Spaying or neutering your dog has many health and behavioral benefits. In this post, our Waxhaw vets share some facts about spaying or neutering and how it can benefit your pup.
When should I spay or neuter my dog?
A spaying or neutering procedure can be performed when your dog is almost any age, as long as he or she is healthy. With that in mind, most puppies get fixed 6 to 9 months after birth.
What is spaying?
When a vet spays a female dog, the dog’s reproductive organs are removed so your pup will be unable to have puppies.
What is neutering?
When a vet neuters a male dog, your dog’s testicles are surgically removed. This procedure prevents your dog from being able to father puppies.
What are the benefits of spaying or neutering my dog?
Spaying
If the procedure is performed while they are young, spaying will prevent your female dog from going into heat. Bringing your dog in for this common procedure prior to her first heat can help her live a healthy, long life free from serious health issues such as breast tumors or uterine infections.
If a female dog is not spayed, she’ll typically go into heat every 6 months, for about 3 to 4 weeks. While this is occurring, she will excrete a bloody vaginal discharge. You may notice she seems jumpy, edgy or clingy.
Neutering
You can help to prevent testicular cancer and certain prostate problems by neutering your dog early. Male dogs that are neutered are less likely to roam or try to escape from home searching for females. Reduced roaming can help to protect your dog from injuries due to fights with other males, or even traffic accidents.
When male dogs are left unneutered they are more likely to spray urine in the house to mark their territory, mount other dogs or people, and be more aggressive to other dogs.
Cost
In the long run, spaying or neutering your puppy could save you money by avoiding costs associated with litters of puppies, treatment for illnesses that could have been avoided by fixing your dog, and treatment of injuries due to roaming and fighting.
Less Pet Overpopulation
The importance of reducing the number of unwanted puppies cannot be overstated. Shelters across the USA are filled with homeless and unwanted dogs. If all pet owners spayed and neutered their dogs, there would be fewer dogs relying on shelters. Fewer unwanted puppies will help to reduce the number of animals living on the streets, and fewer euthanizations.
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.