Common practices for adopting dogs include spaying and neutering at a young age. This procedure is justified as a way to decrease animal homelessness from free mating, decreasing cancer, and staving off certain undesirable behaviors.
In female dogs, the concept of spaying can be confusing as certain health benefits are improved while the risk of complications from the actual surgery itself are frequent.
The following information derives from a meta analysis preformed by Laura J. Sanborn, M.S. in 2007. All reference articles are included in the meta analysis.
When female dogs are spayed before 2.5 years of age, the risk of mammary tumors, the most common malignant tumors in female dogs [especially if spayed younger than 30 months old], is greatly reduced.
It is my professional opinion that hormones don't cause cancer as many studies for human and animals would imply. Cancer is a complex bio mechanism caused from complex factors including the toxicants from vaccinations, pesticides for flea/tick/heart worm, other contaminants such as glyphosate in food, water, air and the environment.
Hormones may potentiate the growth of cancer but it's more likely to be an inciting factor if the internal mechanisms for clearing hormone metabolites (break down products of the hormones) are not operating properly or are overloaded with many of the toxicants mentioned above. These detox mechanisms, primarily in the liver, are critical for helping clear many cancer producing toxicants. This idea is not considered in any of the studies on neutering and cancer.
Spaying early eliminates the risk of pyometra (because there is no uterus to become infected) which otherwise would affect about 23% of intact female dogs. Pyometra kills about 1% of intact female dogs. The already small risk of developing uterine, cervical, and ovarian tumors (≤0.5%) is removed. Lastly, just like with male dogs, the risk of perianal fistulas is reduced.
Recent information has shown the removal of the estrogen producing glands (ovaries) inhibit a feedback loop in the brain (pituitary) to actually increase luteinizing hormone, which has been potentially associated in non-cancerous and cancerous diseases. For our dogs the mechanism for the risk of cancer increasing could be more clearly understood now.
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10 Reasons You Should Not Spay Your FEMALE Dog
#1: Similar to male dogs, female dogs are typically spayed prior to 1 year of age which impacts healthy, regular growth. Spaying young females significantly increases the risk of osteosarcoma (bone cancer), a common cancer in larger breeds with a poor prognosis.
#2: When female dogs are spayed before puberty, distinctly female disorders rise. The risk of recessed vulva, vaginal dermatitis, and vaginitis increases.
#3: Delaying the closure of growth plates after spaying a young female dog causes irregularity in the development of different bones. This hormonal disruption can cause unnatural proportions and proclivity to arthritis. Many bones may continue to grow due to the failure of growth plates to close. Examples include elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia.
#4: Spaying female dogs increases the risk of splenic and cardiac hemangiosarcoma. The increase of this common cancer rises by a factor of 2.2 for splenic hemangiosarcoma and by a factor of >5 for cardiac hemangiosarcoma. In some breeds, this cancer is among the top causes of death.
#5: The urinary complications in spayed female dogs are greatly increased. The occurrence of "spay incontinence" rises by 4-20% and the risk of persistent or recurring UTIs (urinary tract infections) increases by a factor of 3-4%. Spaying also doubles the small risk (<1%) of developing rare urinary tract tumors.
#6: The risk of obesity in spayed female dogs rises by a factor 1.6-2%. Obesity leads to other common health struggles including diabetes, ruptured cruciate ligament, tumors, urinary disease, and oral disease.
#7: Bone and ligament diseases in spayed female dogs are alarmingly increased. The risk for hip dysplasia in female dogs spayed or neutered before 5 1/2 months old rises by 70%. Their increased risk for patellar (knee cap) luxation rises by 3.1 fold. Cranial cruciate ligament rupture increases 2 fold.
#8: The risk of loss of pelvic bone mass (hip dysplasia) and spondylosis in the spine of spayed female dogs rises. A remodeling of the pelvis suggests a tendency to hip dysplasia. Spaying was also found to cause a net loss of bone mass in the spine and a 2 fold increase in cranial cruciate rupture. Compared to intact dogs, spayed/neutered dogs were found to have a 3.1 fold higher risk of patellar luxation.
#9: Early spaying of female dogs likely causes illnesses sparked by autoimmune thyroiditis. The risk for hypothyroidism triples for spayed female dogs.
#10: Spayed female dogs are susceptible to adverse reactions to vaccinations. Reactions such as anaphylaxis, cardiac arrest and shock, sudden death. Chronic disease from vaccinations is not recognized by conventional medicine, only acute reactions are recognized, but even those reactions were significantly more frequent in neutered animals of either sex. Adverse reactions were 30% more likely in spayed females than intact females, and 27% more likely in neutered males than intact males.
If you're still confused about whether or not you should spay your female dog, here's what I would suggest you consider before making your choice:
Educate yourself, think about your lifestyle, ask your vet questions and then carefully move forward. Keep your animal intact for as long as possible. Specifically for female dogs, make sure you monitor for pyometra and carefully regulate her heat cycle social life.
If you have access to a vet who will preform a tubal ligation, I suggest you consider this. If you do not, the Parsemus Foundation can help you and your vet get educated.
I also suggest you get adequate training to insure your dog is well socialized - this is a must to give your dog a safe, natural upbringing!
It has been my experience (now over 4 decades) in this profession that dogs and cats spayed and neutered much later in life or not at all, along with natural rearing choices, that your animals can live a much, much healthier, longer life!
And if you MUST spay your dog -
Our homeopathic protocol can help! These homeopathic remedies, in a super convenient kit, are tried and true to make a routine, but stressful situation easier, with much less pain, and a much faster recovery
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26 comments
Marilia
Dear Dr. Dee,
Thank you so much for this. I have a 5 months old toy poodle and a 8 months old also a toy poodle. I decided to NOT spaying them. I had my 2 previous tea-cup poodles that passed last year – 17 years and 16 years- both not spayed either and it was just fine, besides I miss them very much. I want the most natural life possible for my little ones. They workout with me everyday and I feed them with veggies and I cook for them as well. On the side, they eat dry food – Royal Canin – and sometimes baby-food. again, thank you for wrote this!! 😍🐾🐾🌱
———
Dr Dee Blanco replied:
Hi Marilia -
If you want the most natural life for them you have another thing to incorporate into their lives: fresh food!
Good luck and so glad you are doing what you are to keep them healthy and vital!
