What to do When a Female Dog is in Heat

As you all know, we brought Chai home last June at 6 months old. Our vet advised it would be a good idea to spay her around 10 months old…and then… December came around and *Gasp*…she had her first heat. I thought to myself, “this is too early”; however, it turns out it is fairly normal to have a female dog’s first heat prior to her 1 year birthday. So, what do you do when a female dog is in heat?

That’s not the only question though, right? What does the term “in heat” mean? Is there any products you need to purchase (like diapers?). And…when should you spay your female after she has had her first heat?

So many questions…so let’s get into it!

 

WWhat to do when a female dog is in heathat is an Estrus Cycle?

When you hear the term “in heat”, it means your female pup is going through the estrus cycle. What the heck is an estrus cycle?

An estrus (or Oestrus) cycle is when a female mammal is ready to accept a male and is ready to mate. Dogs will have their first estrus cycle when they reach puberty, which in many female dogs, can be by 6 months of age. Some larger breed dogs may not have their first cycle until 18 – 24 months of age (which is what I was hoping for!); however, smaller breeds tend to come into heat before they turn 1 year old.

There are 4 stages of the estrus cycle for our pups.

Proestrus:

This is the beginning stages of your female dog going into heat. She will start to bleed and her vulva will swell. She may even start urinating more than normal and her fertile scent will attract males. Don’t worry though, she is not interested yet in mating with a male. This stage lasts for 7 – 10 days.

*Side note: I didn’t realize Chai had started bleeding and I tried to figure out why there was blood on my tile floor… I ended up blaming my kids or my husband for injuring themselves and not cleaning up afterwards. The joke was on me because I found out that Chai was in heat.

Estrus:

This is the stage where your female will accept males and want to mate. Ovulation will occur at this stage about 2 – 3 days after mating. Bleeding will begin to dissipate at this stage as well and estrus can last 5 – 10 days.

Diestrus:

This is the stage where everything seems to calm down. This can last 10 – 60 days depending on if your female became pregnant. Her vulva will return to normal size, and she will not accept any dates from her male companions.

Anestrus:

This stage allows for the uterus to repair and relax (it’s been through a lot!). Your female’s hormones will return to normal and she will definitely not be interested in a sexual relationship with any male. This stage lasts from 90-150 days or until the next heat cycle.

An active heat cycle can last for a few weeks or more depending on the breed. We were fortunate that Chai’s cycle lasted approximately 4 weeks; 2 of which where she was really interested in hooking up with Beckham.

A small reminder…a female can get pregnant at any point of estrus because the male’s sperm can last up to 1 week in the reproductive tract and can still possibly fertilize the egg. If you think pregnancy is possible, talk to your vet!

Signs Your Female Dog is in Heat

There are various signs you will begin to notice when your female begins her estrus cycle.

The first sign is she will have an enlarged or swollen vulva. At this point, you may see her licking her genital area excessively.

You will also notice bloody vaginal discharge. The amount of discharge varies from dog to dog and can be anywhere from bloody to a straw like color. As the estrus cycle continues, you will see the bloody discharge change to more of a yellow color and it will dissipate. Remember, that at this stage, you may find discharge on your dog’s bedding, on the floor…or anywhere she may sit.

Your female will also become more receptive males as she is ready to mate. When she is ready for the male, you will see her move her tail to the side, inviting her male companion to mount. She will allow males to mount her, but she may also mount other pets in the house, including other females. You may even see her try to mount your leg.

In our experience with Chai, she wouldn’t leave Beckham alone. She would follow him around and then present her back end to him… Poor Beckham had to be separated from her because she was super persistent.

When in heat, your female may become more agitated or aggressive towards other female dogs. She may also become a little more nervous or skittish.

Another sign of estrus is that your female may need to urinate more often. I will tell you my door turned into a revolving door at that time because Chai needed outside much more often.

 

What to do When a Female Dog is in Heat

If your female dog goes into heat, there are few things you will need to consider. Here are some tips to help the heat cycle go a little more smoothly.

