When To Spay Australian Shepherd? Pros and Cons

Deciding when to spay Australian Shepherd is a big deal, and it can seriously affect your dog’s health and behaviour.  Spaying, after all, can effectively remove your female dog’s reproductive organs, which can bring a vast array of changes to their personality and behaviour. Therefore, making the decision of getting your Aussie a spaying can be difficult, but don’t worry.

In this article, we’ll break it down so you can make the best choice for your beloved Australian Shepherd dog.

What is Spaying?

When to spay Australian shepherd, and what is spaying? Spaying is a surgery performed on female dogs. It’s essentially a form of sterilisation or, in scientific terms, ovariohysterectomy. During spraying, a veterinarian removes the ovaries and usually the uterus, eliminating the dog’s ability to have puppies.

While the process might sound slightly terrifying, it is relatively simple. The spaying begins with anaesthesia to ensure the animal feels no pain during the surgery. Once the animal is unconscious, a small incision is made in the abdominal wall, which allows access to the reproductive organs through which the ovaries and uterus are carefully removed, and the incision is stitched. That is how spaying is done for female dogs.

Spaying is generally recommended between six months to a year. Still, the ideal timing may vary depending on the animal’s breed, size, and overall health.

Why Spay Your Australian Shepherd?

Spaying your Australian Shepherd offers numerous compelling reasons, such as:

• Population Control: Prevents overpopulation by reducing the number of unwanted puppies.
• Health Benefits: Reduces the risk of uterine infections and certain reproductive diseases.
• Behaviour Improvement: This can lead to a calmer temperament, minimising undesirable behaviours associated with the heat cycle.
• Cancer Prevention: Lowers the risk of mammary gland tumours, especially if done before the first heat cycle.
• Avoids Pregnancy Complications: Eliminates the risk of complications related to pregnancy and childbirth.
• Community Responsibility: Helps ease the burden on animal shelters and reduces the number of animals euthanised.
• Longer, Healthier Life:Promotes a healthier, happier, and potentially longer life for your Australian Shepherd.

When to spay Australian shepherd and why? The above reasons should be enough to tell you why you should spay your Aussie; the rest will depend entirely on whether you are willing to do it!

Benefits of Spaying on Australian Shepherd?

As stated earlier, spaying can make your Aussie calmer in terms of temperament, improve their energy levels and make them less prone to diseases related to reproductive organs.

Spaying can additionally stop “heat cycles” from overcoming your female dog and attracting male dogs to her. Therefore, this can prevent unwarranted mishaps. If that is not all, spaying also prevents Aussies from wandering around alone. It prevents her from experiencing severe mood changes.

The most significant advantage, however, is the prevention of additional birth of a litter that the owner may not want or might be too strenuous for the female Australian shepherd in the long run.

Risks of Spaying on Australian Shepherd?

When to spay Australian shepherd? While spaying Australian Shepherds has numerous benefits, it’s essential to be aware of potential risks:

• Surgical Risks: Any surgery carries inherent risks, including infection, adverse reactions to anaesthesia, and surgical complications. Surgery should especially be avoided if the female dog is in the heat cycle, as it could lead to severe bleeding.
• Weight Gain: Spayed dogs can often gain some weight due to hormonal changes, therefore, the owner will have to maintain a proper diet..
• Joint Issues: It is believed that spaying can increase the risk of orthopaedic problems, like hip dysplasia and cruciate ligament tears..
• Early Spaying Concerns: Spaying before maturity may impact bone and joint development, potentially contributing to health issues later in life.

It’s essential to discuss these potential risks with your veterinarian and carefully weigh them against the benefits to make an informed decision about spaying your Australian Shepherd. The timing and individual factors should be considered to minimise these risks while maximising the advantages of spaying.

When To Spay Australian Shepherd?

When to spay Australian Shepherd involves balancing several factors. Spaying between 6 and 9 months is common to reduce cancer risks. However, emerging research suggests waiting until 12 to 24 months may be more beneficial, particularly for larger breeds like Australian Shepherds, as it allows for more complete growth and reduces joint issues.

Also, if your female dog is in heat, you should wait for around 2-3 weeks before undergoing the spaying surgery, as getting a female dog spayed during the heat cycle may increase the chances of internal bleeding due to swollen blood vessels.

Common Frequently Asked Questions:

Do Australian Shepherds Calm Down After Spaying?

Spaying can reduce some hormonal behaviours, but individual temperament plays a significant role. Expect less restlessness and heat-related behaviours, but don’t rely solely on spaying to change your dog’s personality. Training and exercise also impact behaviour.

Should You Let A Female Dog Go Into Heat Before Spaying?

It’s a matter of debate. Some veterinarians suggest spaying before the first heat cycle to reduce the risk of certain cancers. In contrast, others recommend waiting for better musculoskeletal development.

At What Age Should A Female Dog Be Spayed?

The recommended age for spaying can differ based on breed and specific circumstances. Typically, spaying is done between 6 and 9 months. However, for larger breeds, some experts advise waiting until 12 to 24 months for improved joint development. Consult your vet for tailored advice.