Spaying is a procedure performed on a female dog to remove her reproductive organs. All dogs are different, but most experience some changes in behavior after this procedure. The age of the dog when it is spayed may affect its behavior changes afterward.
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Roaming
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As female dogs will not experience a heat cycle, they are less likely to experience a desire to roam as they would in search of a mate, says the American Society for the Prevention of Cruely to Animals.
Temperment
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Spayed females tend to be less aggressive toward people and other dogs. ASPCA says that very few will become more aggressive.
Hormonal Complications
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Dogs in a heat cycle can be irritable. Just as in humans, some dogs experience increased irritability around the time of a heat cycle. Spaying will eliminate moodiness caused by hormonal fluctuations.
Scenting
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Just as male dogs will urinate to mark their territory, females will urinate during a heat cycle to attract a mate. After spaying, this behavior will likely stop due to absence of heat cycles.
Appetite
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Some female dogs will gain weight after spaying. This is due to metabolism changes caused by changes in hormonal levels.
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