| Female dogs do not cruise the block looking for | | | | problems the longer she goes unspayed. Ideally, a |
| male studs. If only there were canine condoms. | | | | female should be spayed before her first cycle. |
| Well, that is not a reality, so every spring brings | | | | This eliminates a lot of mess and anxiety. |
| more unwanted litters. | | | | In most counties you can get spay assistance to |
| By nature, a young female dog could reasonably | | | | help with the costs. Contact your local humane |
| go into a heat cycle as early as four months and | | | | society for information. |
| as late as two years. It varies greatly from dog | | | | In the U.S. as a whole, there are an estimated 6-8 |
| to dog. Spaying a female before six months is | | | | million homeless animals entering animal shelters |
| recommended. | | | | every year. About half of these animals are |
| An average heat can vary from two weeks to | | | | adopted, and tragically, the other half are |
| four weeks. The average heat is three weeks. | | | | euthanized. These are healthy, sweet pets who |
| There is an important benefit to spaying your | | | | would have made great companions. |
| female dog. An unspayed female is at greater risk | | | | Dogs are little children that never grow up and |
| of developing some tumors such as mammary | | | | depend on us for their well-being. They have no |
| tumors. Also, an unspayed female dog can | | | | interest in keeping their bloodline going. They are |
| develop pyometra (a serious uterine infection that | | | | content to be your companion for life. |
| can be fatal) as well as uterine cancer. | | | | Make a decision for your furry best friend. |
| A female dog is at risk of developing other health | | | | |