotum will be swollen. You would be far from the first person to wonder if the vet really did the surgery. Often this swelling is exacerbated if the dog licks the incision.
• If he keeps licking the stitches, pop an Elizabethan collar around his neck.
• If your vet used stitches, they’ll likely need to be removed after about seven to 10 days, depending on the type of stitching material used. Your vet will give you details about how to check that the incision is healing and when to come back in for this final detail. Some modern stitches fall out on their own after a certain amount of time.
• After neutering, a puppy’s scrotum will flatten as he grows, and you won’t notice it. Adults will always have a flap of skin from the empty scrotum.
• Typically, most dogs want to play hard the next day, but restrict your dog’s activity for a couple of days so the incision doesn’t open.
• Some mild bruising can occur around the incision.

Things to watch for after surgery

Check with your vet if there’s a discharge from the incision or if your dog seems to be in excessive pain. It’s rare for a dog to need pain medication, but it’s not unheard of.

If the dog keeps licking the stitches, use an Elizabethan collar to prevent this. Some dogs have trouble walking while wearing these, and they bonk into doorways and tables. Nonetheless, have the dog wear it even during sleep, because licking can prevent the incision from healing properly.

Call your veterinarian if you see any unusual symptoms or changes that concern you. You may notice immediately after surgery that your dog isn’t his usual self. He may feel lethargic or have low energy. Give him some time to recover before you start to worry.

The neutering procedure can make your dog calmer overall, but dogs — for the most part — tend to bounce back to their usual personalities after recovery. Some dogs are more affected than others, though, so talk to your vet if you’re concerned.

The post Neutering Your Male Dog: What You Need to Know appeared first on DogTime.

Many pet parents spay or neuter their dogs for health benefits and safety. These procedures lessen the risks of certain diseases, reduce aggression, and generally add to your dog’s life, with proper diet and exercise. However, you must take care after spay or neuter surgery so your dog won’t suffer from the next risk: weight gain and possible obesity.

While most dogs don’t become overweight after spay and neuter procedures with proper care, it is a possibility, and awareness is key to ensuring that your dog remains healthy throughout their years.

Here’s what you should know about preventing weight gain in dogs who’ve gone through spaying or neutering.

Why weight gain happens after spaying and neutering

Dogs benefit from spaying and neutering in many ways. However, first-time pet parents should know about one possible side effect of the procedures that they have to prepare for: weight gain. Research indicates this is especially true in large dog breed.

Neutering in particular can triple the tendency for putting on weight.

“Castration seems to decrease the ability to regulate the appetite in male dogs and at the same time, it might also decrease the incentive to exercise, which results in an increased risk of becoming overweight,” says Charlotte Bjornvad, main author of a study on dog obesity from the University of Copenhagen.

Obese dogs may have a lifespan two years shorter than their slim counterparts, regardless of their breed.

Hence, exercise needs to be a key part of your dog’s daily lifestyle after neutering or spaying. Walking your dog regularly or having them join your daily jog can help you and your dog maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Proper diet and nutrition will help, too. Don’t go overboard on treats, and ask your veterinarian for advice on how to formulate an appropriate diet for your dog.

Some practices tend to influence your dog’s weight. You may unconsciously overfeed through free feeding or keeping the bowl full all the time. Maybe you’re giving your pup too much human food or table scraps. It’s also possible that you’re giving them a lot more treats, especially when training young pups.

How to tell if your dog is overweight

You should know the difference between a healthy and an overweight dog. It’s the difference between a fit pooch and one who’s in danger of disease. One telltale sign is body shape.

Even for growing pups, they should not look too rounded from the top or the side. Their tummy should be tucked and not flabby and hanging down.

When you feel your dog’s ribs, they should feel solid enough through some muscle. Overweight dogs usually have too much fat in the torso area, and it becomes hard to feel their ribs.

If you suspect your dog is overweight, talk to your veterinarian about appropriate feeding changes.

Exercise is good for both you and your pup, so even if they aren’t overweight, make sure to engage Fido in active play every day.