  • Make sure her microchip and licensing is up to date. Is her microchip associated with your current address and phone number? Does she have tags on her collar? This will help in the event she escapes and runs off to find the man of her dreams.
  • Keep your female dog on leash when out for a walk. She may be well-trained; however, don’t underestimate her willingness to forgo said training to find a willing male to mate with.
  • Don’t let her out in the yard alone (unless you have very tall walls with barbed wire fence making sure other male dogs can’t enter!) At this time, she is emitting the “come hither” pheromones, so neighbor dogs may be interested in finding her.
  • If you have male dogs in the home, neutered or not, keep them separated from your female. Even if your males are neutered, they still know what to do and what your female is asking for.
  • If you notice any signs of illness, contact your veterinarian immediately. There are occasions where the female may contract a bacterial infection of the uterus called pyometra. The uterine lining becomes thick and produces more fluid which creates a very inviting environment for bacteria. This can be life-threatening, so it is vital you get your baby girl to the vet.
  • If you suspect your female did meet the man of her dreams (this cycle) and they consummated their relationship, it is a good idea to contact your veterinarian to find what steps you need to take if she is pregnant.
  • It is a good time to make an appointment with your veterinarian to spay your female about a month after her first heat cycle is done…especially if you do not want any unplanned pregnancies.

Products That May Help During the Heat Cycle

So, you may want to look into a couple things to help keep the home clean and your female dog a bit more comfortable when she is in heat.

1. Doggy Diapers.

Chewy has some cute doggy diapers to choose from. These will help keep your female’s discharge from getting on everything from the floor to your bed! Check out the cute colored Pet Parent’s Washable Dog Diapers.

What to do When a Female Dog is in Heat

These come in sizes from extra small to extra large, which is great, considering I always have trouble finding sizes for my large breed dogs! Per Chewy, these diapers are mess-proof, with a sewn in pad to absorb liquids, leak proof, and the fasteners don’t stick to fur. These are best for senior dogs with incontinence or for females in heat. The best part? They are reusable, so you can wash and use again.

You can also find reasonable disposable or reusable doggy diapers on Amazon. It depends on how many diapers you need, if you plan on breeding your female, or if you just need something short term. Simple Solution Disposable Dog Diapers may be an option for you if you are looking for a short term solution.

These disposable diapers come in different sizes; however, you may pay a little more if you have a larger breed dog. The diapers are not as cute as the colored washable diapers; however, they do serve a purpose. According to the manufacturer, the diapers are comfortable, lock in moisture, and do not stick to fur.

2. Cleaning Supplies:

If you find you are having to clean up discharge on the carpet or furniture, here are few options that work really well to get stains out.

Natures Miracle Enzymatic Stain Remover : Natures Miracle has been a life saver for my family. With every pet we get, we know there is some sort of clean up that will need to happen. Natures Miracle helps keep the house clean and  smelling better. (I have been told that people couldn’t tell we had pets until they saw them because our house didn’t smell like dogs or cats! That’s a huge win!)

Resolve Ultra Pet Stain and Odor Remover: This is also a really good product that I use. I spray it on the carpet stain, wipe it  up and then use a carpet cleaner to remove the rest of the stain. It leaves the carpet clean and smelling much better!

So, if your female dog is in heat, I would definitely look into these products. The cleaners are useful in many situations such as accidents or spillage, but I wanted to add them in because you may need them to clean up during this time as well.

When and Why to Spay Your Female

When:

The general consensus is to spay your female around 6 – 7 months of age; however, it can depend on the breed. My vet recommended Chai to be spayed around 10 months old .

The reason to spay after 4 months old (which used to be the standard age) is because your female still needs her reproductive hormones to grow. Her bones, joints, and organs need time to develop properly.

Talk to your veterinarian regarding the best time to spay your female.

