Why I Chose to Spay My Dog, Clover
This wasn’t a quick or easy dennncision. I’ve had other intact females before, and none of them handled their cycles quite like Clover. She’s been through three heats, and each one brought a wave of stress, tension, and reactivity that rippled through our home.
During her heats, Clover became noticeably more intense and alert — barking at the windows, growling more often, and even sounding different.
Her voice changed. The pitch and tone of her bark and growl deepened, becoming sharper, more primal.
It was startling at times, especially since, between cycles, she’s a completely different dog — gentle, silly, and eager to please.
Her appetite also swung wildly with each cycle. Some days she acted like she was starving and couldn’t get enough food, and other days she’d barely eat at all. She’d curl up in my bed and let out these soft, heartbreaking whines — the kind that make you stop what you’re doing because you know your dog just doesn’t feel right.
The hardest part was watching how these hormonal shifts affected her relationship with Hannah. Their little tiffs started mild during the first cycle, but by the third, they were clearly escalating. It was as if each heat was hardwiring more tension into their dynamic, no matter how carefully we managed them.
Look how cute they are as friends.
From everything I’ve read and discussed with professionals, this kind of hormone-driven reactivity isn’t uncommon. But for Clover, it was extreme enough that we had to say, this has to happen. We already work on reactivity training, and she responds beautifully outside of these hormonal windows. But during and around her heats, her reactivity became unpredictable — and at times, I genuinely feared it could become dangerous. That wasn’t fair to her or to Hannah.
We don’t plan to breed her, and managing the diapers, hormones, and constant vigilance against wandering males added stress for everyone. So after her third cycle, it felt clear that spaying was the kindest choice — for her comfort, for Hannah’s peace, and for the harmony of our home.
I know there’s debate about the right timing and approach for spaying. I understand that completely. I’m not a vet, and this isn’t medical advice. But after three cycles and nearly two years of age, her body felt mature, and her next heat was due around her birthday. I didn’t want to put her through another one.
Sometimes, those hormonal shifts can start to leave lasting imprints on behavior if they’re repeated too often. For Clover, it felt like the right moment to reset. I believe this will help her settle into a calmer, more balanced version of herself — and help restore peace between her and Hannah.
Reflection
Every dog is different, and so is every decision we make for them. What I’ve learned through this process is that loving our dogs means paying attention — not just to what’s easy, but to what’s honest.
Spaying Clover wasn’t about convenience; it was about compassion. It was about listening to what she was telling me through her behavior, her body language, and her pain. I believe she’ll feel lighter for it — and maybe, in her own way, she’ll understand that this choice came from love.
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Author’s Note:
This post reflects my personal experience with my own dog, Clover. Every dog is different, and what’s right for one may not be right for another. I’m not a veterinarian, and this isn’t medical advice — just the story of how we came to our decision and what I’ve learned along the way. If you’re considering spaying or neutering your dog, I encourage you to talk with a trusted vet about what’s best for your pup’s individual needs.