Dear Dr. Dee,
Thank you so much for this. I have a 5 months old toy poodle and a 8 months old also a toy poodle. I decided to NOT spaying them. I had my 2 previous tea-cup poodles that passed last year – 17 years and 16 years- both not spayed either and it was just fine, besides I miss them very much. I want the most natural life possible for my little ones. They workout with me everyday and I feed them with veggies and I cook for them as well. On the side, they eat dry food – Royal Canin – and sometimes baby-food. again, thank you for wrote this!! 😍🐾🐾🌱
———
Dr Dee Blanco replied:
Hi Marilia -
If you want the most natural life for them you have another thing to incorporate into their lives: fresh food!
Good luck and so glad you are doing what you are to keep them healthy and vital!
Judyvein
Hi Dr Dee, I’m looking at getting your spay protocol but wanted to get in touch to reassure im doing the best for my newly adopted gal..
BeanBean is 6 and shelter is not giving me the ownership papers unless I spay her, but if I do not want the papers I could just keep it as she is still belonging to the shelter even i adopt her and she is mine.. hahaha. I’m struggling between ownership or no.
Ever since I adopt her, she transition into raw diet like it was nothing at all, she has ehrlichiosis but i put her on dr steve marsden chinese herbs and i didn’t recheck on her ehrlichiosis as pretty soon i switched her diet, her appetite came back just like any other frenchie. Shortly her heat came, and right after her heat she started having yellow-greenish pus. I brought her in for ultrasound but found nothing, I culture her urine and no uti.. and doc say might be vaginitis but I refuse antibiotics. I put her on animal essentials tinkle tonic and coconut oil but Pus is still having it sometimes but not as frequent.. Thinking it could be dampness I switched her food to rabbit, it seems like the pus has disappeared.
So based on the pus thing and she is a ex-breeding mom, what is your opinion on spaying her? I’m actually scheduled end of May for ovary-sparing surgery. Husband is super super worrying on pyometra based on the past 6yrs she is not managed with holistic approach worrying about ivdd or other stuffs in future if can’t get insurance due to ownership papers.
I’m a pet raw food nutritionist mom and an holistic pet care advocate but I’m still stuck with making this decision, I need help.. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🫣😳
———
Dr Dee Blanco replied:
Hi Judy,
Sorry for the delay – I can’t always answer all the emails quickly.
Sounds like a uterine infection or a vaginitis, but hard to tell. If she is feeling well and the US showed nothing then it might not be pyometra. But, I just saw a dog recently that didn’t show an enlarged uterus on US and had a closed pyometra. But she wasn’t feeling right either.
I wouldn’t worry about spaying her for health reasons other than pyometra concerns at this point. She has lived with her hormones which have supported her brain, bone, immune health and development – so 6 years is a good thing! But, I would not let her breed any more. And it’s not likely since you adopted a shelter dog that you want to breed her.
So, an OSS is a good idea if you are wrestling with your hubby. You still get the best of both worlds. No, I dont’ like removing any body part, but don’t create more hassle for your marriage and if you need those papers from the shelter for ownership. If you keep her in tact for a while longer, make sure you carefully monitor her and get a homeopathic vet to treat her or continue with the Chinese herbs – but don’t just sit idly. She needs some treatment.
That’s all I can say, except good luck!!
DB
Hi Dr Dee, I’m looking at getting your spay protocol but wanted to get in touch to reassure im doing the best for my newly adopted gal..
BeanBean is 6 and shelter is not giving me the ownership papers unless I spay her, but if I do not want the papers I could just keep it as she is still belonging to the shelter even i adopt her and she is mine.. hahaha. I’m struggling between ownership or no.
Ever since I adopt her, she transition into raw diet like it was nothing at all, she has ehrlichiosis but i put her on dr steve marsden chinese herbs and i didn’t recheck on her ehrlichiosis as pretty soon i switched her diet, her appetite came back just like any other frenchie. Shortly her heat came, and right after her heat she started having yellow-greenish pus. I brought her in for ultrasound but found nothing, I culture her urine and no uti.. and doc say might be vaginitis but I refuse antibiotics. I put her on animal essentials tinkle tonic and coconut oil but Pus is still having it sometimes but not as frequent.. Thinking it could be dampness I switched her food to rabbit, it seems like the pus has disappeared.
So based on the pus thing and she is a ex-breeding mom, what is your opinion on spaying her? I’m actually scheduled end of May for ovary-sparing surgery. Husband is super super worrying on pyometra based on the past 6yrs she is not managed with holistic approach worrying about ivdd or other stuffs in future if can’t get insurance due to ownership papers.
I’m a pet raw food nutritionist mom and an holistic pet care advocate but I’m still stuck with making this decision, I need help.. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🫣😳
———
Dr Dee Blanco replied:
Hi Judy,
Sorry for the delay – I can’t always answer all the emails quickly.
Sounds like a uterine infection or a vaginitis, but hard to tell. If she is feeling well and the US showed nothing then it might not be pyometra. But, I just saw a dog recently that didn’t show an enlarged uterus on US and had a closed pyometra. But she wasn’t feeling right either.
I wouldn’t worry about spaying her for health reasons other than pyometra concerns at this point. She has lived with her hormones which have supported her brain, bone, immune health and development – so 6 years is a good thing! But, I would not let her breed any more. And it’s not likely since you adopted a shelter dog that you want to breed her.
So, an OSS is a good idea if you are wrestling with your hubby. You still get the best of both worlds. No, I dont’ like removing any body part, but don’t create more hassle for your marriage and if you need those papers from the shelter for ownership. If you keep her in tact for a while longer, make sure you carefully monitor her and get a homeopathic vet to treat her or continue with the Chinese herbs – but don’t just sit idly. She needs some treatment.
That’s all I can say, except good luck!!
DB
Giselle
I have a 10month old yorkie , not intending on spaying her for now, cook her food , use natural oils for mosquitos (i live in texas) I’m feeling very worried bcuz she has had all her puppy shots 1 rabies and I’m fearful it may have compromised her autoimmune system, vet is now pushing heart worm prevention, I told her I’m against flea medication , is there something I can do to boost her immunity? I’m not wanting anymore vaccines and regret getting any but vet all about them , it’s hard to find a vet that supports homeopathic treatments and make you feel in a way inadequate, thank you for supporting natural remedies
———
Dr Dee Blanco replied:
Oh yes, the perpetual fear-based pressure, pressure, pressure.
It is possible her immune system could be compromised with the vaccines, unfortunately. But, you can do some detox that might help remove some of the toxicants – it’s always worth a try and may not be super easy for a little Yorkie, but if it were my dog, I would try! I see too many autoimmune, skin, digestive, cancer and other diseases that can show up later that aren’t connected to the vaccines. This is true with humans too. But, make sure you watch for things that show in this first year of life.
Mostly I would say detox is primary now, not boosting the immune system.
