Should I get my 7 year old dog spayed? Will the benefits really outweigh the bad? She seems healthy and happy. Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Female | spayed | 7 years and 5 months old | 11.6 lbs

Thanks for using PetCoach. I do recommend spaying even for adult or older dogs. The primary reason is the risk of pyometra, a fatal uterine infection. Every time she goes into heat she is at risk. Here is more info, so you know what to watch for if you opt not to spay her https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951481 As she is a littler older, there are things you can do to make surgery a bit safer. Even if not required by her veterinarian, a full exam and bloodwork should be performed prior to surgery. This helps to assess if there are any diseases that may affect her under anesthesia or her ability to heal. She should receive IV fluids during her surgery. Here is more info on spay https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951464 Even at this point in her life, Cookie can benefit from spay surgery.

I'm not sure where you have gotten this information, but most of these things are completely untrue and fear mongering statements. While you can see an increase in urinary incontinence in spayed dogs, that usually happens in older dogs who have been spayed earlier in life. I've always spayed my dogs, and never had any of these things happen to them. In addition, I see no scientific references to back up these claims. Spaying Precious is a good option for her, you do not want her to get a pyometra. The people who write these things typically have no veterinary training at all, and everything they said is anecdotal evidence with no scientific evidence to back it up. You are making the right decision to have her spayed. Don't pay attention to random facts you find on the internet. I hope this helps!