Why:

There are plenty of benefits to spaying your female in general. You can see my article “Benefits to Spaying and Neutering Your Pet” for more details, but I will summarize here:

  • This helps reduce the overpopulation of pets in the animal shelters
  • It eliminates the possibility of uterine infections.
  • It reduces the likelihood of certain cancers, such as mammary, uterine, or ovarian cancers.
  • Spaying will eliminate going through the nuisance of heat cycles
  • It eliminates the hormonal fluctuation that can cause false pregnancies.
  • Spayed dogs generally live a longer life than those who are not spayed.
  • It can reduce the likelihood of certain behaviors such as separation anxiety

There are a few disadvantages; however, the advantages of spaying your female outweighs the following:

  • It may decrease metabolism increasing the possibility of obesity.
  • Spaying larger breeds before bone growth is complete can potentially be a cause of knee injuries.
  • It may cause urinary incontinence (which usually affects middle age – senior dogs)

Conclusion

I know this was a longer post; however, I felt it important to go through all of this information in the event you end up with a surprise heat cycle like we did!

Fortunately, we were able to get through Chai’s first heat cycle with very little issue. There was a little more clean up and separation of her and Beckham, but we survived! Approximately a month after the end of the cycle, she was spayed, so we won’t need to worry about any male suitors down the road.

I hope this article helps get you and your fur baby through the process. If possible, I do recommend spaying your girl prior to the first cycle, but I also understand that isn’t possible sometimes.

Let me know your experiences with your female’s heat cycle. Did she go through anything different?

Zinc Deficiency in Dogs? About Zinc-Responsive Dermatosis

A few years ago, I noticed our Alaskan Malamute, Beckham, had a semi-bald spot on his chest. The rest of his fur looked fine; however, there was just this one weird spot where fur wouldn’t grow. It was a bit weird, but I chalked it up to the fact that he had just moved in with us and he was a bit stressed. It wasn’t until he started losing patches of fur and losing weight that I started researching what was causing his hair and weight loss. In my research, I came across the fact that he could have a zinc deficiency… Wait, what?! Zinc deficiency in dogs?

 

What is Zinc Deficiency in Dogs?

Zinc is an iWhat is Zinc Deficiency?mportant mineral in our dog’s diets. It is responsible for keeping their immune and thyroid systems functioning optimally as well as helping regulate hormones, enzymes, and proteins. Not only does it help immunity, zinc is integral to our keeping our pet’s skin and fur healthy.

So, can dogs actually be deficient in zinc?

It is true. Dogs can have a zinc deficiency called Zinc-Responsive Dermatosis. This condition is caused by malabsorption in your dog’s small intestine. It is fairly rare for your pup to have true-zinc deficiency, especially since there are many high quality foods that contain easily absorbed zinc; however, it can happen.

There are three types of Zinc-Responsive Dermatosis.

Type I: This type is generally seen in Alaskan Malamutes and Siberian Huskies; however, it has been reported in Doberman Pinschers, Great Danes, and other breeds. These breeds tend to eat a healthy diet containing adequate zinc, so it is comes down to their intestines being unable to absorb the needed mineral.

This is the type of zinc deficiency Beckham had/has. He had a steady diet of good quality dry food, but also ate mackerel or tuna, eggs, and chicken. Even with these zinc rich foods, his symptoms persisted.

Type II: Fast growing large / giant breed dogs, such as Great Danes, Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, and other large breeds are more prone to this type of zinc-responsive dermatosis. According to the VCA Animal Hospital, the main cause of the deficiency is due to supplements; primarily phytates (plant based antioxidants) and calcium supplements, that bind with the mineral keeping the dog’s body from absorbing the needed zinc.

Type III: This deficiency is known as the “generic food disease”. Type III is due to a mediocre or poor diet that does not have enough bioavailable zinc.

Zinc Deficiency in Dogs? Beckham's chest

What are the Symptoms of Zinc Deficiency in Dogs?

Common symptoms of zinc-responsive dermatosis can be found on your dog’s skin. You may see lesions, crusting, scaling, and hair loss. Type I symptoms are lesions around the eyes, nose, mouth, scrotum, and in transitional areas between skin and mucous membranes. Type II symptoms are similar; however, your dog may have crusting or scaling on his or her paw pads. Type III symptoms would be similar.

Beckham's weight loss

Uncommon symptoms could include:

  • Hair Loss (immune system issues)
  • Poor appetite
  • Lethargy
  • Enlarged lymph nodes
  • Digestive Issues
  • Thyroid problems
  • Seizures

 

How is the Zinc Deficiency Diagnosed?