Yes, so hard to find vets who support homeopathy, but stay tuned here and you can grow strong and keep your little one as healthy as possible! You are already bucking the system and doing it well!!! Make sure you don’t give any rabies without titers first. And you have an adult dog already, they don’t need any parvo or distemper any more – ever!
I hope this helps.
DB
I have a 10month old yorkie , not intending on spaying her for now, cook her food , use natural oils for mosquitos (i live in texas) I’m feeling very worried bcuz she has had all her puppy shots 1 rabies and I’m fearful it may have compromised her autoimmune system, vet is now pushing heart worm prevention, I told her I’m against flea medication , is there something I can do to boost her immunity? I’m not wanting anymore vaccines and regret getting any but vet all about them , it’s hard to find a vet that supports homeopathic treatments and make you feel in a way inadequate, thank you for supporting natural remedies
———
Dr Dee Blanco replied:
Oh yes, the perpetual fear-based pressure, pressure, pressure.
It is possible her immune system could be compromised with the vaccines, unfortunately. But, you can do some detox that might help remove some of the toxicants – it’s always worth a try and may not be super easy for a little Yorkie, but if it were my dog, I would try! I see too many autoimmune, skin, digestive, cancer and other diseases that can show up later that aren’t connected to the vaccines. This is true with humans too. But, make sure you watch for things that show in this first year of life.
Mostly I would say detox is primary now, not boosting the immune system.
Yes, so hard to find vets who support homeopathy, but stay tuned here and you can grow strong and keep your little one as healthy as possible! You are already bucking the system and doing it well!!! Make sure you don’t give any rabies without titers first. And you have an adult dog already, they don’t need any parvo or distemper any more – ever!
I hope this helps.
DB
Karen
Dear Dr. Blanco,
I have a female Chihuahua, almost 7 yrs old. She isn’t spayed, and has had 2 puppies. I’m very much against spaying because of the common obesity issue. However, after almost every heat she has a false pregnancy. Should I get her an ovary sparing surgery, or what should I do?
Thank you,
Karen Berry
Yarnell, AZ.
———
Dr Dee Blanco replied:
Well, yes, an OSS could ‘fix’ the problem because she won’t have a uterus to respond to the hormones that are causing the false heats.
But, you might try to work with a homeopathic or Chinese medicine vet to see if those hormones can be regulated (just like for a woman) which could help her overall health as well.
If it were my dog I would first try those things before a surgery.
Dear Dr. Blanco,
I have a female Chihuahua, almost 7 yrs old. She isn’t spayed, and has had 2 puppies. I’m very much against spaying because of the common obesity issue. However, after almost every heat she has a false pregnancy. Should I get her an ovary sparing surgery, or what should I do?
Thank you,
Karen Berry
Yarnell, AZ.
———
Dr Dee Blanco replied:
Well, yes, an OSS could ‘fix’ the problem because she won’t have a uterus to respond to the hormones that are causing the false heats.
But, you might try to work with a homeopathic or Chinese medicine vet to see if those hormones can be regulated (just like for a woman) which could help her overall health as well.
If it were my dog I would first try those things before a surgery.
Eileen
Hi Dr. Blanco,
You won’t remember me but you were my homeopathic vet for my cats in the 1990s. You were in NM then.
I have not had pets since then but my nephew has a corgi and I was looking up spaying and your article came up right away.
Your expertise was amazing then and I am sure even more so now. I had found you through Dr. Pitcarin…..and Anitra Frazier…
Just wanted to say hello and let people know how terrific you are.
Peace and light,
Eileen
———
Dr Dee Blanco replied:
Thank you Eileen! I’m so glad to know that I helped you and your precious kitties way, way back when I was early to homeopathy. I do hope I have learned much more in these advancing years!!!
All the best to you, wherever you are now!
Dr Dee
Hi Dr. Blanco,
You won’t remember me but you were my homeopathic vet for my cats in the 1990s. You were in NM then.
I have not had pets since then but my nephew has a corgi and I was looking up spaying and your article came up right away.
Your expertise was amazing then and I am sure even more so now. I had found you through Dr. Pitcarin…..and Anitra Frazier…
Just wanted to say hello and let people know how terrific you are.
Peace and light,
Eileen
———
Dr Dee Blanco replied:
Thank you Eileen! I’m so glad to know that I helped you and your precious kitties way, way back when I was early to homeopathy. I do hope I have learned much more in these advancing years!!!
All the best to you, wherever you are now!
Dr Dee
Bharath S Urs
Very gad that I came across your article !
I have four intact female dogs (two years and under) and two intact males, I do not breed them. I only isolate the females whenever in heat.. but the thickening of uterine wall, the possible cysts and Pyometra had scared me enough to consider going in for a spay, but have decided to be watchful for any such possibility and take immediate measures.
Will breeding a female dog just once, reduce her chances of her uterine walls thickening, at all ?
———
Dr Dee Blanco replied:
Breeding will not reduce the likelihood of pyometra, but other holistic rearing actions will such as: fresh, wholesome foods; no vaccines; no pesticides; lots of exercise, etc… anything that builds up the immune system and doesn’t tax the immune, gut or detox systems will help overall health and minimize risk of pyometra. Nothing will take it away completely, but typically, it’s older females who get pyometras so watch for the weeks after her heat and you should be fine!
Very gad that I came across your article !
I have four intact female dogs (two years and under) and two intact males, I do not breed them. I only isolate the females whenever in heat.. but the thickening of uterine wall, the possible cysts and Pyometra had scared me enough to consider going in for a spay, but have decided to be watchful for any such possibility and take immediate measures.
Will breeding a female dog just once, reduce her chances of her uterine walls thickening, at all ?
———
Dr Dee Blanco replied:
Breeding will not reduce the likelihood of pyometra, but other holistic rearing actions will such as: fresh, wholesome foods; no vaccines; no pesticides; lots of exercise, etc… anything that builds up the immune system and doesn’t tax the immune, gut or detox systems will help overall health and minimize risk of pyometra. Nothing will take it away completely, but typically, it’s older females who get pyometras so watch for the weeks after her heat and you should be fine!
Arnold J Rodriguez
I wish I had known this back in 2005 when I got my first dog. I rescued her from the streets. She was a Papillon mix. I spayed her before or at 1 year old. She developed arch femurs after like 6 months of the surgery. She lived with this condition her whole life she used diapers all times because even though she could use to some extent her back legs they were arched she ran, jumped and went up and down stairs. She had a happy life she lasted 15 years. But I always was left with the doubt that if the surgery to spay her caused that issue of the arched femurs. The vet denied it and convinced me that it was impossible that that happened because of the surgery to spay her. I didn’t know better, and believed him, but now after reading your article, I think there is a very high probability that this was the cause. Her name was Lucy and she was the best dog in the world. When she passed away I had to put her down because she started having non-stop convulsions one night, November 16, 2020 at 1:30am. I cried like a baby I loved her so much. But when I rescued her I swore to her that when the time I wouldn’t let her suffer or leave her on pain. I kept my word, even though I was heartbroken. Rest in peace my Dear Lucy.
