Baark! On : What to do with Mixed Messages?

Bahamas Alliance for Animal Rights and Kindness

Dear Baark!

I heard it was better for female dogs to go through one litter before spaying them? Can you comment? It just seems so backward to make the dog have a litter of puppies so she can have a surgery to avoid having further puppies?

Signed; Mixed messages

Dear Mixed Messages

We at Baark! love this question! This is a common belief here in the Bahamas. In reality all the medical evidence suggests a dog should be spayed before her first heat. The surgery is much easier to perform before she matures to have your female dog spayed before she sexually matures mean you will eliminate any chance that she will go into heat. When a female dog goes into heat she will seek out a male dog to try to mate. This is just natural behavior and cannot be changed. So yes, it is best to get your dog spayed before she matures; the simple procedure protects her from the dangers of mating, pregnancy and delivery all of which impact the health of a dog.

Also consider the math. If your dog has a litter of puppies you will have to find a home for each puppy reducing the number of dogs adopted from the shelters. The number of homeless and unwanted dogs and puppies here in the Bahamas is enormous; please do not add to the already overpopulated population.

A dog is usually sexually mature by 6 months of age; therefore it is recommended you get them “fixed” by about 4 months. Consulting with a good veterinarian on this is also something that we at Baark! highly recommend. They can advise you more clearly as to the perfect time to get your dog spayed or neutered.

Thanks for asking!

Baark!

Please spay and neuter your animals, this simple procedure saves lives and decreases the suffering of unwanted animals.

This column is proudly brought to you by BAARK! the Bahamas Alliance for Animal Rights and Kindness.

For more information contact us at info@baarkbahamas.org, (558-3039) or visit our website www.baarkbahamas.com