In Beckham’s case, he had hair loss, appetite loss, digestive issues, and skin lesions. Before the vet and I knew Beckham had zinc-responsive dermatosis, we tried treating him with different antibiotics and different high zinc diets. We ran blood tests and thyroid tests and everything came back normal!

One day, I was scrolling through my Facebook feed and came across one of my Alaskan Malamute groups posts regarding this very topic. Beckham ticked off so many of the symptoms listed in the post…so back to the vet we went!

If you are concerned your dog may have zinc-responsive dermatosis, it is imperative to consult with your vet. They will consider your dog’s breed, diet, any blood work that has been done, auto-immune diseases, and then will do a skin biopsy and physical examination.

IMPORTANT: Consult with your vet regarding ANY diagnosis. Researching possible conditions is ok; however, do not..under any circumstance…diagnose your dog yourself. (it’s like searching Web MD for ourselves…we either have cancer or are pregnant, right?)

How to Treat Zinc Deficiency in Dogs

The first step in treating zinc deficiency in dogs is to ensure their diet consists of food that contains adequate bioavailable zinc. If you are feeding your dog dry / wet food, be sure it is high-quality, AAFCO approved foods. Home cooked or raw food diets can include foods such as red meats, chicken, fish, spinach, eggs, etc. Talk to your vet regarding the best options for your dog.

The second step is to consider any supplements that your dog takes. Are any of the supplements prohibiting the absorption of zinc?

Thirdly, your vet may advise on zinc supplements. These are generally given orally; however, your vet may opt to give your dog injections. You can find quality zinc supplements through Howling Dog Alaska’s website or through Amazon. Do your research and consult with your vet to find the best option…especially if your dog will need to take supplements for life.

Lastly, keep a conversation going with your vet if you notice any changes in your dog’s condition. Let your vet know if something is not working. They will be able to help you find the best solution for your dog.

After discussing Beckham’s zinc supplement options with my vet, we opted to purchase Nutrazinc through Howling Dog Alaska. It has made a huge difference in Beckham’s skin and coat. (He now looks like a big bear!) Nutrazinc is not the only option though. I have also used Boreal Nutriceuticals Zinpro Organic Zinc which did a fabulous job. The biggest reason I switched to Nutrazinc is because it came in powder form that I mixed into Beckham’s food. He was just picky and wouldn’t chew the tablets.

Zinc Toxicity?

As with any supplement or medication, dosage is key. Dosage will be determined by your dog’s weight. In general, it will be 25mg of zinc per every 50lbs; however, consult your vet and read the dosage information on the zinc container.

Remember: Zinc toxicity is lethal to your dog, so be sure to give the correct dosage every time. It only takes 1 large dose to cause problems. If your dog exhibits the following symptoms, take him or her to the vet right away. Fur babies with severe poisoning risk heart failure, seizures, organ enlargement, and even death.

Zinc Toxicity Symptoms

  • vomiting
  • diarrhea
  • jaundice
  • lethargy
  • increased heart rate
  • panting

Conclusion

Zinc-responsive dermatosis is not super common; however, it can affect our large/giant and northern breeds. If you suspect your dog may have this condition, consult with your vet right away. The sooner you talk to your vet, the sooner your dog will feel much better!

I know Beckham feels 100% better! His skin is clear, his coat is shiny, and he has gained weight back. He is also able to keep up with his annoying little sister, Chai these days!

Beckham feeling good!

Does your dog have zinc-responsive dermatosis? What do you feed your dog to help alleviate the symptoms? Do they take supplements? I would love to hear your experiences.

Sources cited:

  • VCA Hospitals: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/zinc-responsive-dermatosis-in-dogs
  • Howling Dog Alaska; https://howlingdogalaska.com/collections/nutrition
  • Animal Allergy and Dermatology of CO: https://animalallergycolorado.com/animal-disease-index/zinc-responsive-dermatosis
  • Breeding Business: https://breedingbusiness.com/zinc-deficiency-in-dogs/
  • Better Pet: https://betterpet.com/dog-zinc-deficiency/

Keep Your Dog Healthy Through Middle/ Senior Age

I am super excited to introduce you to a guest blogger, Mark, who loves dogs (and all pets) just as much as we all do! He has taken time out of his busy schedule to write about how to keep your dog healthy through middle/senior age.

