February is Spay/Neuter Awareness Month – the perfect time to revisit the latest research on these common procedures! According to veterinarian Dr. Karen Shaw Becker, recent studies have found that de-sexing dogs, especially too early in life, can negatively impact their health. In large and giant breed females, for example, spaying increases the risk of obesity, cranial cruciate ligament disease, hip dysplasia, urinary incontinence, cystitis and cancer.
So how can you manage your intact female dog to prevent her from reproducing? Start by removing her from social environments when she’s in heat. Separate her from male dogs, and always walk her on a leash until her cycle is complete. If complete segregation isn’t an option, consider investing in a canine chastity belt.
Read more at animalwellnessmagazine.com/de-sexing-dogs.
