Neutering pets is a common surgical procedure, but many dog owners are confused and worried about what spaying a chihuahua actually involves. We’ve got everything you need to know about spaying a chihuahua right here, to help put your mind at rest!
What Does It Mean To Spay A Chihuahua?
Neutering is the name given to a veterinary procedure that leaves the animal unable to reproduce. In male dogs, this procedure is called castration, and both testicles are removed. Female dogs undergo a different procedure which is called spaying.
Spaying a chihuahua involves removing part or all of her reproductive organs – much like a hysterectomy in a woman. Normally both ovaries and the uterus are removed, although some veterinarians use a different technique where just the ovaries are removed. There is little difference in terms of risk and after-effects between the two procedures.
Is Spaying A Chihuahua Necessary?
Spaying a chihuahua doesn’t sound like a particularly pleasant thing to do, so is it absolutely necessary? Dogs are commonly neutered for two reasons – to prevent unwanted breeding, and to reduce the risk of health problems.
An unwanted or unplanned pregnancy in your dog can be a nasty surprise! Even if you do not own an unneutered male dog, your female will attract other male dogs in the area when she is receptive to being mated. She may escape in search of a mate, or other male dogs may try to sneak into your yard.
Unfortunately, dog rescue shelters are overflowing with dogs in need of a home, and bringing more puppies into the world is not a responsible thing to do. Having a litter of puppies also puts the health of your female chihuahua at risk, and involves a considerable amount of time, effort, and financial outlay on your part.
Health Benefits
There are also thought to be health benefits to spaying a female dog. The main benefit is that it eliminates the risk of pyometra, which is a common problem in older female dogs.
A pyometra is a uterine infection, where the reproductive organs fill with pus. This can lead to septicemia and is very dangerous for the dog.
You will find that the vast majority of veterinarians will advise that having your chihuahua spayed is the best thing to do for your dog. However, this decision is not one to be taken lightly, as there are potential complications that can occur after a dog is neutered.
Any surgical procedure carries the risk of postoperative complications, such as surgical site infections or blood loss. Luckily, veterinarians perform this procedure so frequently that the risk is very minimal!
The chihuahua spayed recovery period can take up to two weeks, allowing the internal and external wounds to heal. During this time your dog will need to be kept calm and only allowed out for minimal exercise.
Some owners notice changes in their chihuahua’s behavior after being spayed. Luckily, these are normal changes for the better! Your chihuahua dog may become more relaxed and calmer, and less likely to escape in search of a mate.
While it is commonly believed that dogs are prone to weight gain after neutering, this is most likely due to the fact that they are more relaxed and like to take things easy. It is a good idea to monitor your chihuahua after spaying to make sure she does not become overweight or obese.
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When To Spay A Chihuahua Puppy
The age at which a chihuahua is spayed has been shown to affect the likelihood of certain health conditions later in life. Traditionally, dogs were normally spayed three months after their first season, but many veterinarians now advise spaying dogs before their first season.
Puppies can be neutered as young as eight weeks old, but the actual age that your chihuahua is spayed will depend on the policy and advice of your local veterinary clinic. They will assess the size and maturity of your dog and discuss the optimum age at which to have her spayed.
It is also reported that less than one in two hundred dogs which have been spayed before their first season will develop breast cancer, a common cause of death in older dogs.
The problem with chihuahuas at this young is that they are very small, with minimal body fat. This puts them at risk of hypothermia during surgery, as they lose body heat easily. To compensate for this, your veterinary team will need to use heated blankets to keep your precious dog warm.
Take Out Time to Also Read:
- Do Chihuahuas Get Cold Easily?: 5 Health Facts About Chihuahuas Revealed!
- Are Chihuahuas Territorial? – 5 Amazing Facts About Territorial Dogs
How Much Does It Cost To Spay A Chihuahua?
The cost of spaying a chihuahua varies according to your location and the policy of your veterinary clinic. Spaying is almost always more expensive than castration, as it is a more complex and invasive procedure. Many veterinary clinics set the price rate according to the weight of the dog, so a small chihuahua should cost less than a larger breed.
If you are struggling to afford to have your chihuahua spayed, many local authorities run schemes to subsidize the cost of neutering. The aim of this is to prevent unwanted breeding which puts added pressure onto overcrowded dog shelters.
Whatever the price of spaying, it is far cheaper than the cost of rearing an unplanned litter of chihuahua puppies! You may be tempted by the high prices that chihuahua puppies fetch, but this is best left to reputable and experienced dog breeders who understand the risks and complications of breeding.
Summary – Spaying A Chihuahua
So, as we have learned, spaying a chihuahua involves a surgical procedure to remove the reproductive organs of a female dog. This is normally carried out in chihuahuas that are not intended for breeding, as spaying reduces the risk of health problems later in life. Spaying is a low-risk, commonly performed procedure but your dog will require careful nursing while she recovers.
We’d love to hear your thoughts on spaying a chihuahua! Are you undecided as to whether to get your chihuahua spayed or not? Or maybe you’ve got some questions about how to care for your chihuahua after she has been spayed? Leave a comment below and we’ll get back to you!