Want more information regarding dogs? Check out his site: ourdogsworld101.com or his Facebook page. It is definitely worth the read!

Kelly Update 2023:  This is still an important article to consider! Our pets won’t age in reverse like in the move, “Benjamin Button”.  I have left everything Mark has said, but just added a little bit more information at the end of each section.

Thanks again Mark for your article!

___________________________________________

Keep Your Dog Healthy Through Middle/ Senior Age
Beckham and Nuka a month prior to her passing

How to Keep Your Dog Healthy Through Middle/Senior Age

Dogs experience age-related problems and challenges as they get older. Usually, a dog is considered senior when it reaches seven years of age. Thinking about such changes begs the question, how to keep your dog healthy through middle/ senior age.

Consider taking these amazing steps to improve their health. By doing your part to keep your senior dog healthy, you will allow them to give you many years of companionship. Follow these tips and your middle-aged/ senior dog’s health will be assured.

Healthy Food and Nutrition to Keep Your Dog Healthy

Dog Food, Dog Bowl, Dog Kibble, Dry Dog Food, Paws

Diet is a very important point that contributes to the overall health of your fur buddy. For senior dogs, the nutritional requirements usually change and evolve. All middle age/ senior dogs have specific nutritional needs based on breed, age, weather, metabolism, and activity level.

The middle-aged/ senior dogs are prone to many health issues including arthritis, weight gain, cognitive issues, and appetite loss. Their diet greatly affects the quality of their life. These health problems can be affected or improved by the daily diet you feed.

Healthy seniors need more protein to maintain muscle mass. Many middle/ senior dogs need more protein, fibre, or other nutrients to ensure their bodies are well taken care of. You should give middle age/ senior dogs a diet that is tailored to meet their needs. You can consult your vet to select the best diet for your middle-aged/ senior dog’s specific needs.

Kelly’s Add: 

Don’t forget that a quality diet is key. According to the AKC, it is important to consider protein (like Mark said), calories, sodium, phosphorous.

Diets low in sodium and phosphorous can help reduce heart and kidney disease. Vets may prescribe a prescription diet if there is a concern.

Our older dog’s metabolism isn’t going to be the same as when they were young, so be sure you are feeding your baby the correct amount of food…and don’t buy the sad eyes and the whining stating they are starving!

Regular Vet Visits to Keep Your Dog Healthy

Medicine, Veterinary, Equipment, Ear Examination, Dog

You should take your middle-aged/ senior dogs for regular check-ups at the vet’s office. Regular vet visits give your vet the chance to evaluate the overall health of your senior dog.

You will also get the chance to discuss any unusual behavior your senior dog is displaying. Your vet will identify irregularities in case your fur buddy has any issues.

The vet will assess the general health of your middle-aged/ senior dog. These vet examinations can detect problems in older dogs before they become life-threatening. Regular vet visits improve the chances of a longer and healthier life for your dog.

Kelly’s Add: 

I agree wholeheartedly to this section. This is similar to why we, as humans,  have annual check-ups. We want to take care of our aging bodies (especially after 40!) and stay proactive when it comes to healthcare.

The longer you wait to treat an illness, the worse it gets, and unfortunately, the more money you pay. Same with our furbabies.

Pill, Gel Capsule, Medicine, Health, Cure, DrugIntroduce Dietary Supplements When Appropriate

If your senior dog is not getting a complete and balanced diet, it may develop dietary issues. You can introduce supplements into your dog’s diet.

*Dietary supplements will not take the place of a healthy diet but will be an additional support to a healthy life. *

You can give joint supplements to help keep your dog’s joints from hurting. Also, omega-3 fatty acids help with brain, skin and joint health.

Be cautious about giving human supplements to pets. Your senior dogs need dietary supplements if they’re suffering from arthritis, hip dysplasia, neurological problems, or poor coat conditions. Your vet can also assess whether your middle-aged/ senior dog needs a supplement or not.