After 1.5 years I got a tea cup female Chihuahua 4-5pounds. She is already 2 years and a few months, she was born July 4th, 2021 snd I got her Septembetr 2021. I have thought of spaying her but something has held me back not to do it. She is so small and fragile I care for her as if she were a real human. Now I won’t be spaying her, not after reading this. Am I doing the right thing though? Still have some questions, she is in her second heat cycle but since she is an inside dog a Daddy’s dog I am not worried of she getting pregnant. How can I contact you? Do you have office? Which State is it in? I am from California. Thank you doc,
Arnold
———
Dr Dee Blanco replied:
Hello Arnold,
I’m so sorry about your little Papillon but delighted you had 15 good years with her it sounds like! So, give yourself a pat on the back for that!
I don’t see a need to spay your little one now or even in the future unless she is having issues with false pregnancies or with her heats. Just watch her after her heats are over to make sure she doesn’t have a fever or is ill. If she has something unusual take her to the vet and get an evaluation. If you are raising this dog in a more Holistic/Natural way then the likelihood of pyometra is very low.
Stay subscribed to my email/Substack lists and you can learn more.
I’m sorry, I’m not able to take clients at this time – I’m winding down my clinical practice, but am going to keep educating where I am able. Keep up the good work!!
I wish I had known this back in 2005 when I got my first dog. I rescued her from the streets. She was a Papillon mix. I spayed her before or at 1 year old. She developed arch femurs after like 6 months of the surgery. She lived with this condition her whole life she used diapers all times because even though she could use to some extent her back legs they were arched she ran, jumped and went up and down stairs. She had a happy life she lasted 15 years. But I always was left with the doubt that if the surgery to spay her caused that issue of the arched femurs. The vet denied it and convinced me that it was impossible that that happened because of the surgery to spay her. I didn’t know better, and believed him, but now after reading your article, I think there is a very high probability that this was the cause. Her name was Lucy and she was the best dog in the world. When she passed away I had to put her down because she started having non-stop convulsions one night, November 16, 2020 at 1:30am. I cried like a baby I loved her so much. But when I rescued her I swore to her that when the time I wouldn’t let her suffer or leave her on pain. I kept my word, even though I was heartbroken. Rest in peace my Dear Lucy.
After 1.5 years I got a tea cup female Chihuahua 4-5pounds. She is already 2 years and a few months, she was born July 4th, 2021 snd I got her Septembetr 2021. I have thought of spaying her but something has held me back not to do it. She is so small and fragile I care for her as if she were a real human. Now I won’t be spaying her, not after reading this. Am I doing the right thing though? Still have some questions, she is in her second heat cycle but since she is an inside dog a Daddy’s dog I am not worried of she getting pregnant. How can I contact you? Do you have office? Which State is it in? I am from California. Thank you doc,
Arnold
———
Dr Dee Blanco replied:
Hello Arnold,
I’m so sorry about your little Papillon but delighted you had 15 good years with her it sounds like! So, give yourself a pat on the back for that!
I don’t see a need to spay your little one now or even in the future unless she is having issues with false pregnancies or with her heats. Just watch her after her heats are over to make sure she doesn’t have a fever or is ill. If she has something unusual take her to the vet and get an evaluation. If you are raising this dog in a more Holistic/Natural way then the likelihood of pyometra is very low.
Stay subscribed to my email/Substack lists and you can learn more.
I’m sorry, I’m not able to take clients at this time – I’m winding down my clinical practice, but am going to keep educating where I am able. Keep up the good work!!
Ashley Vigil
Omg this article made me feel so much better. I have a 2 year old Yorkie/chihuahua mix. She’s only 2.8lbs. She’s soo tiny and I wanted to get her spayed because the fear of her getting pyrometra(however you spell it) and on top of that I was fearful of putting her under anesthesia. I’ve heard stories of toy breeds getting seizures afterwards and having bad side effects after surgeries from the anesthesia. We only got her vaccinated once as a puppy but we don’t get her vaccinated anymore. She eats minimally processed foods. She’s in great health.
Omg this article made me feel so much better. I have a 2 year old Yorkie/chihuahua mix. She’s only 2.8lbs. She’s soo tiny and I wanted to get her spayed because the fear of her getting pyrometra(however you spell it) and on top of that I was fearful of putting her under anesthesia. I’ve heard stories of toy breeds getting seizures afterwards and having bad side effects after surgeries from the anesthesia. We only got her vaccinated once as a puppy but we don’t get her vaccinated anymore. She eats minimally processed foods. She’s in great health.
Katie
Hi,
I just wanted to say thank you so much for this article and comment section. I have 2 female larger breed dogs that I have decided not to spay. They are both sort of “mutt” dogs one being part mastiff part Portuguese cattle dog and the other being 100% Portuguese cattle dog (reportedly but I have doubts lol). One is almost 6 and one is almost 3. They are both completely healthy, well behaved, never had any pregnancies or behavioural issues from having a uterus. I do not vaccinate them, or give them preventative flea, tick or heart worm treatments and I feed them a very healthy diet. They have been to the vet once for a check up but no vaccines given, never been to the vet for any type of medical issue. They are completely healthy they have never had a flea or tick but I do take really good care of them watch them closely and use natural essential oils made bug spray when we go on walks. (NOT one with chemicals or DEET)
I always worry unnecessarily about pyometria because of the information out there that plants fear in our brain. This post has made me feel so much better! It just makes complete sense that certain dogs might be more susceptible due to the constant suppression of their immune system when given tons of vaccines and medications. Thanks again!
Hi,
I just wanted to say thank you so much for this article and comment section. I have 2 female larger breed dogs that I have decided not to spay. They are both sort of “mutt” dogs one being part mastiff part Portuguese cattle dog and the other being 100% Portuguese cattle dog (reportedly but I have doubts lol). One is almost 6 and one is almost 3. They are both completely healthy, well behaved, never had any pregnancies or behavioural issues from having a uterus. I do not vaccinate them, or give them preventative flea, tick or heart worm treatments and I feed them a very healthy diet. They have been to the vet once for a check up but no vaccines given, never been to the vet for any type of medical issue. They are completely healthy they have never had a flea or tick but I do take really good care of them watch them closely and use natural essential oils made bug spray when we go on walks. (NOT one with chemicals or DEET)
I always worry unnecessarily about pyometria because of the information out there that plants fear in our brain. This post has made me feel so much better! It just makes complete sense that certain dogs might be more susceptible due to the constant suppression of their immune system when given tons of vaccines and medications. Thanks again!
