You’ve heard it enough, you know that it is the “politically correct” thing to do these days. To get your pets spayed or neutered is spouted everywhere, ad campaigns, internet, magazines, billboards — everywhere! But many wonder if spaying or neutering my Chihuahua safe?
Do you still have doubts? Maybe you’ve heard some horror stories. Perhaps you’ve heard things from friends that make you question whether you should get your beloved Chihuahua spayed or neutered.
The Number One Reason That Chihuahua Parents Don’t
Fear is the reason I hear the most from Chihuahua parents. Many are worried that because their Chihuahua is so tiny, they are afraid to put them under anesthesia.
I totally understand this! It is very scary anytime your Chihuahua has any kind of surgery. Or when your Chihuahua has to go under anesthesia. Think about this; suppose your Chihuahua was in an accident and broke his or her leg. The veterinarian says that the best way to fix it is to put a splint in the leg requiring surgery. Would you say no because you were afraid to put him under anesthesia? Spaying or neutering may not be as serious or health-threatening as that — or is it?
Fear
I’ve heard people say that Chihuahuas are more sensitive to anesthesia. But is that really true? According to Dr. Pippa Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS:
Maybe you or a friend experienced the tragic death of a beloved Chihuahua while under anesthesia when spaying or neutering. If that is true, the tragedy more than likely happened years ago. Veterinary anesthesia drugs and protocols have improved drastically in the last several years.
Anesthesia Risks For Chihuahuas and Other Toy Breed Dogs
The teeny-tiny toy breeds have a large surface area relative to their size. What this means is that they lose heat easily, especially under anesthesia. Talk to your vet about this. Ask him or her what they will do to prevent your Chihuahua from losing too much heat.
Chihuahuas also have a tendency toward low blood sugar. Your veterinarian should carefully monitor your Chihuahua during the surgery. Your vet and the vet tech will be alert to watch for any signs of blood sugar levels getting too low. If it does, they will know to give your Chihuahua an intravenous supplement.
What About My 2 lb Chihuahua?
Any drug your veterinarian gives your Chi including anesthesia when spaying or neutering are carefully calculated based on your dog’s weight. So whether your Chihuahua weighs 1 lb or 20 lbs, they will get the amount of anesthesia based on their exact body weight.
What About Senior and Advanced Age Chihuahuas?
Don’t let age prevent you from getting dental work or other necessary surgeries done. Your veterinarian should do a pre-physical exam and possibly X-rays or even an ultrasound to be sure that your Chihuahua is healthy enough to safely undergo anesthesia.
Your veterinarian has been trained to know the anesthesia protocol that is tailored to your senior Chihuahuas needs.
Don’t use advanced age as an excuse to avoid a surgical or dental procedure under anesthesia that may benefit your pet’s health.
As long as pre-anesthetic blood work, physical exam, and possibly X-rays or ultrasound are performed to be sure that vital organs are functioning well, older pets can safely go under anesthesia.
Debunking Other Myths
- Spaying or neutering causes laziness and weight gain. FALSE. Overeating and eating high-calorie foods along with lack of exercise is the only cause of weight gain in an otherwise healthy Chihuahua.
- It’s best to let a female Chi have at least one litter first. FALSE. There is no scientific evidence that there is any benefit to having a litter before they are spayed. It is also false that children should witness the miracle of birth. It’s better to teach children to be responsible pet owners.
Get a Two For One? I Can Make Money Myth
- By breeding, I can produce another Chihuahua just like the one I have. FALSE. The chances of producing another Chihuahua with the same personality as the mother or father are slim to none.
- I can make a little money because I know I can find good homes for them. FALSE. You may find lots of people who say they will give them good homes. The reality is you have no guarantee that they will have good homes and will not later be surrendered to a shelter. People also have a tendency to say they want one of the puppies, but when the time comes, they have reconsidered and changed their minds. You should also know that pregnancy for the mama Chihuahua is very dangerous and almost always requires a cesarean section because of their tiny size.
Too Young Myth
- My Chi is too young. A Chihuahua can go through their first heat cycle as early as four months. Most veterinarians recommend spaying and neutering at six months of age before they become sexually mature.
- It’s too painful. FALSE. We have discussed all the reasons it is safe for your Chihuahua to undergo anesthesia. They feel no discomfort during the surgery and will be given pain medication after the surgery. Usually, an injection while still at the veterinarian and pain pills to take home for pain. Your Chihuahua will spend the night at the clinic or hospital for careful observation after surgery. They know when a dog or cat is displaying signs of pain and will keep him or her comfortable.
- It will affect their behavior. TRUE. But, not in a negative way. On the other hand, there are many behavioral benefits to spaying and neutering. Studies have shown that a female chihuahua that has been spayed often lives longer. Male Chihuahuas are less likely to mark in the house and less likely to escape looking for a mate.
It Will Affect My Chihuahua’s Behavior Myth
- It’s too expensive. The cost varies greatly between veterinarians. Call around and get prices. Cost is also charged according to age, sex, and size. There are many programs that help with the cost of spaying or neutering. Look on the Humane Society Of America website for help locating a program in your area.
- My Chihuahua is always kept indoors. Your Chihuahua could escape no matter how diligent you are at preventing it. It can happen to any of us in any number of ways.
- My Chihuahua is a purebred, so I should continue his or her line by breeding him or her. The fact is that shelters are full of purebred Chihuahuas looking for homes.
Instead of simply refusing, ask questions. Talk frankly to your veterinarian and tell him or her your fears. Ask lots of questions. All good veterinarians welcome questions and will be more than willing to address all your concerns.
Ultimately to spay or neuter is your decision. I hope I have alleviated your fears and eased your mind about spaying or neutering your Chihuahua.
