If this is your first time seeing the Delay Her Spay harness, your initial reaction was probably similar to mine: amused, confused and skeptical.

Yes, this doggy chastity belt really does keep your dog from getting pregnant, even though she may resemble a sexy dominatrix while wearing it. Seriously, though, this thing works!

If you know about the side effects of early spaying, I’m sure you’re paying attention, even if you’re skeptical right now.

If you don’t know about the benefits of “Delaying Her Spay,” stay with me! You need to know this if you have a female dog or will adopt one in the future.

Why Should You “Delay Her Spay”?

Dexter Blanch, inventor of the DHS harness, originally created it with hunting dogs in mind. His champion-blooded hunting beagle would either have to miss out on hunts while she was in heat, or risk getting knocked up by another hunting dog on the field. To have her spayed would mean forgoing future opportunities for breeding.

In the past few decades, well-intentioned United States shelters and rescue groups campaigned for early spay and neuter, and most still require animals to be sterilized before they are adopted. Dogs might be spayed as early as 6 weeks old. While a spayed dog cannot breed and contribute to the overpopulation of homeless dogs, she may also suffer from the side-effects of having her internal reproductive organs removed before sexual maturity.

Hormones don’t just cause the heat cycle. They also affect growth. The earlier a dog is spayed, the more likely she is to suffer from health problems like patella luxation, delayed bone growth plate closure, certain cancers, hypothyroidism, and even behavioral problems like reactivity and aggression.

Who Needs Delay Her Spay?

The Delay Her Spay harness is for anyone who wants the choice of keeping their female dog intact, without the risk of an accidental litter.

But even for dogs that will not be around males while they’re in heat, the harness has other uses. It holds a sanitary pad in place so that your female will not drip bloody discharge all over your home. Some dogs can squirm out of sanitary diapers, but the back-strap system will keep them covered.

The sanitary pad feature can also be used with dogs who have incontinence. If your spayed female has poor bladder control as a result of her spay, or if your female drips urine due to excitability, old age, or another medical issue, you can use the harness to hold a pad in place.

Who Does NOT Need Delay Her Spay?

Unfortunately, Delay Her Spay does not make harnesses for tiny dogs like Matilda. Their smallest size is for dogs between 8 and 15 pounds. They told me that they do not get many requests for tiny dogs.

While it is easier to pick up your tiny dog to keep them away from males, and they’re not typically out hunting in the fields, I think the harness would still be useful for toy dog breeders. Also, I haven’t found a diaper that Matilda cannot squirm out of, but the DHS back strap system would keep her contained. If you have a tiny dog but you’re interested in the Delay Her Spay, feel free to let the company know – maybe if they get enough requests, they’ll start making a smaller size.

Do You Have To Take It Off For Potty Breaks?

In my opinion, this is what makes Delay Her Spay really unique. The heart-shaped rear protector it shaped in such a way that covers the vulva area while leaving the anus exposed. Yes, a dog can actually poop while wearing the harness without making a mess.

As for #1, the mesh allows urine to stream through. Of course, you’ll need to take off the sanitary pad first.

Does Delay Her Spay REALLY Prevent Pregnancy?

When Cow wears her DHS harness, her vulva is completely covered. She can’t squirm out of it, and I’ve had her wear it for hours with no slipping out of place. I would trust the harness to keep her from getting pregnant.

Over 10,000 Delay Her Spay harnesses have been sold worldwide. They’re being used globally to prevent unwanted mating. You can even see an attempted mating in action on the Delay Her Spay site.

Does Little Dog Tips Recommend Delay Her Spay?

Yes!

The harness is durable, and only takes seconds to put on and remove once it’s fully adjusted.

It should last your dog’s lifetime if they do not chew on it. You can use it with an Elizabethan collar to keep your dog from chewing on it.

Our Recommendations For Use

Get your Delay Her Spay before she’s in heat so you’ll have time to get her accustomed to wearing it.

Adjusting all of the straps allows you to get a perfect fit, and you only have to do it once. Have a second person reward and distract your dog while you make adjustments. It also helps to fuss over her and let her know how gorgeous she looks in it – Cow was happy to model when given plenty of compliments and extra love.

Every time she tries it on, take her outside to play, or take her for a walk. That way, she’ll associate wearing it with a good time, just like she gets excited when her leash comes out.

Don’t leave her alone with it until you know it’s perfectly adjusted and she seems to no longer notice it. your dog should be able to easily hop on and off furniture, sit, lay down and stand normally.

Purchase at http://DelayHerSpay.com before your dog’s next heat or enter the giveaway – must be 18+ in USA to win.

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In the comments: Is your dog spayed? Why or why not?

Lindsay Pevny

Lindsay Pevny lives to help pet parents make the very best choices for their pets by providing actionable, science-based training and care tips and insightful pet product reviews.

She also uses her pet copywriting business to make sure the best pet products and services get found online through catchy copy and fun, informative blog posts. She also provides product description writing services for ecommerce companies.

As a dog mom to Matilda and Cow, she spends most of her days taking long walks and practicing new tricks, and most nights trying to make the best of a very modest portion of her bed.

You'll also find her baking bread and making homemade pizza, laughing, painting and shopping.