April Summars
Hello,
My landlord is trying to force me to have my dog spayed. She is a two year old chow chow. I do not want to spayed her as she already has critical ligament issues. It would be helpful to have a letter from a veterinarian who is medically opposed to this needless surgery. I see no upside at this point to have her spayed. If you could help I would really appreciate your support. Thank you
———
Dr Dee Blanco replied:
Hello April,
Based on the current information regarding spaying times and breeds – your dog is the worst kind of candidate for continuing joint issues including cruciate rupture and arthritis if you did spay her. But the fact that you have waited this long is a good thing. Very early spaying is where most dogs have the worst issues.
Having said that – I would agree with you that this procedure is not necessary and could cause more health issues than not.
If the concern is about her behavior and aggression, the studies have shown that spayed females are more aggressive than intact females.
I have a long post coming out about these findings but you read some of the early information from 20 years ago – which is still very applicable.
I can’t write you a letter because it might not hold weight in your state, but keep trying to find someone there who can help. It’s worth the effort to keep your dog safe and whole.
Dr Dee
Hello,
My landlord is trying to force me to have my dog spayed. She is a two year old chow chow. I do not want to spayed her as she already has critical ligament issues. It would be helpful to have a letter from a veterinarian who is medically opposed to this needless surgery. I see no upside at this point to have her spayed. If you could help I would really appreciate your support. Thank you
———
Dr Dee Blanco replied:
Hello April,
Based on the current information regarding spaying times and breeds – your dog is the worst kind of candidate for continuing joint issues including cruciate rupture and arthritis if you did spay her. But the fact that you have waited this long is a good thing. Very early spaying is where most dogs have the worst issues.
Having said that – I would agree with you that this procedure is not necessary and could cause more health issues than not.
If the concern is about her behavior and aggression, the studies have shown that spayed females are more aggressive than intact females.
I have a long post coming out about these findings but you read some of the early information from 20 years ago – which is still very applicable.
I can’t write you a letter because it might not hold weight in your state, but keep trying to find someone there who can help. It’s worth the effort to keep your dog safe and whole.
Dr Dee
Jennifer Jancek
I have an 8 yr old female that has had several litters and is now being retried. I have her scheduled to be spayed but am in a huge quandary if it’s beneficial or necessary aside from no more heats???? Help!
———
Dr Dee Blanco replied:
Jennifer,
It’s not necessarily ’necessary’! Sorry – couldn’t help myself!
If she is healthy and you are raising her with natural methods then keep her intact as long as you can. Most animals are better off with all their hormones in place, but if you get any indication of a false pregnancy then find a holistic vet to treat her and only spay if absolutely ’necessary’ for her health and life.
If you have a million dogs and don’t have time to monitor her, you vaccinate, feed commercial food, etc, then spaying might be a prudent option because she is more at risk for a chronic disease like a pyometra situation.
Hope this helps!
I have an 8 yr old female that has had several litters and is now being retried. I have her scheduled to be spayed but am in a huge quandary if it’s beneficial or necessary aside from no more heats???? Help!
———
Dr Dee Blanco replied:
Jennifer,
It’s not necessarily ’necessary’! Sorry – couldn’t help myself!
If she is healthy and you are raising her with natural methods then keep her intact as long as you can. Most animals are better off with all their hormones in place, but if you get any indication of a false pregnancy then find a holistic vet to treat her and only spay if absolutely ’necessary’ for her health and life.
If you have a million dogs and don’t have time to monitor her, you vaccinate, feed commercial food, etc, then spaying might be a prudent option because she is more at risk for a chronic disease like a pyometra situation.
Hope this helps!
Tiziana Biddle
Thank you for all these good and common sense approaches and responses. It has helped me to decided against spaying my 11 month old Chi so need to cancel the operation asap as booked in for the 8th June. Keeping hormones intact is a reasonable and common sense approach and does protect female animals to some extent against unwanted side effects of removing this natural process much like a human female from having her reproductive organs removed for no valid reason whatsoever
Thank you for all these good and common sense approaches and responses. It has helped me to decided against spaying my 11 month old Chi so need to cancel the operation asap as booked in for the 8th June. Keeping hormones intact is a reasonable and common sense approach and does protect female animals to some extent against unwanted side effects of removing this natural process much like a human female from having her reproductive organs removed for no valid reason whatsoever
Sylvia
Please help need advice i have a Dotson she’s 2.5 years i don’t know if I should spay her or not also reading about the vaccine are they not good for them Provo etc….. need advice
———
Dr Dee Blanco replied:
Hello Sylvia,
I would be happy to help you with these questions but I am only able to for a fee. Please see my link and if you would like me to help with these questions please purchase Ask Dr Dee. I’m sure I can help you get some clarity.
Thank you so much!
https://drdeeblanco.com/products/ask-the-vet Ask Dr. Dee drdeeblanco.com
Please help need advice i have a Dotson she’s 2.5 years i don’t know if I should spay her or not also reading about the vaccine are they not good for them Provo etc….. need advice
———
Dr Dee Blanco replied:
Hello Sylvia,
I would be happy to help you with these questions but I am only able to for a fee. Please see my link and if you would like me to help with these questions please purchase Ask Dr Dee. I’m sure I can help you get some clarity.
Thank you so much!
https://drdeeblanco.com/products/ask-the-vet Ask Dr. Dee drdeeblanco.com
Marsee cannon
Charlee is a 2.5 year old female who had tie back surgery at 4 months with a temp trach. Shortly afterwards she lost control of her legs and everyone said she needed to be put down. After six months of treatment, she is now 90% back to normal, loss of some leg movements sometimes but, she can run, jump, play – completely fine! My baby has been through so much and I really do not want to get her spayed, I don’t want to put her through another surgery, or pain or the emotional stress – and if something went wrong I would never forgive myself. But her periods are so long! 3-4 weeks of heavy bleeding!! Not a few days like most dogs. All together it’s a month of changing diapers constantly, – I live on a house on stilts and she gets blood all over the stairs – she sleeps with us, and I try to let her air out at night with no diapers but that it just – well it’s just a huge mess, and I really don’t want to do this every six months for the rest of her life. What are the options?
———
Dr Dee Blanco replied:
Gosh Marsee, you are certainly dealing with quite a bit, but kudos to you – you brought this little one back to almost perfect health! Good for you!
