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Optimal Dog Health: Benefits of Spaying and Choosing Keyhole Spay at Shepton and Wells Vets

At Shepton and Wells Vets, we understand the significance of making informed decisions about your pet's health and well-being. One such crucial decision is spaying your dog, a topic that offers multiple advantages for both you and your beloved canine companion. With careful consideration and expert guidance, you can contribute to your dog's long-term health and happiness. In this article, we delve into the various reasons why spaying your dog is a responsible and caring choice, highlighting the benefits that extend beyond preventing unwanted pregnancies.

Spaying your dog is an important decision that has many benefits for both you and your furry friend. Here are some reasons why you should consider spaying your dog:

1. Preventing unwanted pregnancy and litters: Spaying your dog means that they cannot get pregnant and prevents unwanted litters of puppies. There are many associated health risks with pregnancy and birth and can be costly should your dog need a caesarean section.
2. Prevents false/phantom pregnancies: This is when your dogs body believes it is pregnant when it is not. Signs including nesting, a change in behaviour or lactation (producing milk). This can be very distressing for dogs and owners. These false pregnancies can stop on their own but sometimes must be treated with medication.
3. Reducing the risk of certain cancers: Spaying your dog can reduce the risk of certain cancers, such as mammary gland tumours and ovarian cancer. The risk of these cancers increases as your dog gets older, so spaying your dog at a young age can help prevent these health problems.
4. Preventing health problems: Spaying your dog can prevent health problems such as uterine infections called a pyometra, which can be life-threatening if left untreated. By spaying your dog, you can help ensure that she stays healthy and happy for years to come.
5. Reducing behavioural problems: Spaying your dog can reduce certain behavioural problems, such as roaming and aggression. When female dogs are in heat, they may try to escape from their home to mate with male dogs. This can put them in danger of getting hit by a car or getting lost. Spaying your dog can help prevent this behaviour.

At Shepton and Wells Vets we offer 2 different options for spaying your dog; Keyhole spay and traditional spay. Conducting a keyhole spay involves a camera inserted into the abdomen to remove the ovaries. This technique involves only three small incisions, regardless of the patient size, the result is a reduced wound size and enhanced recovery. By focusing only on the ovaries, this technique minimises internal manipulation and decreases muscle tissue stretching, ultimately leading to decreased postoperative discomfort. Patients undergoing a keyhole spay experience less blood loss and discomfort, translating to a quicker recovery from anaesthesia and a more contented postoperative state. A traditional spay involves making a large incision into the abdomen and removing the whole reproductive tract (the uterus and the ovaries). There are pros and cons to both techniques however we generally find that the keyhole method is less invasive and dogs recover more quickly from this.

In conclusion, spaying your dog is an important decision that can have many benefits for both you and your furry friend. By preventing unwanted litters, reducing the risk of certain cancers, preventing health problems, reducing behavioural problems, spaying your dog can help ensure that she stays healthy and happy for years to come. If you have any questions regarding spaying your dog then please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Vet Rachel

Ultimately, the decision to spay your dog is a testament to your commitment to their well-being and a reflection of your responsible pet ownership. The benefits of preventing unwanted pregnancies, reducing health risks, addressing behavioural issues, and promoting a higher quality of life are substantial. At Shepton and Wells Vets, we stand by your side, providing comprehensive spaying options like the keyhole spay and traditional spay techniques. Our aim is to ensure that your furry friend enjoys a healthier, happier, and safer life. If you have any queries or concerns about spaying your dog, please feel free to reach out to our dedicated team. Your dog's health is our priority, and together, we can pave the way for many joyful years ahead.