Kelly’s Add: 

Supplements can definitely help improve our dog’s quality of life as they age. One caution I would give is that before you purchase any supplements, discuss with your vet to see if the supplements may interfere with any medication they are already taking or will prohibit absorption of minerals/vitamins from their food.

Another thought is to discuss CBD for dogs. I have heard from many pet owners that their pets have benefited from CBD. Be very aware of where the CBD is sourced and be sure it is organic. (Again, another topic to discuss with your vet!)

A Comfy Place to LiveDog, Pet, Bed, Animal, Border Collie, Sleep, Cute

Arthritis and hip and elbow dysplasia are common issue for older dogs. These dogs deserve a comfy place to relax and sleep.

A quality orthopedic dog bed can ease their arthritic joints while helping them stay cozy and comfortable. These beds are designed to provide extra support to your dog’s joints and bones.

You must provide a warm, comfy, and quiet place for relaxing and sleeping. Choose a low-traffic area in your house for your senior dog to relax and sleep. During winters, provide them cozy blankets to keep them warm. Also, keep their space clean and free of germs.

Kelly’s Add: If you have dogs like mine, who don’t like dog beds…because they prefer to sleep on your bed or the couch, there are still products that can help keep your dog comfortable.

We utilized a set of steps that Nuka could climb to reach our bed. There are also orthopedic blankets that can be used if your dog prefers the couch or your king size bed!

Dog Bath, Resigned, Wet, Soapy, Grooming, AnimalRegular Grooming

Regular grooming and careful weekly examinations are essential for your aging dog’s overall well being. Regular grooming can help you to spot bumps, lumps, wounds, and potential health problems on your senior dog’s skin.

Grooming also helps to remove any loose fur due to shedding, dirt, debris, or ticks and fleas. You should arm yourself with the right grooming tools for your senior dog. Make grooming a positive experience for your senior dog, filled with praises and rewards.

Kelly’s Add: 

Be sure you know how often your pet should be groomed. For example, my Malamutes should only be groomed about once a quarter, while other breeds need to be bathed weekly.

A professional groomer also may be better equipped to groom your dog. When looking for a groomer, look for one that makes grooming a positive experience and also understands the needs of a senior pet. It may be a little more expensive; however, it is worth the expense…and don’t forget to tip!

Regular Exercise and Mental StimulationStrength, Dog, Golden Retriever, Strong, Exercise

Senior dogs should be given regular exercise and mental stimulation to avoid health issues. Regular physical activities will strengthen your aging dog’s muscles, enhance circulation and improve their heart and brain function.

Always choose a physical activity that is appropriate for your dog’s age and stamina.

Mental stimulation also plays a big role in keeping your dog healthy. Try to provide ample opportunities for mental challenges to keep your dog young at heart and prevent boredom.

Kelly’s Add: 

Each senior is different. Nuka, my female, had a good amount of short energy spurts, but Beckham, my male, is the type to go slow, but for a long distance. Work at your dog’s speed and watch for any changes in their energy level.

If your dog loves toys or stimulation activities, you can check out Amazon or Chewy for some great options, too.

Pit Bull, Senior Dog, Senior, Portrait, Dog, MuttMaintain a Healthy Weight

Maintaining your senior dog’s weight is one of the easiest ways to increase his life expectancy. Healthy weight is a major factor that contributes to your dog’s overall well-being.

Obesity in senior dogs increases the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, arthritis, difficulty breathing, skin problems, and other conditions. It can shorten your dog’s life expectancy and decrease their quality of life.

Sudden weight loss in a senior dog is also a source for concern. Hyperthyroidism, diabetes and kidney disease are common causes of weight loss in senior dogs.

Kelly’s Add: 

This goes hand in hand with the quality of food you feed your dog. Foods that have more additives or more empty calories are going to be less filling. Discuss with your vet the best food to fee your senior for healthy weight maintenance.

