Menopause in Dogs

As a woman ages, her body goes through a variety of changes. She stops ovulating, experiences hormonal changes and may experience side effects such as mood swings. This is called menopause. Dogs experience age differently than humans do, and their version of "menopause" is likewise different, even if it boasts some similarities.

  1. Menopause

    • Menopause in a human woman is when her body ceases ovulation. This could be for natural reasons, like her body running out of eggs to prepare for fertilization. It could also be due to an injury or surgery, such as a hysterectomy. Dogs don't go through menopause the same way people do, though it is less likely that they'll have puppies the older they get.

    Heat

    • When a female dog's body goes into heat, it's because she's ready to breed. She puts out pheromones in the air to attract males, remains sexually ready and has an egg prepared to be fertilized. As a female dog ages, her heat cycles will grow farther and farther apart. They may cease entirely, making it appear similar to human menopause.

    Ovaries

    • The ovaries in a female dog may develop complications as she ages. Over years and many heat cycles, the ovaries may develop a pitted surface. This can be in addition to cysts filled with fluid. The ovaries will continue to manage a dog's hormones as she ages, though not as well as when the dog was younger.

    Uterus

    • The lining of a dog's uterus is called the endometrium, and it is permanently thickened throughout her life. The uterus must communicate with the ovaries for effective reproductive cycles and health. The ovaries tell the uterus when to prepare for heat, and the uterus tells the ovaries when the dog is pregnant. This chemical communication breaks down as a dog ages, leading to an over-thickening of the endometrium. This can lead to inflammatory cells, which may lead to a bacterial infection called a pyometra. This is a deadly condition that will require a veterinarian's immediate attention.

    Spaying

    • The best solution to avoid the difficulties associated with an aging dog's reproductive health is to have her spayed if the owner is certain she isn't going to be bred. Spaying will stop her heat cycles and prevent aging difficulties typically associated with the ovaries and uterus of the dog.