Spaying alternatives

[thinkingaboutfostering]

I have a six month old lab bitch. Wondered if anyone knew of any alternatives to spaying a bitch? I don't want to breed from her but my vets a reluctant to spay her unless medically necessary as she has a heart condition which puts her at a considerably higher risk of complications as a result of the anaesthetic. Wondered whether anyone had come across any contraceptives or tips for caring for an entire bitch. I want to be prepared before she has her first season.

There are hormonal contraceptive, but they carry quite significant risks. Is your dog already getting treatment for her heart murmur as we do anaesthetise dogs with murmur. Unless she is already in full blown congestive heart failure I would spay her as I would feel the risks would be less than the benefits.