What is spaying and neutering?
'Spaying' and 'neutering' refer to surgical procedures that cause your pet to be unable to produce puppies. In many places, both surgeries may be referred to as 'neutering' or being 'fixed'.
Spay – Spaying is the surgical sterilization of a female through the removal of both the uterus and the ovaries, while your pup is under general anesthesia.
Neuter – The neutering or castration of male dogs involves the surgical removal of the testicles while the dog is under general anesthesia.
Why should I get my dog fixed?
If you have a new puppy, you might be wondering why you should get your dog spayed or neutered, particularly if your dog will be on leash during walks and otherwise confined to your home and garden.
There are many reasons to have your dog fixed, including significant health, behavioral, and possibly even financial benefits.
Benefits of Spaying Female Dogs
Across America, animal shelters are filled with unwanted dogs. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) estimates that 3.3 million dogs pass through shelters annually.
Health Benefits of Spaying Your Dog
Spaying your female dog before her first 'heat' can help to prevent uterine infections and breast tumors, which can often be malignant or cancerous.
Financial Benefits of Spaying Your Dog
Preventing the birth of unwanted puppies is good for your pocketbook. While there is a fee for spaying, this fee is relatively low compared to the cost of caring for a pregnant dog, calling a vet for the birth of the puppies, and caring for newborns.
Deciding Not To Spay Your Female Dog
When female dogs are not spayed, they go through a reproductive stage often called 'heat' about twice a year. During this stage, male dogs will be attracted to your female for about 18 days. This can lead to unwanted male dogs visiting your yard and possibly unwanted puppies.
Benefits of Neutering Male Dogs
As with spaying female dogs, neutering your male dog helps reduce the population of unwanted dogs in the United States.
Health Benefits of Neutering Your Dog
By neutering your dog, you eliminate the risk of them developing testicular cancer and significantly reduce the risk of prostate diseases, which can be serious. Neutering also helps to reduce the risk of perianal tumors and perineal hernias in your dog.
Behavioral Benefits of Neutering Your Dog
Neutering can help curb your dog's desire to roam and may reduce behaviors such as mounting and aggression toward other dogs.
Deciding Not To Neuter Your Male Dog
A number of undesirable behaviors are typical of male dogs that have not been neutered. These include heightened territorial behavior, overprotective of people and toys, roaming (seeking female dogs), and aggression towards other dogs.
When to Get Your Puppy Fixed
Typically, puppies are spayed or neutered between five and nine months of age, and adult dogs can also be spayed or neutered. Consult your primary vet to determine when to get your dog fixed.
What to Expect When Getting Your Puppy Fixed
Your veterinarian will provide detailed pre-surgical instructions, which may include restricting your pet's food and water intake before the scheduled surgery.
After the surgery, your vet will provide post-operative instructions to help your dog recover comfortably. Depending on the procedure performed and your dog's individual circumstances, pain medication may be sent home with your dog.
Female dogs typically take longer to recover after spaying than male dogs after being neutered.
Once a female dog has been spayed, she is considered sterile and unable to have puppies. It's important to note that male dogs are not regarded as sterile immediately after surgery. It can take six weeks for a neutered male to be considered sterile.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.