The post Why You Should Start Exercising Your Dog After Spaying or Neutering appeared first on DogTime.

Question:

My female and male pups are going in for spay and neuter surgery, respectively. Should I expect “normal behavior” once the anesthesia wears off? What about the long term?

Answer:

You may notice some changes in your dog’s behavior after spay or neuter surgery. Let’s go over what to expect in both the short term and the long term when it comes to your pup’s behavior.

Short-term effects of spay and neuter surgery

Short-term, dogs may not be themselves for the first 24 to 48 hours after anesthesia and surgery. They may be a bit lethargic or sleepy until the drugs wear off completely. They may have a slight decrease in appetite and may be tender around the surgery site.

They may wonder what these stitches on their belly are and may want to lick them. To prevent any infection or open incision, we advise keeping a plastic cone around their neck for two weeks, until the sutures are removed.

Long-term effects

One of the most common long-term consequences of spaying and neutering is weight gain, which is why we would recommend switching to a light diet once your puppies are fully grown.

Long-term behavior changes are usually positive if your dog has the surgery at a young age. For example, male dogs may become less aggressive. If your male dog has neuter surgery at an older age, then old habits may be harder to break.

Overall, expect normal, age-appropriate, behavioral development for dogs after spay or neuter surgery. Some dogs will “calm down” over the next few months, while others may need further training and time.

The post What to Expect After Your Dog Has Spay or Neuter Surgery appeared first on DogTime.

These days, most pet parents consider spaying and neutering to be the norm for dogs. That’s a good thing. Thanks to education and advancements in spaying and neutering procedures, along with help from the No Kill Movement, the rate of dogs euthanized in shelters due to overpopulation fell by 90 percent over the last 50 years or so.

That said, shelters still euthanize hundreds of thousands of dogs each year in the United States due to overpopulation. Every dog lover should be concerned about that sad fact, and the best way to help those dogs is often to spay or neuter your own pet. No puppies means less overpopulation, fewer crowded shelters, and decreased euthanasia rates.

That notwithstanding, the benefits of spaying and neutering don’t just extend to other dogs. Your own dog will benefit from the procedure, too. Spaying and neutering prevent several potentially deadly diseases, unwanted behaviors, and conflicts between dogs. Here are a few things you should know about spaying and neutering.

Why spaying/neutering is important for your dog

The main benefit from the spaying or neutering procedure is, of course, that your dog won’t produce any puppies and contribute to the pet overpopulation problem. However, there are also plenty of reasons these procedures are important for your own dog, too.

Here are a few ways spaying and neutering help dogs:

• Spaying reduces cancer risks: If a female dog is spayed before her first heat, she has almost no chance of getting mammary gland cancer. After the first heat, the chance is only seven percent and 25 percent after the second heat. Past that — even far, far past — spaying will still reduce risk. What’s more, it completely eliminates the risk of ovarian or uterine cancer.
• Spaying prevents dangerous infections: Spaying prevents pyometra, a common, life-threatening infection of the uterus. Typically, middle-aged or older females get it about six weeks after a heat cycle. The treatment is an emergency spay.
• Neutering prevents major health issues: Neutering prevents some cancers of the testicle and anus, and it helps prevent some significant prostate problems in males.
• Neutering reduces behavioral issues: Males are usually less aggressive after neutering. Without that testosterone jamming up their brains, they’re less likely to roam. In turn, they don’t act like such escape-artist Houdini Hounds in order to get out. Perhaps best of all, they’re less likely to mark and hump or mount. You might still see some of this behavior, mind you, just less of it.

What spaying won’t do is send your female dog into menopause — another myth. Dogs don’t go into menopause, ever.

When it’s time to spay or neuter your dog

Puppies can usually be spayed or neutered any time after eight weeks of age. However, many people wait until just before or immediately after the dog becomes sexually mature — sometime around six to nine months of age, depending on the breed.

Females gain additional health benefits if they’re spayed before their first heat cycle. You should talk to your veterinarian about the appropriate time to perform the procedure for your individual dog.