This excessive periods and blood loss should be treated by a homeopath or a Chinese medicine practitioner. She needs fundamental, constitutional treatment to support her overall vitality, which would appear that it is very good! But, clearly she is out of balance.
Natural medicine can certainly bring her back into balance because this amount of blood loss is not sustainable or healthy. Just imagine a human woman have these protracted periods – not good! But, completely treatable!
Best, Dr Dee
Charlee is a 2.5 year old female who had tie back surgery at 4 months with a temp trach. Shortly afterwards she lost control of her legs and everyone said she needed to be put down. After six months of treatment, she is now 90% back to normal, loss of some leg movements sometimes but, she can run, jump, play – completely fine! My baby has been through so much and I really do not want to get her spayed, I don’t want to put her through another surgery, or pain or the emotional stress – and if something went wrong I would never forgive myself. But her periods are so long! 3-4 weeks of heavy bleeding!! Not a few days like most dogs. All together it’s a month of changing diapers constantly, – I live on a house on stilts and she gets blood all over the stairs – she sleeps with us, and I try to let her air out at night with no diapers but that it just – well it’s just a huge mess, and I really don’t want to do this every six months for the rest of her life. What are the options?
———
Dr Dee Blanco replied:
Gosh Marsee, you are certainly dealing with quite a bit, but kudos to you – you brought this little one back to almost perfect health! Good for you!
This excessive periods and blood loss should be treated by a homeopath or a Chinese medicine practitioner. She needs fundamental, constitutional treatment to support her overall vitality, which would appear that it is very good! But, clearly she is out of balance.
Natural medicine can certainly bring her back into balance because this amount of blood loss is not sustainable or healthy. Just imagine a human woman have these protracted periods – not good! But, completely treatable!
Best, Dr Dee
Lisa
Hi Dr. Dee, I have a 30 mo old maltipoo who has not been spayed. She did accidentally get pregnant (complete accident) and had 2 pups which she lost last August – she was 2 yrs old. I have been waiting to have he undergo an ovariectomy as I believed it is an easier procedures and less invasive for our dog. I have done much reading and now that she is considered old for spaying – her risk for mammary tumors will not improve and her risk for ORS is eliminated. My only concern is Pyometra. I am leaning towards not having her spayed at all as she has already been through enough trauma. Can you please advise ? Thank you
———
Dr Dee Blanco replied:
LIsa,
This is such an individualized decision that you have to really consider your feelings and her overall health.
Pyometra is not a 100% given event in unspayed females as the vets and other media would imply or say.
If you are raising your dog in a Holistic, Naturally Reared fashion then the likelihood of having this occur is reduced or possibly completely eliminated.
Having a uterus is not a death sentence, nor is it a curse.
But, raising them in an unhealthy manner (vaccines, flea/tick/heart worm pesticides, city water, pollution in the environment including the home, lack of exercise, lack of social engagement, poor quality foods esp dry foods, etc) will insure the overall lack of health of your dog – leaving her vulnerable to things like pyometra.
Hope this helps! Dr Dee
Hi Dr. Dee, I have a 30 mo old maltipoo who has not been spayed. She did accidentally get pregnant (complete accident) and had 2 pups which she lost last August – she was 2 yrs old. I have been waiting to have he undergo an ovariectomy as I believed it is an easier procedures and less invasive for our dog. I have done much reading and now that she is considered old for spaying – her risk for mammary tumors will not improve and her risk for ORS is eliminated. My only concern is Pyometra. I am leaning towards not having her spayed at all as she has already been through enough trauma. Can you please advise ? Thank you
———
Dr Dee Blanco replied:
LIsa,
This is such an individualized decision that you have to really consider your feelings and her overall health.
Pyometra is not a 100% given event in unspayed females as the vets and other media would imply or say.
If you are raising your dog in a Holistic, Naturally Reared fashion then the likelihood of having this occur is reduced or possibly completely eliminated.
Having a uterus is not a death sentence, nor is it a curse.
But, raising them in an unhealthy manner (vaccines, flea/tick/heart worm pesticides, city water, pollution in the environment including the home, lack of exercise, lack of social engagement, poor quality foods esp dry foods, etc) will insure the overall lack of health of your dog – leaving her vulnerable to things like pyometra.
Hope this helps! Dr Dee
Justin A Morey
What can be done to reduce the risk of pyometra other than spaying? It’s a huge worry
———
Dr Dee Blanco replied:
Justin,
Why is it a huge worry? Has your vet scared you? Have you read a lot of articles on it?
If you are raising your dog in a natural way then pyometra doesn’t have to happen. So, that answers your question – do everything you can to raise your dog the natural, chemical free, fresh food only, vaccine free, lots of exercise, etc, etc…. and you can have a dog that doesn’t get cancer, outlives all her siblings, and doesn’t have chronic disease for her entire life.
What can be done to reduce the risk of pyometra other than spaying? It’s a huge worry
———
Dr Dee Blanco replied:
Justin,
Why is it a huge worry? Has your vet scared you? Have you read a lot of articles on it?
If you are raising your dog in a natural way then pyometra doesn’t have to happen. So, that answers your question – do everything you can to raise your dog the natural, chemical free, fresh food only, vaccine free, lots of exercise, etc, etc…. and you can have a dog that doesn’t get cancer, outlives all her siblings, and doesn’t have chronic disease for her entire life.
Lucy
We have A 5 1/2 month old mini-poodle. We just cancellwd her spay. Something didn’t sit right with me. Just stumbled on this site. So glad I cancelled. When we do a historectomy in humans we do everything possible to at least leave the ovaries because of the hormone issues. Wouldn’t the same apply to dogs??
———
Dr Dee Blanco replied:
Yes, Lucy! The same exact principals apply to our female mammals of our family! So glad you slowed down everything and can now research ovary sparing spays in more details and hope you find an open minded vet to do the surgery. Or better yet, wait as long as you can, maybe all of her life, and support her overall health with the sorts of things you see in my blogs.
Cheers!
We have A 5 1/2 month old mini-poodle. We just cancellwd her spay. Something didn’t sit right with me. Just stumbled on this site. So glad I cancelled. When we do a historectomy in humans we do everything possible to at least leave the ovaries because of the hormone issues. Wouldn’t the same apply to dogs??
———
Dr Dee Blanco replied:
Yes, Lucy! The same exact principals apply to our female mammals of our family! So glad you slowed down everything and can now research ovary sparing spays in more details and hope you find an open minded vet to do the surgery. Or better yet, wait as long as you can, maybe all of her life, and support her overall health with the sorts of things you see in my blogs.
Cheers!
