u/Fickle_Tank4937

I have an 8 yo intact female working dog. She goes into heat maybe once a year, she has a healthy diet, is very fit, active, and spry where I see many working/hunting dogs her age overweight, lazy, etc.

I’m wondering what the benefit of spaying her would be or if there are any cons for leaving her intact.

She is not at risk of pregnancy, at all.

Pros of spaying-

•Pyometra prevention (v important!)

•Not having to deal with heat cycle (not that big of a bother to me, she is clean and calm enough in heat)

•She won’t have all of those heat cycle hormones
and won’t have to deal with the hormonal needs of a dog in heat 😅

Cons-

•major surgery

•her breed is sensitive to anesthesia

•weight gain (possibly)

Thanks!