What are Physical Signs of Aging in Dogs?Dog, Pet, Old, Old Age, Elderly, Gray

Dogs show a variety of signs of aging besides a graying muzzle. Some hallmarks of aging in dogs include:

    1. Slowing down or difficulty getting around
    2. Increased barking
    3. Cloudy eyes or difficulty seeing
    4. Stiffness
    5. Awful breath due to gum disease or tooth decay
    6. Weight fluctuation

It’s important to note that physical signs of aging might look different in dog breeds.

Quick note: Contrary to the popular belief, dogs do not age at a rate of 7 human years for each dog year.

What problems are more common in senior dogs?

It’s easy to spot the outward signs of aging in dogs. Here are a few common health problems in senior dogs:

    • Hearing loss causing varying degrees of deafness
    • Vision loss due to tissue degeneration in the eyes
    • Joint problems
    • Dementia/Cognitive Dysfunction: When dogs lose cognitive function as they age
    • Cancer: It accounts for almost half of the deaths of dogs over 10 years of age
    • Heart disease
    • Kidney problems
    • Obesity
    • Gastrointestinal issues

Aging should not be painful for your furry companion. For your senior dog’s health-related questions, always consult your veterinarian. They can make the best recommendations for your dog.

Kelly’s Add:  Another aspect to consider is when it is time to let your pet run over the rainbow bridge. If their quality of life has decreased significantly due to aging (cancer, heart disease, they can’t get up anymore or are constantly having trouble breathing), it may be time to let them go.

The only thing they ask of you is to be there when it is time. You are their family and want you to be the last person they see before they run through the fields on the other side.

Final Thoughts

Just like us, age is not a disease for dogs. Although senior dogs may develop age-related problems, good care allows them to live healthy lives in their senior years.

Remember, when you bring home a furry companion, you are committing to a long-term relationship. As a loving dog parent, these tips will help your middle-aged/ senior dog to stay healthy.

You can’t make your senior dog live forever, but you can help your furry pal live the healthiest life possible. A healthy senior dog can save you from a lot of stress and vet visits. All you need is to make some effort to support a healthy life for your senior dog.

Kelly’s Add: Thank you so much for reading this article. I hope it helps to keep your pet’s in good health…longer!

Let me know if you have tried anything else to help keep your middle/senior dog’s healthy.

Benefits to Spaying and Neutering Your Pet

I wanted to discuss the extremely important topic: benefits to spaying and neutering your pet. This topic is talked about extensively by veterinary practices, animal welfare organizations, and popular T.V. shows.

I wanted to discuss it here, too. Let me tell you why…

A couple weeks ago, I decided to watch an HBO documentary regarding people’s relationships with dogs. I thought it could be an interesting story on how dogs are much more part of the family and how much we will do to protect them.

I could not have been more wrong.

Documentary Findings

The documentary was broken into 3 parts.

Segment 1

The first segment discussed how some owners/pet parents will do anything to make sure their dog is kept in the home even if it is truly aggressive.  (Which is another blog for another day) Then it discussed the overpopulation in animal shelters in the certain areas of the Midwest.

Segment 2

My heart is broken with this segment, and to be honest, I could not stop sobbing at what happened. The documentary takes us to a shelter where they euthanize dogs by placing them in a big container and gassing them until they die.

These dogs, who are already scared of being in kennels, now are terrified as they are placed in a container with the lid closed. You can hear their cries as the container was being pumped full of a gas.

Once the first round of dogs were euthanized, they placed more dogs on top of the dead bodies and proceeded to gas them. After they were all dead, a garbage truck picks up the container and dumps their lifeless bodies in the back of the truck…like trash.

Segment 3

I can’t even remember what the third segment was because segment 2 took all of my attention.

This Didn’t Have to Happen

Yes, the visual in the documentary is devastating. Yes, you may be overcome with emotion as well, but that’s the point. This story didn’t have to happen, and these dogs did not have to die this way. If everyone did their part in caring for their pets, we could have avoided this situation.

Now, let’s look forward.

We CAN reduce the number of euthanasias in the United States by simply spaying and neutering our pets. It is a simple procedure. Not only can spaying and neutering have an impact on the overpopulation in our shelters, it also has health and behavior benefits.

