Deciding to Spay or Neuter Your Dog

Tonight Zorra is feeling somewhat sorry for herself but is otherwise fine post-op after being spayed this morning. Many people get fanatical about spaying, and either think that it is wrong to force an otherwise healthy dog to have an operation or that NOT spaying or neutering your dog is irresponsible. I personally was very conflicted about the decision to spay Zorra. Part of me kept thinking that I might want to breed from her in a couple of years, she's lovely and healthy and a good example of her breed.

It took me a long time to make the decision to spay her. I hated how final it would be, that once I took her to the vet I could not turn back. I finally made the decision that I knew I needed to make. I am not a dog breeder, I do not have the time or facilities to devote to breeding puppies, my dog is not a champion gun dog nor does she have perfect conformation. For me and my dog, spaying was the right option.

I believe it is important for every dog owner to take their time and read as much as they can about the pros and cons of spaying or neutering your dog. I truly believe that in MOST cases it is better to spay or neuter your dog, unless you are breeding for the right reasons.

So get the information, read as much as you can, talk to your vet, talk to breeders, but most of all don't make a decision based on pressure from others or because you can't face putting your dog through a procedure.

Easter and Chocolate Poisoning

Easter is a great holiday to spend with friends and family, and the family dog! While we love chocolate at Easter, we have to remember that it is poisonous to dogs. Eating chocolate can lead to theobromine poisoning in dogs. Dark chocolate is much more deadly than milk chocolate due to it's higher coco content. Mild cases of theobromine poisoning cause vomiting and diarrhea while severe cases can lead to seizures, rapid heart rate, hyperactivity, respiratory failure and cardiac arrest. While there is no need to freak out if your dog eats a tiny bit of chocolate, if they eat over 100 milligrams of theobromine per kilogram body weight it could kill them. The amount of theobromine in chocolate varies depending on the type, the worst being high cocoa and bakers chocolate. If you aren't sure how much your dog has eaten, take them to the vet.

Here are some tips for keeping your dog safe over Easter:

1) If you are having an Easter Egg Hunt which involves leaving chocolate around keep your dog inside during the hunt and make sure ALL of the chocolate is picked up before letting him/her out.

2) Where possible try to use milk or white chocolate, if you dog eats milk chocolate they may still have to go to the vets but the consequences will be much milder.

3) Any dark chocolate you do have at Easter do not use in an egg hunt, leaving chocolate on the floor or hidden in bushes is asking for a dog to eat it.

If you dog does eat chocolate, keep calm and call your vet. In most cases, especially in big dogs, it's not a big deal because most of the chocolate that humans eat is fairly low in cocoa content. Your dog will most likely have a stomach ache unless they have eaten a LOT of dark chocolate. Always best to be safe, keep chocolate out of reach, and if in doubt call you vet.