One of the many consequential decisions you’ll need to make as a dog owner is whether to spay or neuter your dog. Spay-neuter refers to the veterinary practice of surgically removing a dog’s reproductive organs. It’s accepted among the general public and often recommended to spay or neuter your dog, especially since some dog parks and daycare facilities don’t allow unneutered dogs or females in heat. Conversely, it’s common practice for dog breeders and conformation competitors to keep their dogs intact.
Generally, it’s your choice whether to spay-neuter your dog. Before embarking on a life with an intact dog, it’s important to be informed about the benefits and risks of making this decision. Here’s what you need to know about dogs’ reproductive cycles and how to prevent unwanted pregnancies.
What Happens When a Dog Is in Heat?
For a female dog, coming into heat means they’re receptive to breeding and can become pregnant. Generally, dogs come into heat every six months, but this can vary depending on the breed. “Smaller breeds could have their heat cycle about three times per year while larger breeds could have it once per year,” says Dr. Kelly Hood, DVM, in-house veterinary expert at Pet Portraits and consultant for California Dog Kitchen.
Heat cycles can last for two to three weeks, she says. One method for determining whether a dog is ready to breed is with a blood test called progesterone testing which tells you when a dog is ovulating. Aside from progesterone testing, there are physical and behavioral signs that a dog is in heat, she explains. These include:
- Swollen vulva
- Bloody discharge
- Frequent urination
- Persistent licking
- Increased attraction to male dogs
- Decreased appetite
- Restlessness
- Clinginess
Because things can get messy when a dog is in heat, you may decide to use a dog diaper or sanitary pad. “Diapers or pads aren’t required, but they can help manage the bloody discharge and keep your home clean,” she says. “They also add a barrier that discourages excessive licking and reduces the scent that attracts male dogs.”
If you’re using diapers, she recommends changing them regularly to prevent irritation or infection. You should also supervise your dog while wearing a pad or diaper since they can pull them off and chew on them.
How Do You Prevent Unwanted Litters?
The estrus stage of the heat cycle is when a dog is ovulating and receptive to mating. Ovulation is when the eggs are released and occurs one to three days after the onset of estrus. “Female dogs can only become pregnant during the estrus stage of their heat cycle,” Dr. Hood says. “This window is usually a week or less.”
When dogs are in heat, they release pheromones which attract intact males. Pheromones are chemicals that dogs use to communicate with each other. “Male dogs that pick up the scent of a dog in heat will attempt to approach the female,” she says. Once this happens, they can become very persistent.
Her advice is to supervise your female dog to prevent unwanted attention and pregnancy. Avoid contact with male dogs and keep your dog on a leash while out walking.
Intact males can become forceful in their attempts to mate with females, and sometimes vice versa. Since they are motivated to roam, you’ll want to avoid off-leash training or hiking. Also, keep your yard secure and be sure to walk your dog on a leash.
Are Intact Males More Dominant?
Aggression levels can depend on the breed. Intact males may display dominant or territorial behaviors such as inappropriate mounting, roaming, and urine-marking. “They could become more aggressive, especially around other males or when a female in heat is nearby,” Dr. Hood says. “If a dog is trained and has been well-socialized, it can diminish aggressive tendencies.”
Moreover, keeping your dog intact may help avoid potential complications due to surgery, anesthesia, or the absence of reproductive hormones. Neutering can lead to an increased risk of endocrine issues, urinary incontinence, orthopedic disorders, soft tissue injuries, and certain types of cancers.
“The benefits of spay-neuter versus the risks involved are unique to each dog , their type, sex and breed, and the owner’s lifestyle, and should be discussed with a person’s veterinarian,” explains Dr. Jerry Klein, DVM, Chief Veterinarian for the American Kennel Club.
Can Intact Males and Females Be in the Same Home?
Dogs reach sexual maturity between 5 months and a year, so it’s a good idea to separate male and female dogs before then. “Intact male dogs are fertile throughout their lives and don’t have reproductive cycles,” Dr. Hood says. “They can impregnate a female at any time if she is in heat.”
It is possible to have intact males and females living together, she says. However, if you decide not to spay or neuter your dog, you will need to closely manage and supervise them. “Never leave them alone together and keep them separated at all times during the female’s heat cycle,” she says. “Even a brief interaction can result in pregnancy.”
Not all female dogs show obvious signs of being in heat. They might begin ovulating before you can tell that they are fertile. “If you want to prevent accidental litters or prevent potential injury to one or more dogs if they attempt to break out of a kennel or barrier during the female’s heat cycle, spaying or neutering is the most effective long-term solution,” she says. In addition, spay-neuter can help prevent pet overpopulation.
If you decide to go ahead with spay-neuter, Dr. Klein advises against the standard “6 months of age” guideline for all dogs that many veterinarians have historically used. Instead, he recommends that the timing of these procedures be tailored to each dog, especially if the dog is a large or giant breed. It can also be a good idea to consult with your breeder. In any case, you should discuss spay-neuter with your veterinarian and the appropriate timing while also taking into consideration your dog’s breed, sex, lifestyle, and any potential health issues.
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