Vets recommend having female dogs spayed to protect them from life-threatening uterine infections, mammary tumours, and to give them a longer healthier life.

But what if you’re thinking about breeding your dog?

Is that the best choice for her?

Consider what is involved in having a litter of puppies before you make your decision.

The first question to ask yourself is, “Is my dog fit to breed from?”

If mum or dad have any health issues then their puppies could have the same problems.

This includes hip and elbow dysplasia, skin disease, eye disease, hernias and more.

If your dog has had any health conditions that may be passed on then it is better to avoid breeding and have her neutered.

Have a think about your dog’s personality. Is she calm and relaxed, or is she anxious and highly strung?

Mum and puppies will need to be handled regularly by you, the vet, and potential owners.

If your dog is nervous or wary of people then this will be difficult and cause her a lot of stress.

Some breeds are known to be prone to certain health conditions such as hip dysplasia, elbow disease, eye disease, kidney disease and more.

Hip and elbow xrays, eye exams, and blood tests may be required in mum and dad before breeding to make sure they aren’t going to pass anything on to the puppies.

THERE IS NO BENEFIT TO YOUR DOG IN HAVING A LITTER.

In fact, there is only risk.

Most dogs go through pregnancy and having puppies with no trouble. But that’s not always the case.

Breeding your dog puts her at risk of infection, she may need a caesarean, she may get mastitis or life-
threatening low calcium.

All of these require urgent veterinary treatment, often out of hours.

Puppies are HARD WORK.

It’s not all cuddles and fun. Even if everything goes perfectly, a litter of puppies will need close monitoring and care around the clock for 8 weeks or more.

There will be a lot of mess, a lot of noise, and very little sleep for you or your dog.

Your job doesn’t stop with just keeping an eye on the puppies. A litter of puppies will need regular weighing, worming and potentially bottle feeding.

The puppies will need to be microchipped before they go to new homes, and potentially get vaccinated.

* What if one or more of the puppies are poorly?

* All of this care takes a lot of time, planning and resources.

* How will you find homes for all of the puppies?

Some dogs can have really large litters.

* Would you be able to find suitable homes for fifteen pups?

Finally, the most common reason that owners have puppies is because they love their own dog so much and want another dog just the same.

For all the reasons described above, having a litter of puppies takes a lot of time and resources, and is a lot to ask of your dog… not to mention that another dog, whether her pup or not, will never be the same.

It is usually simpler to put some time into finding a lovely pup from a responsible breeder, and then spend your time enjoying your dogs and giving them their best life!

So you STILL want to have puppies?

Having a litter of puppies can be an exciting and rewarding experience.

If your dog has a suitable temperament, is healthy, and has passed all the health screening tests, if you’ve
considered all that breeding will require from you and you STILL want to go ahead, then we have a few pieces of advice!

• Use a veterinary surgeon for all of your dog’s care.
  
  Your vet can help you know when to mate your dog, perform an ultrasound to check whether she’s pregnant, provide care during and after pregnancy for your dog and the puppies.
  
  Choosing to use care from less qualified or inexperienced providers puts your dog’s health at risk.
  
• Once your dog is confirmed to be pregnant, BE PREPARED.
  
  Where will she have the puppies? What are the signs of labour? When should you see a vet? Your vet can help you with all of this.
  
  Your veterinary team can also advise you on what to do if your dog needs help when the practice is closed.
  
  Make sure you know where your vet’s out of hours provider is and how to contact them.
  
• Research the costs of veterinary care for your dog during pregnancy, a possible out of hours
  caesarean, and any care required after the puppies are born.
  
• Finally, once everything is done and the puppies have gone to new homes, arrange to have
  your dog spayed.

Decided NOT to have puppies?

• Speak to your vet about having your dog spayed.
  
• Spaying your dog will prevent pregnancy, prevent life-threatening womb infection, prevent
  false pregnancy, and reduce the risk of some cancers.
  
• Dogs can be spayed from 6 months old, either before their first season, or three months
  after the end of a season. Speak to your vet about the best timing for your dog.
  
• After being spayed your dog will go home on the same day. She will have to rest for a short
  time after her surgery so that she can recover.
  
• Keyhole surgery is often the best option for having your dog spayed. Following keyhole
  surgery dogs are less painful, have smaller incisions, and recover faster than after a
  traditional spay.
  
• Having your dog neutered is one of the most significant choices you can make to help them have a long healthy life.