Adult or older dogs have a slightly higher risk for complications from the surgery, as do overweight or unhealthy dogs. Your vet can help reduce these risks and provide you with information for post-surgery care that will help your dog recover. The benefits of the procedure often outweigh these risks, so consult your veterinarian.

Considerations for scheduling the procedure

Here are some things to consider when scheduling the surgery:

• Your dog’s overall health: Hormones affect body structure. Dogs actually tend to grow larger if they’re neutered before they reach puberty. Sometimes this can even lead to irregular bone growth, and that is a risk you should discuss with your vet.
• Your dog’s personality: Your dog’s personality will likely be the same, functionally, whether you have the procedure done early or later.
• Your dog’s health risks and specific medical conditions: Surgery is safer when the dog is young, although smaller patients have a higher risk of problems with hypothermia and hypoglycemia when anesthetized. Your vet will be able to monitor for these complications and provide treatment.
• Your dog’s immune system: Younger patients have immature immune systems, which can be a concern if post-surgery infections or other problems develop. Follow your vet’s instructions for at-home care closely, and talk to them if you see concerning symptoms.
• Your dog’s inability to fight the urge: Don’t put it off and assume you can just isolate your dog from any romantic encounters. Mistakes — like open doors, broken fences, and unsecured yards — happen, and there are already too many unwanted pets in the world.

Spaying or neutering your dog has many benefits, both for your pooch and the larger pet community. To learn more, read how to distinguish myths about spaying/neutering from the facts. After that, be sure to check out our piece on dog health basics to ensure your pooch has everything they need to live a long, healthy life by your side.

The post Why Should You Spay or Neuter Your Dog? appeared first on DogTime.

Question:

I know I should have my dog spayed to help control the pet population. That said, would it be so bad to let her have just one single litter of puppies before I do that?

I’m sure I could find homes for all the puppies, and my dog is just so amazingly beautiful! They’d all turn out to be adorable pups.

Some of my friends say that there are enough dogs in shelters who need homes already. I mean, it’s not my fault that there are so many homeless dogs! I would definitely make sure that all the puppies go to loving families.

So why would it be wrong to let my dog have just one single litter?

Answer:

Like a true dog mom, you believe that you have the most beautiful pup in the world.

You just want to spread that beauty and share it with everyone. All dog lovers can relate to that. It’s why we post pictures of our fur babies all over social media. It’s also why we pull out our phones mid-conversation to show our friends our pooch’s latest videos.

You see, every pet parent believes that they have the most stunning dog in the world. However, a pup sitting in a shelter will be the most beautiful dog in the world to someone if they are given a chance.

Shelter dogs are already here and they deserve a chance

Each puppy you allow your dog to give birth to takes away the chance that one shelter dog had to find a family. And now, that shelter pup has to sit and wait. That means they will be taking up resources that could go to another dog in need.

Some dogs wait so long that they are euthanized because they can’t find a home. In fact, over 390,000 dogs are euthanized every year in the United States because no one wants them.

Is your adoration of your dog and your insistence on her having a litter worth letting another animal die without a loving home?

If you’re so confident you know people who would take the puppies, you could probably find homes for shelter dogs instead. You could save lives with your resources. Just imaging giving people the chance to find their own “most beautiful dog in the world.”

You wouldn’t just be saving one dog, you’d be saving the next dog who is able to stay at the shelter in their place.

Spaying is good for your dog’s health, too

And if you truly can’t get over your selfishness (and that’s what it is), think of your own dog’s health. Your dog having a single litter can cause multiple issues for her.

Spaying greatly reduces the risk of mammary cancer. What’s more, it completely eliminates the risk of ovarian or uterine cancer.

And when your dog isn’t spayed and is in heat, she can attract unwanted or aggressive male dogs to her. Do you really want every boy dog in the area barking at your door trying to impregnate your precious girl?

Hopefully, that gives you some perspective. We encourage you to use your connections to bring shelter dogs together with people looking for a loving pooch.

The post Is it Wrong To Let My Dog Have a Single Litter Before Spay Surgery? appeared first on DogTime.

