My Mother used to have this saying “Never “assume” it makes an ‘ass’ out of ‘u’ and me”. Essentially this was a usage of language to make me a better speller, and yet I still find it befitting in so many situations! Last summer I was taking care of a 13 year old female dog, she was asleep on the end of my bed and when she awoke and moved, there was a spot of blood. I began checking the dear girl over and thought maybe she had licked her paw raw…after a text to her person I realized that was not the case! I was very surprised to find out that female dogs never stop going into heat, if kept in tact, that poor creature will bleed twice a year for life! As a woman who is full on into the journey of menopause, I can appreciate the liberation of no longer menstruating! I was feeling shocked and a little enraged at the idea that a female dog who is in her twilight years can still get pregnant if some randy pup happens upon her! I think we all assume, old dogs at some point, no longer have the desire or ability to procreate! Mother Nature decided not to put a shelf life on your pooches ability to replenish it’s species! Another thing to note, if your female dog isn’t fixed she is put at risk for certain ailments like Pyometra (an infection in the uterus which is considered a serious and life threatening condition that must be treated quickly and aggressively. It is a secondary infection that occurs as a result of hormonal changes in the female’s reproductive tract), Breast Cancer, False Pregnancy and actual Pregnancy which for an older female can be life threatening. Becoming a Mother is a very real possibility regardless of your lovely lady’s age and stage of life! Spaying, and neutering our canine friends, regardless of their age is a very responsible route to take in their over all health and well being!!!
No Time To Paws 