With the advent of mandatory spaying and neutering in some cities, and concerns about the health risks of early spaying and neutering, educated dog owners are looking for alternatives to canine spaying. Although it may be difficult to find a vet who will comply, alternative options include contraceptives and tubal ligation for dogs. And of course, attentive and responsible owners may choose to simply manage their bitch's heat cycles to prevent pregnancy.
-
Contraceptives
-
Two different estrus-suppressing hormones are available in the U.S. The progesterone megestrol acetate is approved for canines although it is not widely used. The University of California Davis School of Veterinary Medicine warns that side effects can be severe, including immune system suppression, hair loss, lethargy and personality changes. Mibolerone is an androgen and only approved for two years of use although it may be effective for longer. Like megestrol, it has potentially serious side effects and isn't widely used. Chemical birth control for dogs does not prevent them from going into heat, nor does it prevent associated health risks such as pyometra (uterine infection) and mammary cancer.
Tubal Ligation
-
Tubal ligation (hysterectomy) is less invasive and a minor operation compared to a ovariohysterectomy, i.e., spaying. The dog will still come into heat and can even mate; but because her tubes are tied, she can't get pregnant. Since the ovaries are not removed, a dog who has a tubal ligation still has hormone production, and is still at risk for mammary cancer and pyometra.
Management
-
Some owners choose to keep their dogs intact. By paying attention to estrus cycles and keeping the bitch securely contained in the house or kennel during heat, an owner can keep her from having contact with males while she's fertile. Females come into estrus roughly twice a year and stay in heat for two to three weeks, with a pre-estrus period of about a week followed by seven to 10 days of estrus, according to UC Davis. Management requires diligence because the bitch puts out strong hormonal "messages" to male dogs, and mating can happen quickly, even through a fence or sides of a kennel.
-