When your dog undergoes a surgical procedure, the last thing everyone needs is more stress. A torn surgical site can lead to more pain, longer recovery, and costly procedures to fix sutures and provide extra medications. However, surgical recovery suits can help reduce stress, prevent torn stitches, and give you some peace of mind.

What are surgical recovery suits?

A surgical recovery suit is a special compression suit that covers your dog’s body, but makes it easy to remove when your dog needs to go potty. These suits are designed to cover specific surgical sites, such as your dog’s belly after spay/neuter surgery, to prevent your dog from licking and chewing on the spot. Unlike traditional Elizabethan cone collars, these suits don’t restrict head movement. This makes it easier for your dog to perform normal functions like eating and drinking.

Common post-surgery issues in dogs

After surgery, your dog needs to rest and recover. Often, surgical procedures, such as spays, have several layers of sutures — usually in the body wall, muscles, and skin. These sutures need to stay in place to help the tissues knit back together and heal. In addition, the irritation can be itchy or painful, making your dog anxious.

If your dog happens to lick at the incision, it can cause a host of additional problems. Repeated licking can irritate the skin, causing it to swell and lengthen healing time. Bacteria from the mouth can also cause infections and painful discharge. A very determined dog may also remove their sutures which can mean a trip to the emergency vet.

How surgical recovery suits can help

By using a surgical recovery suit, you can prevent many of the complications that occur with a surgical procedure. The compression of a suit can aid in the healing process, reducing anxiety and irritation. In addition, the suit protects the incision, preventing your dog from being able to lick or chew at it.

Choosing the right surgical recovery suit

Always speak with your veterinarian when picking out a surgical recovery suit before your dog’s procedure. Your vet may recommend a different method, such as a donut cone, if the surgical site is in a strange location or needs air for better healing. Your vet can also make sure that the suit is the right size and material for your dog’s procedure. 

The next step is to determine if your dog needs a full suit or only a recovery sleeve. Recovery sleeves cover only one limb and are great for dogs undergoing ACL repairs, elbow surgeries, or minor tumor removals on the limbs. Full-body surgical suits are better for abdominal surgeries where the entire body needs to be covered. You also want to make sure the material is breathable and fits snugly, but not so snugly that it interferes with movement or rubs against the incision.

Next, get your dog used to the surgical suit before your dog’s appointment. You’ll want to have them wear it for a few minutes at a time at first, offering treats and praise. Then, gradually increase the amount of time your dog wears it. This will help reduce the stress and anxiety of a “new thing” at the same time your dog is trying to heal.

Surgical recovery suits are a great tool to have on hand for your dog in the event of a surgical procedure. And, if you have a dog that is fearful of a traditional cone, they make a great alternative. As with any procedure, make sure you monitor your dog during their recovery and speak with your vet if you have any questions or concerns.

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Lead poisoning in dogs often happens when a dog has too much lead in their blood. Usually, the condition is caused by exposure to too much lead.

Interestingly, many cases of the condition are found during the warmer months of the year. Additionally, young pups suffer from the condition more than adult dogs.

Unfortunately, the condition is considered to be an emergency situation.

Technically, the condition is also known as lead toxicity.

If you see the signs of the condition in your dog, then get to a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Here’s what you should know about the symptoms, causes, and treatments for the condition.

Symptoms of Lead Poisoning in Dogs

The condition produces a wide range of symptoms. For example, some of the most common symptoms include:

• Diarrhea
• Acting lethargic
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Blindness
• Peeing more than usual
• Shortness of breath
• Seizure
• Stomach pain
• Anxiety

Causes of Lead Poisoning in Dogs

The cause of the condition is usually a dog being exposed to too much lead. For instance, some of the common ways include:

• Golf balls
• Lead paint chips
• Plumbing materials
• Shower curtain weights
• Soldering materials
• Wine bottle foil
• Fishing weights
• Dishes (made before 1977)
• Car batteries

Additionally, drinking water that is contaminated with lead can cause the condition.

