Mê Thú Cưng - Pet Magazine for Vietnam TET 2017 Issue | Page 66

URBAN PETS Living with Pets in Vietnam

Prevention of Unwanted Pregnancies of your Female Dog

Sterilization of dogs , and cats , is the process of neutering the male and spaying the female by medical procedures performed by a Veterinarian . In this article we will explore the prevention of unwanted pregnancies by female dogs and where most health issues of dogs in Vietnam stems from a lack of awareness of their mating ‘ heat cycle ’.
Understanding your Female Dog
Female dogs become sexually mature when they have their first mating ‘ heat cycle ’. Smaller dogs can become sexually mature faster than larger dogs . It is important to understand a female dog ’ s mating period that consists of four phases : Proestrus , Estrus , Dietrus and Amestus .
One of the first signs of a dog coming into ‘ heat ’ is vaginal bleeding , which generally lasts between four to nine days , in addition , the female dog ’ s vulva will swell . This is the first stage of the heat cycle , called Proestrus . Male dogs will become attracted to female dogs early in the second Estrus stage , lasting from 4 to 13 days , a period in which a female dog can become pregnant . The whole heat cycle can last up to 30 days . A female dog ’ s first estrous cycle is generally between the ages of six months to one year old .
Preventing Pregnancy
Neutering of a male ( surgical removal of the testes ) and spaying of a female ( removal of the ovaries and uterus ) is required to prevent unwanted pregnancies .
Traditional surgical techniques include scalpels , however , laser surgery is now becoming option among veterinarians in Vietnam . Surgery is completed in a couple of hours and if your arrange to bring your dog in the morning to a veterinarian , barring complications during surgery , your dog should be home the same day . A return visit to the vet will be needed to remove the stitches for both male and female . Become vigilant of your dog during the recovery period to make sure there is proper healing . When is the right time and age ? It is recommended your female dog be spayed before their first ‘ heat cycle ’. Another good reason , if a female goes through a estrus stage there is an increased risk of mammary cancer . Male dogs can be neutered at any time after eight weeks of age , generally before reaching puberty . Most dogs are sexually mature by the age of five or six months . Change in Personality Both female and male dogs experience changes in personalities during a female ’ s heat cycle . Hormones are raging in both sexes and the female , especially , will become overly sensitive . Males that are usually gentle may become aggressive towards anyone or anything that is in the way of getting to that female dog in heat in the vicinity .
Advantages of a Spayed Female Dog
Generally , for both male and female dogs , sterilization reduces aggressive behaviour . Health Issues Spaying helps prevent mammary tumours called pyometra resulting from hormonal and structural changes to the lining of the uterus , also prevents uterine and ovarian cancers .
Advantages of a Neutered Male Dog
Nuisance Control Male dogs will become calmer with lower level of testosterone , ‘ mark ’ less , eliminate roaming , humping , and other male dominance related behaviours . Many dog owners in Vietnam should have their male dogs neutered making them more social in public with people , and other dogs . Health issues Neutering can reduce testicular and prostrate cancer . Also a prevention against Canine Transmissible Venereal Tumour , widespread in Vietnam .
An Animal Welfare Perspective
According to Catherine Besch , founder of Vietnam Animal Aid and Rescue ( VPAV ), sterilization is recommended to prevent needless suffering of domestic pets in Vietnam . “ When done correctly , spaying and neutering causes minimal pain and suffering to the animal and will help prolong its life . This is the first step in limiting the population of unwanted animals and making the comfort and health of pets in Vietnam a top priority .”
Overall , sterilization is recommended for dogs in Vietnam as the practice is not wide spread leading to unwanted pregnancies and inbreeding . The general dog owner in Vietnam simply misunderstands the critical need , usually voicing concerns of surgery being expensive or not ‘ natural ’ or not allowing a dog to experience the ‘ miracle of life ’.
66 Mê Thú Cưng / Tập 01 2017 / methucung . vn