What is spaying and neutering?
Spaying is a procedure in which a female dog’s reproductive organs are removed, preventing them from having puppies. Neutering is a similar procedure for male dogs, during which the testicles are surgically removed to prevent them from impregnating a female dog with puppies.
What are the benefits of spaying or neutering my dog?
Depending on the procedure, having your dog spayed or neutered offers many health benefits. Many dog owners also factor cost into their decisions.
Benefits of Spaying Your Female Dog
Spaying your female dog yields several health benefits for your pup, and financial benefits for you.
Health Benefits of Spaying Your Dog
Scheduling this common procedure for your dog before she goes into heat for the first time can help her live a healthy, long life free from serious health issues such as breast tumors and uterine infections.
Financial Benefits of Spaying Your Dog
Preventing the birth of unwanted puppies saves you the significant investment of time and money it takes to care for a pregnant dog and her puppies. While there’s a fee for spaying, it’s much less costly than the expenses involved in caring for a pregnant dog, calling a vet to supervise the birth of the puppies, and caring for newborns.
Deciding Not to Spay Your Female Dog
Have this procedure performed while your female dog is young, and you’ll prevent your pup from going into heat, a reproductive stage during which male dogs can be attracted to your dog for up to 18 days. This may result in unwelcome interactions with male dogs while she is in your yard or on walks, and it can also lead to unintended litters of puppies.
A female dog who is not spayed will typically go into heat every six months for about three to four weeks each time. During this period, she will excrete a bloody vaginal discharge and may seem edgy, jumpy, or clingy.
Benefits of Neutering Male Dogs
Similar to spaying, neutering your male dog offers several health benefits for your pup, and financial benefits for you. You will also help to reduce the population of unwanted dogs in the United States.
Health Benefits of Neutering Your Dog
Having your male dog neutered at an early age can prevent testicular cancer and prostate problems, which can be serious. Neutering also prevents perineal tumors and hernias, and reduces the risk of your dog escaping your property to find a mate, which can result in fights with other dogs and traffic accidents.
Behavioral Benefits of Neutering Your Dog
Neutering can potentially decrease behaviors like mounting and aggression toward other dogs. It can also help control your male dog’s urge to wander.
Deciding Not to Neuter Your Dog
Unneutered male dogs may exhibit unwanted behaviors such as aggressiveness, marking their territory by urinating inside the house, or mounting other dogs or people.
When to Get Your Puppy Fixed
Puppies are usually spayed or neutered when they are between five and nine months old. Even adult dogs can undergo this procedure. It's best to consult your veterinarian to determine the appropriate time to get your dog spayed or neutered.
What to Expect When Getting Your Puppy Fixed
Your veterinarian will give you detailed instructions before your pet's surgery. These instructions will include guidelines for restricting your pet's food and water before the scheduled procedure.
Once the surgery is done, your vet will provide you with instructions to help your dog recover comfortably. Depending on the timing of the procedure, your dog may also receive pain medication to take home. In general, female dogs take longer to recover from spaying compared to male dogs after neutering.
After a female dog is spayed, she cannot have puppies as she becomes sterile. Please keep in mind that male dogs are not immediately sterile after neutering. It can take up to 6 weeks for them to be considered safely 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.