Natalie Nichols
1.) can you recommend a vet who does tubal ligation. Vets I have conspired won’t do it and one called it malpractice. Is there any place that promotes or makes it easy to get , or easy and more affordable?
2.) what do you recommend for prevention of heart worms and fleas if you are against the pesticide /heart worm and flea prevention Medications commonly prescribed by vets?
———
Dr Dee Blanco replied:
Natalie,
I don’t know where you are but you can go to this organization to read more and to look for a vet in your area. https://www.parsemus.org/ Just ignore the comments about malpractice. Ignorance is a powerful thing!
The conversation about heart worm is longer than I can do here, but please read my blog <https://drdeeblanco.com/blogs/news/how-do-i-treat-my-pet-for-flea-and-ticks-the-natural-way?pos=1&psq=flea+ti&ss=e&v=1.0> about natural solutions for flea and tick prevention and treatment. If you would like a consult about heart worm I am happy to do so, but I don’t think it’s ethical to advise you about this topic without knowing more about your environment, your lifestyle with your pet, etc.
Thank you!
1.) can you recommend a vet who does tubal ligation. Vets I have conspired won’t do it and one called it malpractice. Is there any place that promotes or makes it easy to get , or easy and more affordable?
2.) what do you recommend for prevention of heart worms and fleas if you are against the pesticide /heart worm and flea prevention Medications commonly prescribed by vets?
———
Dr Dee Blanco replied:
Natalie,
I don’t know where you are but you can go to this organization to read more and to look for a vet in your area. https://www.parsemus.org/ Just ignore the comments about malpractice. Ignorance is a powerful thing!
The conversation about heart worm is longer than I can do here, but please read my blog <https://drdeeblanco.com/blogs/news/how-do-i-treat-my-pet-for-flea-and-ticks-the-natural-way?pos=1&psq=flea+ti&ss=e&v=1.0> about natural solutions for flea and tick prevention and treatment. If you would like a consult about heart worm I am happy to do so, but I don’t think it’s ethical to advise you about this topic without knowing more about your environment, your lifestyle with your pet, etc.
Thank you!
Diane Lenahan
I’m afraid of my dog dying from the anesthesia during the operation. She is a nervious dog and clings to me so I feel the operation would do more harm than good and I don’t want to put her thru it. She 31/2 , I cook her meals chicken, beef, liver once a week, some lamb brown rice peas pumpkin spinach carrots sweet potatoes. And sometimes purina chicken and rice extra if she didn’t eat much that day. My instincts tell me not to spay her.
———
Dr Dee Blanco replied:
Listen to your mommy instincts and don’t feel pressure to do something that really doesn’t need fixing.
I’m afraid of my dog dying from the anesthesia during the operation. She is a nervious dog and clings to me so I feel the operation would do more harm than good and I don’t want to put her thru it. She 31/2 , I cook her meals chicken, beef, liver once a week, some lamb brown rice peas pumpkin spinach carrots sweet potatoes. And sometimes purina chicken and rice extra if she didn’t eat much that day. My instincts tell me not to spay her.
———
Dr Dee Blanco replied:
Listen to your mommy instincts and don’t feel pressure to do something that really doesn’t need fixing.
Joe Gambardella
My female minpin 5mo is strictly indoor dog and on leash if outside. Should I avoid spaying her.
———
Dr Dee Blanco replied:
Hi Joe!
Yes!! You can always do it much, much later on, but don’t even think about it for 3 years! Email me in 3 years and let me know what you have experienced!
Have fun!!
Dr Dee
My female minpin 5mo is strictly indoor dog and on leash if outside. Should I avoid spaying her.
———
Dr Dee Blanco replied:
Hi Joe!
Yes!! You can always do it much, much later on, but don’t even think about it for 3 years! Email me in 3 years and let me know what you have experienced!
Have fun!!
Dr Dee
David Girard Jr
I don’t know about the rest of the world but the United States has is turning into a country of followers that can’t think for themselves and do and think as they are told and don’t object to thing’s that are wrong we are becoming true cowards. You hear people say we don’t want any trouble we just want to be left alone there is nothing we can do about it .the people dont hear the truth when told the truth. Get in line don’t think or talk just do as you are told.followers and cowards are what we are becoming.
———
Dr Dee Blanco replied:
This happens when we are too comfortable, too fearful and too submissive.
I don’t know about the rest of the world but the United States has is turning into a country of followers that can’t think for themselves and do and think as they are told and don’t object to thing’s that are wrong we are becoming true cowards. You hear people say we don’t want any trouble we just want to be left alone there is nothing we can do about it .the people dont hear the truth when told the truth. Get in line don’t think or talk just do as you are told.followers and cowards are what we are becoming.
———
Dr Dee Blanco replied:
This happens when we are too comfortable, too fearful and too submissive.
Simonoe
I’m very confused by the way you’ve set up your article. Are these ’pro’s’ for spaying?? My dog is about to go into her third heat and i don’t know what to do. all the vets around me are saying to spay. Can you help shed some light on this mammoory cancer issue? i just want to do what’s right for my best friend.
From your article: When female dogs are spayed before 2.5 years of age, the risk of mammary tumors, the most common malignant tumors in female dogs [especially if spayed younger than 30 months old], is greatly reduced.
Spaying nearly eliminates the risk of pyometra which otherwise would affect about 23% of intact female dogs; pyometra kills about 1% of intact female dogs. The already small risk of developing uterine, cervical, and ovarian tumors (≤0.5%) is removed. Lastly, just like with male dogs, the risk of perianal fistulas is reduced.
———
Dr Dee Blanco replied:
Thank you so much for your questions Simonoe!
The knee-jerk reaction IN THIS COUNTRY, not in other countries, even in places like all of Europe, is to spay and neuter without thinking about it.
This mindset says any dog with their gonads in tact are very likely to develop cancer, pyometra, hypertrophy of the prostate, etc. But they never tell you these animals are typically on horrible toxic foods, given more toxicants (pesticides) for flea/tick/ heart worm ‘prevention’. They never tell you all the other things dogs are exposed to that can cause cancer. This is not only a very narrow cause-effect view that is harming many animals.
If we want simple solutions to complex situations then we will always defer to the solution that eliminates our fears. And fear is the powerful motivator that has tunnel vision.
I am not in favor of spaying any animal, especially early in their lives. There are a few situations where I would recommend it, but those would be rare and certainly not as some sort of ‘preventative’ medicine protocol.
I’m very confused by the way you’ve set up your article. Are these ’pro’s’ for spaying?? My dog is about to go into her third heat and i don’t know what to do. all the vets around me are saying to spay. Can you help shed some light on this mammoory cancer issue? i just want to do what’s right for my best friend.
