Q&A: Can a Dog Still Go Into Heat After Being Spayed?
Dr. Mark is a veterinarian. He has been working with dogs for more than 40 years.
Spayed dogs may still show signs of heat in the weeks immediately following surgery.
Is My Spayed Female Dog in Heat?
"My female was spayed 4 days ago but my male dog keeps going after her. Is she in heat?" —Annie
No, Spayed Dogs Cannot Go Into Heat
If your dog was in heat when being spayed, she still has female hormones and will attract a male for at least a week. (1) According to some sources, behavioral changes can last at least 3 weeks.
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Do not be worried, though. When you took your dog in to be spayed, the ovaries and uterus were removed so that your dog can no longer become pregnant.
If You See Signs of Heat, Contact Your Vet Immediately
If she does show signs of heat later, she may have an ovarian remnant. This is very rare, but if you see her in heat again you should contact the veterinarian who performed the surgery.
Source
- Hydbring-Sandberg, E., Larsson, E., Madej, A., & Höglund, O. V. (2021). Short-term effect of ovariohysterectomy on urine serotonin, cortisol, testosterone and progesterone in bitches. BMC research notes, 14(1), 265. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8272283/
This article is not meant to substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, or formal and individualized advice from your veterinarian. Animals exhibiting signs and symptoms of distress should be seen by a veterinarian immediately.
© 2022 Dr Mark
