Needed opinions on spaying my pup

[cuilynn]

Hi everyone,

I have a shih tzu, and she's having her first "period" now. I've thought of spaying my pup when i first got her. But I'm still considering the pros and cons from doing so. I've read the article posted by Lynielime in this forum and some other articles i found online/books abt the benefits of spaying a dog. However, a friend of mine, who also has a shih tzu and spayed hers, told me that her dog actually got more problems after spaying. Her dog's paws and body develop rashes all over. And she's actually asking me to think twice before spaying my dog.

Most articles that i read only states the benefits of spaying the dog, which is always (in all articles that i read), to prevent puppies and heat cycles. Im just wondering if there's any cons to spaying. You see, i dont mind cleaning up all the patches of blood on the floor (and Cookie seems to know, coz for the past few days, she dont jump up and sleep on the sofa), and since she's always in the house and i dont intend to breed her, she wont be having any puppies. If eliminating these 2 points, will it still be better to spay her? And if there's any cons, could you let me kno too?... I just needed some opinions. Thank you

[jenn]

Originally Posted by cuilynn

Hi everyone,

I have a shih tzu, and she's having her first "period" now. I've thought of spaying my pup when i first got her. But I'm still considering the pros and cons from doing so. I've read the article posted by Lynielime in this forum and some other articles i found online/books abt the benefits of spaying a dog. However, a friend of mine, who also has a shih tzu and spayed hers, told me that her dog actually got more problems after spaying. Her dog's paws and body develop rashes all over. And she's actually asking me to think twice before spaying my dog.

Most articles that i read only states the benefits of spaying the dog, which is always (in all articles that i read), to prevent puppies and heat cycles. Im just wondering if there's any cons to spaying. You see, i dont mind cleaning up all the patches of blood on the floor (and Cookie seems to know, coz for the past few days, she dont jump up and sleep on the sofa), and since she's always in the house and i dont intend to breed her, she wont be having any puppies. If eliminating these 2 points, will it still be better to spay her? And if there's any cons, could you let me kno too?... I just needed some opinions. Thank you

i do not know what is da cons for dogs after spaying, but mine is spayed and neuted, so far there is no such condition as rashes on her. Maybe is due to diffrent breed? ( mine is terrier) y not check withur vet ? c how da vet says they r more pro nyway...

[Maneki Neko]

Originally Posted by cuilynn

However, a friend of mine, who also has a shih tzu and spayed hers, told me that her dog actually got more problems after spaying. Her dog's paws and body develop rashes all over. And she's actually asking me to think twice before spaying my dog.

Hello, Cuilynn -- I would guess that your friend's shih tzu's skin problems have nothing to do with spaying. It's probably a coincidence that the rashes began after spaying. Skin problems are maddening to diagnose, because they can have so many causes -- genetic, allergic reaction to this or that, fungus, parasites, on and on. I think I've read comments from other shih tzu owners here that the breed is particularly prone to skin problems...

My two cents? I tend to agree with the points in the article that Lynie posted, but if I were you, I think I'd ask for the opinions of a reputable veterinarian or two. You'll probably feel more at ease with whatever you decide with some professional advice behind you. Best of luck to you & your pup!

[cuilynn]

Hi,

Thanks for the replies. Cookie's my first pet dog, so i guess i'd always tend to do some research and ask around for more opinions before i make any decision. :) I guess i'll ask my vet for his opinion. But if there's anything that i should take note before spaying her, pls do let me kno. Thanks y'all.