Birth Control For Dogs

Nonsurgical forms of contraception are a promising additional method of population control. For some time now the mainstay of population control for dogs and cats is surgical sterilization via ovariohysterectomy and orchiectomy.

In countries like here in Nigeria, many people are unwilling to subject their pets to what they perceive to be a painful and invasive procedure. The cost of surgery is prohibitive for many owners, particularly in developing countries.

Dog Heat Period

Puberty, or sexual maturity, in the female dog usually occurs around six months of age. On average, heat cycles occurs about twice a year, although it varies from dog to dog. When cycling first begins, there may be a great deal of variability in the time between cycles. This is normal. Some females take eighteen months to two years to develop a regular cycle.

Owners of females in particular are therefore often stressed during the heat period. They steer well clear of male dogs in the neighbourhood, keep their female on a short lead, make her wear heat nappies and use anti-fragrance sprays. However, these aren’t sure-fire ways of avoiding pregnancy.

Spaying and Neutering

Spaying and neutering are undoubtedly the most common types of birth control used in dogs. Both procedures are surgical in nature, and your dog will be placed under general anesthesia during the operation.

Most vets consider male dog birth control surgery (also known as neutering or, technically speaking, an orchiectomy) to be the quicker and easier procedure.

Dog Birth Control Medications

Sterilization is not the only type of birth control available to dogs.

Believe it or not, there are veterinarian-prescribed birth control pills for dogs.

However, they really are not similar to the type used by humans, even though they may sound the same.

Megestrol

The birth control pill, which is called Megestrol is administered at the very beginning of the heat cycle for eight days. This postpone the cycle.

The pills can be given to your canine whole or they can be crushed up and added to a meal or snack.

Cheque Drops (Mibolerone)

Cheque Drops is an androgenic steroid and oral contraceptive that must be given to bitches on a daily basis for thirty days prior to coming into heat to be effective. Predicting the beginning of a bitch’s cycle can be difficult, so it is challenging to know when to start the thirty day course of treatment. This can lead to prolonged use of the medication, and a greater possibility of experiencing some of the numerous side effects.

Disadvantages of Contraceptives for Dogs

One issue with this option is that since heat cycles vary, it’s not always possible to predict the correct starting date. Another issue is the long list of possible unwanted side effects:

Other Options

Deslorelin Implants

Another common option is an implant containing deslorelin. This is administered under the skin by a veterinary surgeon to male dogs and ferrets to cause temporary infertility. In the dog, it can take 8-12 weeks to bring about infertility, the testicles are seen to reduce in size and the dog becomes less interested in bitches in season. The infertility usually lasts 12 months, testicle size may increase around this time or a blood test can be taken to measure testosterone to see if the implant is no longer working. Implantation can be repeated when the first or subsequent implants run out

The Stud Stopper

The Stud Stopper creates a barrier between female and male dogs when the female is in heat. It is a waistband that is strapped around the male in front of his genitals like a sturdy kind of loincloth with a vinyl back layer (in case of splattering while urinating). The dog is not uncomfortable, but he also can’t mate. The dog can still be himself. He can groom and use the restroom. He doesn’t care that it’s there because it’s not uncomfortable or in his way.