Treatments for Lead Poisoning in Dogs

Firstly, your vet will ask about your dog’s symptoms. Secondly, your vet will ask about any circumstances where your dog could have been exposed to lead

Thirdly, a full physical examination will be carried out. Blood and urine tests will be taken. Specifically, the subsequent results of the blood tests can diagnose the condition.

Unfortunately, the condition is considered to be an emergency.

Generally, treatment begins with chelation therapy. This is a detoxification process. Specifically, it stops lead in the gastrointestinal system being absorbed by the body.

Additionally, your dog’s stomach will be cleaned. This is a process called gastric lavage.

Finally, in some cases, medication can help. As always, if your vet prescribes your dog any medicine, make sure to stick to the correct dose and frequency instructions. Also, complete the full course of medicine.

Ultimately, prevention is better than cure with this condition. So keep your dog away from products containing lead. Also, you can read more about protecting your dog from poisons in general here.

Have you ever cared for a dog who suffered from this condition? How did your vet help your dog recover? Let us know in the comments section below.

The post Lead Poisoning in Dogs: Symptoms, Causes, & Treatments appeared first on DogTime.

Estrus symptoms in dogs happen when a dog shows signs of being in heat even when she has been spayed. However, dogs with this condition cannot get pregnant.

Usually, the cause of the condition is ovarian tissue left behind after being spayed.

Technically, estrus symptoms are called ovarian remnant syndrome.

If you see the signs of estrus symptoms in your dog, then get to a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Here’s what you should know about the symptoms, causes, and treatments for the condition.

Symptoms of Estrus Symptoms in Dogs

Estrus symptoms in dogs produces a range of symptoms. For instance, some of the most common symptoms include:

• Swollen vulva
• Vaginal bleeding
• Changes in behavior
• Vaginal discharge
• Attracting male dogs

Causes of Estrus Symptoms in Dogs

The cause of the condition is not removing both ovaries during the spaying operation. In most cases, this is due to a surgical error.

Additionally, not removing all of the ovarian tissue can cause estrus symptoms.

Finally, a dog may have an extra ovary. This can cause the condition — but it is rare.

Treatments for Estrus Symptoms in Dogs

Firstly, your vet will ask about your dog’s symptoms. Secondly, they will need to know the details of when they were spayed.

Thirdly, your vet will conduct a full physical examination. After that, they will take blood and urine tests.

Generally, high levels of estrogen and progesterone are indicators of estrus symptoms.

In some cases, an ultrasound might be used. This is to look for any abnormal ovarian tissue.

Normally, treatment for the condition is a surgery. This is to remove any remaining ovarian tissue.

Most times, a dog will be prescribe pain medication after this surgery.

As always, stick to the exact dose and frequency instructions your vet gives you. Also, complete the full course of medicine.

If you’re curious to know more about spaying and neutering, read our article about common facts and myths here!

Have you cared for a dog who suffered from this condition? How did your vet help your dog recover? Let us know in the comments section.

The post Estrus Symptoms in Dogs: Symptoms, Causes, & Treatments appeared first on DogTime.

Are you having trouble deciding whether you should spay or neuter your dog? There are plenty of myths out there that could influence your decision. It’s important to get down to the truth about spaying and neutering.

February is Spay/Neuter Awareness Month, and there’s no better time to sort out fact from fiction when it comes to these important procedures.

Here are some myths about spaying and neutering and the facts to help you make the right decision.

MYTH: My Dog Will Get Fat & Lazy

FACT: The only ways your dog will get fat and lazy is if you do not provide enough exercise, you feed them an inappropriate diet, or they suffer from a medical condition that causes obesity or lethargy.

If you’re concerned about your dog’s health, talk to your vet about formulating a healthy diet and serving sizes. Avoid junk food and table scraps, and keep treats to a safe amount.

Exercise with your dog. Go for walks, and actively play. It’s not just good for keeping your dog in shape; it’s also good for keeping them happy and improving your bond.

Keep up with vet visits so your doggy doctor can catch and treat any medical conditions that may result in weight gain or low energy.

If a dog is fat and lazy, it’s almost certainly the fault of the pet parent and has nothing to do with spaying or neutering.

