Your Pet’s Health, Happiness, and Future: Choosing the Right Spay Procedure
As pet owners, we all want what’s best for our furry family members. When it comes to making decisions about their health, it can feel overwhelming to sort through the options and decide what’s truly the right path forward. One of the most significant health decisions you’ll face for your dog is whether and how to spay your puppy. At Sheridan West Vet, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
-Dr. Jesy Carnero
"Hi, I’m Dr. Jesy Carnero,
And I’d like to share my personal insights on spay options for dogs. I know how important it is for you to feel confident and well-informed about every decision you make for your pet’s care. Every dog is unique, and your bond with her is unlike any other. My goal is to guide you with empathy, knowledge, and unwavering support, ensuring we find the best spay option for her individual needs—so that your puppy can live a long, happy, and healthy life right by your side.”
Why Spaying Matters
Spaying helps prevent unwanted litters and offers numerous health benefits, including reduced risks of mammary tumors and uterine infections. However, the spay options for dogs have evolved, giving you more than one path to safeguard your pet’s well-being. Understanding these choices allows you to select the procedure that aligns best with your dog’s needs—and your own values and lifestyle.
Benefits of Ovariohysterectomy
Sheridan West Veterinarian provides the traditional spay options for dogs procedure known as an ovariohysterectomy. If performed before your dog’s first heat cycle (usually around six months old), this procedure offers significant health benefits, including:
Ovary-Sparing Spay: Preserving Natural Hormones
We recognize that some owners prefer to preserve their dog’s ovaries, given how hormones influence metabolism, bone health, and overall vitality. That’s why, among our spay options for dogs, we also provide an ovary-sparing spay(hysterectomy). In this procedure, the uterus and cervix are removed while leaving the ovaries intact—allowing your dog to maintain her natural hormones. This choice can offer distinct benefits, but it also comes with important considerations.
Benefits of Ovary-Sparing Spay
For families who are passionate about preserving their pet’s hormones, this spay options for dogs can be a good compromise. Your dog avoids the risks of pregnancy, uterine infections, and uterine cancer, while maintaining the potential benefits of natural hormone regulation.
Comparing Spay Options for Dogs
- Normal Reproductive Tract (top)
✔ Shows the typical anatomy, including the right and left ovaries, right and left uterine horns, uterine body, cervix, and vagina. Ovariectomy (bottom left)
✔ Removes only the ovaries, leaving the uterus in place.o The red dashed lines over the ovaries indicate the tissue that is taken out.- Ovariohysterectomy (bottom center)
✔ Often called a “traditional spay” in many countries.
✔ Removes both varies and the entire uterus (uterine horns and uterine body).
✔ The red dashed lines outline everything that is surgically removed. - Ovary-Sparing Spay (bottom right)
✔ Removes most of the uterus (usually the uterine horns and body) but keeps the ovaries intact.
✔ The red dashed lines show which part of the uterus is removed, while the ovaries remain to maintain hormone production.
Overall, the diagram illustrates how each procedure targets different parts of the reproductive tract, influencing hormone levels and fertility
What About Ovariectomy?
Amongst other spay options for dogs sometimes discussed is the ovariectomy, where only the ovaries are removed and the uterus is left intact. This is often performed laparoscopically for a less invasive procedure. However, Sheridan West Vet currently does not offer ovariectomy.
Why Not Offer Ovariectomy?
- Uterine Health Risks: With the uterus still present, your dog remains vulnerable to uterine infections or diseases.
- Our Priorities: We focus on procedures that fully address potential reproductive complications—namely the traditional spay or the ovary-sparing spay.
Which Spay Option Is Right for Your Dog?
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, and each of these spay options for dogs has its benefits and drawbacks. We encourage you to schedule an appointment so we can discuss:
- Your Dog’s Age
- Breed-Specific Risks
- Lifestyle Factors (e.g., boarding, exposure to other dogs)
- Your Comfort Level with potential outcomes and benefits
At Sheridan West Vet, we tailor our recommendations based on your dog’s individual needs and your family’s preferences.
Why Trust Sheridan West Vet with Your Dog’s Care?
- Expertise and Empathy
I’ve performed countless spays, and I approach each surgery with precision and compassion. - Personalized Care
Every dog is unique—we’ll discuss spay options for dogs that suit your specific situation. - Advanced Techniques
Whether it’s the traditional spay or the ovary-sparing approach, we use modern anesthesia and monitoring for safety and comfort. - Long-Term Support
After surgery, we’re here for follow-up visits, pain management, and any questions you have regarding recovery.
Vasectomy vs. Neuter
When it comes to spay and neuter options for your dog, it’s important to know that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. While 99% of vets primarily recommend traditional neutering, at Sheridan West Animal Clinic, we believe in giving you options that best suit your pet’s needs and lifestyle.
What’s the Difference?
Neuter (Castration): This traditional surgery involves removing the testicles, which eliminates testosterone production and prevents reproduction. It’s commonly chosen for its effectiveness in reducing unwanted behaviors, such as roaming or aggression, while also lowering the risk of certain cancers.
Vasectomy: A vasectomy, on the other hand, involves cutting or sealing the vas deferens, which prevents sperm from being released during mating. Unlike neutering, this procedure preserves hormone production, allowing your dog to maintain natural testosterone levels and related behaviors, like muscle tone and coat quality.
Vasectomy vs. Neuter: Why the Right Choice Matters for Your Dog
Why It Matters
Choosing between a vasectomy and a traditional neuter depends on your dog’s individual health, behavior, and your goals as a pet owner. Preserving hormone production through a vasectomy can be ideal for dogs where testosterone plays a role in their health or temperament. Traditional neutering may be the better choice for pet owners looking for a more comprehensive solution to behavioral concerns and reproductive control.
Options Tailored to You
At Sheridan West Veterinarian, we actualyl offer these options—because we understand that every dog is unique. Our team is here to guide you through the decision-making process, ensuring the best choice for your furry friend’s health and happiness.
Take the First Step Today
Making decisions about your dog’s health can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Call Sheridan West Veterinarian to schedule your spay options for dogs appointment. Making decisions about your dog’s health can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Call Sheridan West Vet to schedule your spay options for dogs appointment. During your visit, ask us about our exclusive Dogosterone Therapy, an innovative approach to supporting your dog’s health and well-being. Together, we’ll create a plan that ensures your beloved pet thrives for years to come.
How to Get Started
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Contact Us:
Reach out by phone or fill out our online form to schedule your pet’s appointment. -
Share Your Pet’s History: The more we know, the better we can customize a plan for your companion.
- Relax During the Visit: Our welcoming environment aims to minimize stress for pets and owners alike.
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Enjoy Peace of Mind: With high-quality vaccines and a thorough approach, you can trust your pet is well protected.