From your article: When female dogs are spayed before 2.5 years of age, the risk of mammary tumors, the most common malignant tumors in female dogs [especially if spayed younger than 30 months old], is greatly reduced.
Spaying nearly eliminates the risk of pyometra which otherwise would affect about 23% of intact female dogs; pyometra kills about 1% of intact female dogs. The already small risk of developing uterine, cervical, and ovarian tumors (≤0.5%) is removed. Lastly, just like with male dogs, the risk of perianal fistulas is reduced.
———
Dr Dee Blanco replied:
Thank you so much for your questions Simonoe!
The knee-jerk reaction IN THIS COUNTRY, not in other countries, even in places like all of Europe, is to spay and neuter without thinking about it.
This mindset says any dog with their gonads in tact are very likely to develop cancer, pyometra, hypertrophy of the prostate, etc. But they never tell you these animals are typically on horrible toxic foods, given more toxicants (pesticides) for flea/tick/ heart worm ‘prevention’. They never tell you all the other things dogs are exposed to that can cause cancer. This is not only a very narrow cause-effect view that is harming many animals.
If we want simple solutions to complex situations then we will always defer to the solution that eliminates our fears. And fear is the powerful motivator that has tunnel vision.
I am not in favor of spaying any animal, especially early in their lives. There are a few situations where I would recommend it, but those would be rare and certainly not as some sort of ‘preventative’ medicine protocol.
Cupcake
Hello should I spay my 7 year old female dog!
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Dr Dee Blanco replied:
No necessarily! If you are not having any issues with your dog and her heat process, then don’t spay her. Especially, if she is eating fresh food, rarely vaccinated, not using pesticides for flea/tick/heart worm. In other words, if your dog is living a ‘clean’ life (due to your efforts) then your dog will be healthier overall, live longer and her uterus should not cause he any issues – ever.
Hello should I spay my 7 year old female dog!
———
Dr Dee Blanco replied:
No necessarily! If you are not having any issues with your dog and her heat process, then don’t spay her. Especially, if she is eating fresh food, rarely vaccinated, not using pesticides for flea/tick/heart worm. In other words, if your dog is living a ‘clean’ life (due to your efforts) then your dog will be healthier overall, live longer and her uterus should not cause he any issues – ever.
Lisa
I think the Pro’s of spaying your dog or cat versus leaving them intact far outweigh the cons. I believe all non Champion horses, cats and dogs should be gelded, spayed and neutered. Only the best of the best genetics should be reproduced . It is beyond heartbreaking watching a healthy pup, kitten, cat or dog being euthanized or a healthy horse go to slaughter because there aren’t enough good homes for millions of them. Geld, spay & neuter!!!
———
Dr Dee Blanco replied:
Yes, I totally understand. After being in private practice and being the one who euthanized hundreds of animals at a local rural shelter years ago, I certainly have felt that way. But, after studying extensively the role of hormones in overall health (most mentioned in the blog) and then treating animals with poor quality health that were spayed/neutered early (including my own animals), I cannot ever agree to that mindset any longer. If we continue to throw the animals under the bus because of our arrogant view that we are entitled to have any animal we want, with little responsibility to keep them safe, housed, fed, and good citizens, then really it is all our fault, not theirs. The proof is in the pudding – in many other countries, including all of Europe, a very Westernized union, the knee-jerk practices we impose on these creatures are not a part of their lives. Yet, animals are not running amok, over population is not an issue, aggression or poor socialization is not seen. It’s a different world outside the US. Might be a good idea to research that.

I think the Pro’s of spaying your dog or cat versus leaving them intact far outweigh the cons. I believe all non Champion horses, cats and dogs should be gelded, spayed and neutered. Only the best of the best genetics should be reproduced . It is beyond heartbreaking watching a healthy pup, kitten, cat or dog being euthanized or a healthy horse go to slaughter because there aren’t enough good homes for millions of them. Geld, spay & neuter!!!
———
Dr Dee Blanco replied:
Yes, I totally understand. After being in private practice and being the one who euthanized hundreds of animals at a local rural shelter years ago, I certainly have felt that way. But, after studying extensively the role of hormones in overall health (most mentioned in the blog) and then treating animals with poor quality health that were spayed/neutered early (including my own animals), I cannot ever agree to that mindset any longer. If we continue to throw the animals under the bus because of our arrogant view that we are entitled to have any animal we want, with little responsibility to keep them safe, housed, fed, and good citizens, then really it is all our fault, not theirs. The proof is in the pudding – in many other countries, including all of Europe, a very Westernized union, the knee-jerk practices we impose on these creatures are not a part of their lives. Yet, animals are not running amok, over population is not an issue, aggression or poor socialization is not seen. It’s a different world outside the US. Might be a good idea to research that.

Walter D Vega
Thank you for the advice.
I have a 10 old Siberian husky who just went into heat. I do plan spaying her once she’s fully grown. Also she has been on anti-seizure meds since she was 5 months of age. The vet suggested to wait until she’s older.
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Dr Dee Blanco replied:
Walter, so glad you are not planning to spay her now. Do wait at least 2 years and even consider not spaying her. Those hormones do help to some degree to protect the brain. With her brain already having symptoms, most likely from the vaccinations, she will need all the help she can get from a completely intact body. If you were my client I would absolutely and strongly suggest you do NOT spay this dog and do NOT vaccinate her again. Discuss this with your regular vet, do antibody titers and/or get a waiver to provide any documentation she needs but do NOT vaccinate!
Thank you for the advice.
I have a 10 old Siberian husky who just went into heat. I do plan spaying her once she’s fully grown. Also she has been on anti-seizure meds since she was 5 months of age. The vet suggested to wait until she’s older.
———
Dr Dee Blanco replied:
Walter, so glad you are not planning to spay her now. Do wait at least 2 years and even consider not spaying her. Those hormones do help to some degree to protect the brain. With her brain already having symptoms, most likely from the vaccinations, she will need all the help she can get from a completely intact body. If you were my client I would absolutely and strongly suggest you do NOT spay this dog and do NOT vaccinate her again. Discuss this with your regular vet, do antibody titers and/or get a waiver to provide any documentation she needs but do NOT vaccinate!
Kathryn Drinkard
thank you. I was going to have my puppy fixed at 6 months old. Had no idea the side effects this could/would cause her. I will not be doing it now. It is my job to do what is best for her not what is easy for me.
thank you. I was going to have my puppy fixed at 6 months old. Had no idea the side effects this could/would cause her. I will not be doing it now. It is my job to do what is best for her not what is easy for me.