MYTH: It’s Better For My Dog To Have One Litter Before Spaying

FACT: Medical evidence has shown that a dog who is spayed before her first heat cycle is typically healthier than dogs spayed after the first heat cycle or after having a litter of puppies.

Most animal shelters and adoption facilities, as well as many veterinarians, now sterilize female dogs before the first heat cycle. This significantly reduces the risk of mammary tumors.

You should consult your vet about the appropriate time to spay or neuter your dog.

MYTH: Children Should Witness The Miracle Of Birth

FACT: The likelihood of your human child actually seeing a dog give birth is slim. Most births occur at night and in a secluded area. The only lesson the child learns is that dogs can be created and discarded as humans see fit.

The real miracle your child should experience is this: preventing your dog from having babies potentially saves the lives of hundreds of other dogs.

If you want your child to witness birth, there are plenty of educational videos online that you can show them without having to deal with the real-world consequences of forcing your dog to go through it or adding to pet overpopulation.

MYTH: My Dog Is Purebred & Must Carry On The Lineage

FACT: We don’t mean to imply that your dog isn’t special and unique. However, at least one out of every four dogs turned in to animal shelters around the country are purebred.

Take a look at shelters or breed specific rescues in your area if you want proof.

There are just too many dogs, both mixed breed and purebred, left in shelters. Your dog is not the last in a pure bloodline. Their breed will be just fine without your dog passing on their genes.

MYTH: My Dog Will Feel Like Less Of A Male Or Female

FACT: Dogs have no concept of gender identity or ego, and spaying or neutering does not change that fact. They don’t suffer a blow to their gender identity in any way when spayed or neutered because they don’t have it to begin with.

Moreover, dog personality traits are not exclusive to either sex, altered or intact. Believe it or not, there are female dogs who hump. There are male dogs who are submissive. Aggression, energy, gentleness, and any other trait you can think of can be found in male or female dogs.

Spaying doesn’t turn your female dog into a male, and neutering does not turn your male dog into a female. To think otherwise is just silly and projecting your own human constructs.

MYTH: I Want A Puppy Just Like My Dog

FACT: A professional dog breeder, whose dogs’ bloodlines stretch back for generations, has no guarantee of getting a particular characteristic from a litter. A regular dog parent’s chances are even slimmer.

In fact, a whole litter of puppies might wind up getting only the worst characteristics of your pet dog and their mate.

If you want a puppy like your current dog, visit a shelter and interact with the pups there. Find one with a similar personality. That’s how you can guarantee you’ll get a dog like your own, and you’ll be saving a pet in need, rather than contributing to the number of dogs in shelters.

MYTH: Spaying Or Neutering Is Too Expensive

FACT: The cost of spaying or neutering is based on the age, size, and sex of the dog, your vet’s fees, and other variables. However, spay or neuter surgery is a one-time cost, and if you factor in the many benefits, such as improved health throughout your dog’s lifetime, it’s a relatively small charge.

It’s a bargain compared to the costs associated with raising a litter of puppies, such as exams for the mother dog, puppy checks and vaccinations, the extra food you need, etc. If complications arise and you need emergency veterinary services, the costs could rise into the thousands.

There is also the amount of time you will need to devote to the mother dog and her babies; two months of pregnancy followed by two more months before the puppies are weaned and ready to go to new homes.

Most importantly, the price is small when compared to the satisfaction of knowing that you are not contributing to the very real problem of too many dogs in shelters and too few homes available for them.

You can also check with your local animal welfare organizations. Many of them offer low-cost spay and neuter services.

MYTH: I Have Good Homes Available For All The Puppies

FACT: True, you may have homes for your puppies. However, for every home you find, there is one less home available for a shelter dog.

Moreover, do you have guarantees that the people who take your puppies will not breed them and, thus, add even more dogs to the overpopulation problem? Remember, overpopulation is created and perpetuated one litter at a time.

What other myths have you heard about spaying or neutering? Will you help spread knowledge during Spay/Neuter Awareness Month? Let us know in the comments below!

The post Myths & Facts About Spaying & Neutering Dogs appeared first on DogTime.