I have a question about spaying, in partuicular a 7 yr old girl. I have had her two years now and left her intact. I have very minimal experience with intact females as most have come to me already altered. Her cycles haven't changed in the two years I've had her as far as duration. But for the last two cycles she has been doing a lot of 'nesting' type activity post. No mamm. swelling or vag discharge, no temp. I am aware of pyometria, but not of the signs that lead up to it..only when the dog is very sick. I am taking her today for a CBC and I know the vet's will say you need to spay her. There are no plans to breed her and there is no poss of an unwanted preg, I left her intact as recent articles support that intact is healthier. My question is anyone familiar with any health conditions that I am over-looking, am I not being a prudent owner by not spaying, and if not health condition how do you support the dog through the nesting activity. For now I have been putting her to work when I hear her start that nesting activity. thanks for your time....

False pregnancy is pretty common in intact dogs. My oldest likes to haul around stuffed animals and hide them in closets and under the bed. For her a high motivation activity like the kong or a tug a jug gets her through the worst of it. Usually I get a week of pretend mommy and then she's back to normal.

Hi Aimee,

I can't help with your question; but I wanted to see if you can give me some sources about intact females being healthier? (or anyone else who can sent me some info!)

I'm facing whether or not to spay my 8 y.o.

Thanks.

Roz

Here is an article I found

http://www.naiaonline.org/pdfs/LongTermHealthEffectsOfSpayNeuterInDogs.pdf



Edited by Niomi Smith (07/19/2010 01:55 PM)
Edit reason: Fixed Link