Benefits to Spaying and Neutering Your PetWhat Happens When Pets are Not “Fixed”

Female Dogs

According to VCA, female dogs can have 1 – 2 heat cycles a year starting when they are between 6 -24 months old, where they can get pregnant. Some smaller breeds can have up to 3 cycles.

These pregnancies can produce 1 – 13 puppies dependent on the size/breed of dog. If a female dog is not spayed, and she has 2 litters a year for 5 years (conservative number), she may give birth to up to 130 puppies. If her puppies are not fixed, the cycle repeats.

Female Cats

Female cats, on the other hand, start the heat cycles between 4-10 months old and will go into heat up to 5 times a year. Each pregnancy can result in birthing an average of 1-5 kittens; however, there have been many females who birth up to 10 babies.

If a female cat gets pregnant in 3 of the heat cycles a year, and bears 5 kittens in each cycle, she will have up to 15 kittens a year. Even conservatively, a cat can birth up to 150 babies or more in 10 years.

Where do These Babies End Up?

Can you imagine the cat population if her female kittens are not spayed?

These numbers can be staggering. What are the chances these puppies and kittens will find their forever homes? Some will. Unfortunately, for unplanned pregnancies, many get put out on the street where they begin to reproduce or they end up at the local animal shelter.

Health Benefits to Spaying and Neutering Your Pet

To avoid the number of homeless pets, it is important to get our furbabies spayed or neutered as soon as possible. Not only will it have an impact on the population, it also has health benefits for our pets.

Females

The ASPCA recommends spaying your female before the first heat cycle, as it will reduce the risk of uterine infections and breast tumors. These conditions can be malignant or cancerous in approximately 50% of dogs and 90% of cats.

Males

A male can be neutered as early as 8 weeks, as long as he is healthy; however the average age of neutering is approximately 6 – 9 months old. Neutering will reduce the risk of testicular cancer and other prostate issues.

The health benefits outweigh the cost as it allows our pets to live longer, healthier lives!

(If cost is prohibitive, there are many communities that have low-cost or fee-assistance programs for lower income households. Contact your local Humane Society for more information.)

Behavior Benefits to Spaying and Neutering Your Pet

Spaying and neutering also reaps some behavior benefits…

  • You don’t have to deal with yowling and more frequent urinating from female cats.
  • Your male dog doesn’t need to find a mate, so he is less likely to devise a plan of escape from home!
  • Some aggression issues and marking may be thwarted with an early neuter.
  • You will keep your sanity.
  • You will not have to spend money on veterinarian bills or supplies for new puppies or kittens.

Economic Benefits to Spaying and Neutering Your Pet

We have discussed some health and behavior benefits, but how does this simple procedure affect the economy…our communities?

Benefit #1

The first benefit is the reduction of the animal overpopulation in the United States. If we spay and neuter our pets, we can reduce the number of animals on the streets and in the shelters. In turn, this reduces the number of euthanasias in the animal shelters.

According to petfinder.com (using ASPCA estimates)

  • Approximately 8 – 12 million pets enter animal shelters each year.
  • Every year approximately 5-9 million shelter animals are euthanized.
  • 50% of dogs and 70% of cats in shelters are euthanized due to lack of adopters.
  • Every 6 seconds in the United States alone an animal is euthanized.
Benefit #2

The second benefit is improvement within our community. Stray animals in our neighborhoods can cause health and safety concerns. These concerns are unclean play areas for children (think sand boxes!) car accidents, disease, and even the possible killing of livestock or other pets.

Reducing the number of unwanted pets on the streets can increase health and safety and can potentially reduce financial strain from having to pay for any damages.

Conclusion

Spaying and neutering our pets will benefit our pets, our families, and our communities. We will have pets that lead longer, healthier lives. We will reduce the number of unwanted cats and dogs on the streets or in the shelters, and we will reduce the number of needless euthanasias.

Please take this information to heart. If your pet is not intended to breed, and if you are not a qualified breeder, please be responsible and spay and neuter your furbaby. They will thank you for it and the community will thank you for it.

What Do You Think?

Let me know if you have any thoughts on this topic. I would love to hear what you have to say, so leave a note below.