Spaying is a very common surgery performed on female dogs. It’s a sterilization procedure that prevents them from getting pregnant and eliminates their heat cycles.
A lot of dog parents wonder, “Do spayed dogs have periods?” The simple answer is no. Spaying removes the organs responsible for the canine menstrual cycle.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what spaying actually entails, including:
- Why people choose to spay (and why some don’t)
- Exactly what happens during the procedure
- How to take care of your pup after surgery
Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about spaying and your dog’s reproductive health.
What does it mean to spay a dog?
Spaying is a surgical procedure that removes a female dog’s reproductive organs, so she can’t get pregnant. Spaying also stops the estrus cycle, otherwise known as being in heat.
Sometimes, the term “spaying” is used interchangeably with “neutering,” but it’s more accurate to use “neutering” when you’re referring to castrating a male animal.
Surgical methods for spaying
There are two main surgical methods vets use to spay a female dog:
- Ovariohysterectomy: This is the traditional and most common method, in which both ovaries and the uterus are removed.
- Ovariectomy: In this surgery, only the ovaries are removed. Some vets perform this method, but ovariohysterectomy is still more common.
Understanding the Canine Estrus Cycle
To understand why spayed dogs don’t have periods, it’s helpful to understand what happens when a female dog isn’t spayed. Unspayed female dogs go through a heat cycle, also called an estrus cycle, usually about twice a year, although the frequency can vary a bit from dog to dog.
The heat cycle consists of four stages: proestrus, estrus, diestrus, and anestrus.
When a dog is in heat, you might notice:
- A swollen vulva
- Vaginal discharge, which is often bloody
- Increased interest from male dogs
- Changes in behavior, like restlessness or nesting
These changes are triggered by hormones. Estrogen levels rise during proestrus and estrus, while progesterone levels rise during diestrus.
It’s important to note that while dogs do have vaginal discharge during their heat cycle, it’s not exactly the same as menstruation in humans. The bleeding is related to preparing the uterus for a possible pregnancy, not shedding the uterine lining like in human menstruation.
Do spayed dogs have periods?
No, spayed dogs do not have periods. When a dog is spayed, the vet removes their ovaries. The ovaries make the hormones that trigger the heat cycle. Without those hormones, a dog can’t go into heat and won’t bleed.
Sometimes, pet owners think their spayed dog is having a period when it isn’t. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can cause blood in the urine. Vaginitis (an inflamed vagina) can cause discharge that looks like blood. If a dog has an ovariohysterectomy, the vet removes the uterus, which makes it impossible for the dog to get pyometra (a uterine infection).
If you see any kind of unusual discharge or bleeding from your spayed dog’s vulva, talk to your vet. They can rule out any other medical problems that aren’t related to your dog’s reproductive system.
Why spay your dog?
Spaying your dog has upsides and downsides. Here are a few of each.
Health benefits of spaying
- Spaying eliminates the risk of pyometra, a uterine infection that can be life-threatening.
- Spaying greatly reduces the risk of mammary cancer, especially if you spay your dog before her first heat cycle.
- Spaying eliminates the risk of ovarian and uterine cancer.
Behavioral benefits of spaying
- Spaying eliminates heat cycles and the mood swings and behaviors that come along with them.
- Spaying reduces or eliminates the urge to roam to find a mate.
- Spaying eliminates false pregnancies.
- Spaying may reduce aggression in some female dogs.
Spaying helps control pet overpopulation
Spaying your dog can help reduce the number of animals in shelters and rescues.
Potential risks of spaying
As with any surgery, there can be complications, such as infection or bleeding. There are a few other potential risks of spaying to consider, as well.
- Some breeds have a higher risk of some cancers, such as osteosarcoma and hemangiosarcoma, after being spayed.
- Spaying can increase the risk of urinary incontinence, especially in large breeds.
- Spaying can lead to weight gain because it slows down your dog’s metabolism.
What happens during spaying, and what’s recovery like?
If you and your veterinarian decide that spaying is the best choice for your dog, here’s what you can expect.
The spaying procedure
Before surgery, your vet will perform a physical exam and run blood tests to make sure your dog is healthy enough to undergo the procedure.
During surgery, your dog will be placed under general anesthesia.
The surgeon will make a small incision in her abdomen, usually along her midline.
Then, the surgeon will perform either an ovariohysterectomy, in which the uterus and ovaries are removed, or an ovariectomy, in which only the ovaries are removed.
Finally, the surgeon will close the incision with sutures.
Spay recovery
After surgery, your dog’s vital signs will be monitored until she’s fully awake.
She’ll be given pain medication to keep her comfortable as she recovers.
It’s important to keep the incision clean and dry. Your vet will likely send you home with an Elizabethan collar, also known as a cone, to keep her from licking or chewing at the incision.
For 10 to 14 days after surgery, you’ll need to limit your dog’s activity.
Be sure to keep an eye on the incision for any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or discharge.
Final Thoughts
To reiterate, a spayed dog doesn’t have periods because the surgery removes her ovaries and, usually, her uterus. Without these organs, she can’t go into heat or experience menstruation.
Deciding when to spay your dog is a personal choice, and it’s best to discuss the pros and cons with your vet. They can help you determine the optimal time based on your dog’s breed, size, and overall health. They can also answer any questions you have about the procedure and its potential risks.
Keep in mind that if you ever notice any unusual discharge or bleeding from your spayed dog, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian promptly. While it’s not related to a period, it could indicate an underlying health issue that needs attention.
Spaying your dog is a responsible decision that offers many benefits, contributing to her overall health and well-being, as well as helping to control the pet population. Being a responsible pet owner means making informed choices and prioritizing your furry friend’s health and happiness.