When should my dog be spayed or neutered?
Spaying or neutering procedures can be performed for dogs of almost any age, as long as they are healthy. That said, most puppies get fixed between 6 and 9 months after birth.
Also known as having your dog "fixed", this common procedure can have many health benefits for your pup.
Our vets will explore them in this post and provide tips and advice to help the operation and recovery go smoothly.
What is spaying?
When a female dog is spayed, her reproductive organs are removed so your pup will not be able to birth puppies.
What is neutering?
When a male dog is neutered, the 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 for my dog?
Spaying
If you have the procedure performed while your dog is young, spaying will keep your female dog from going into heat. Booking your dog in for this common procedure before her first heat can help her lead a long, healthy life free from serious health concerns such as uterine infections or breast tumors.
A female dog that is not spayed will typically go into heat every 6 months, for about 3 to 4 weeks. During this time, she will excrete a bloody vaginal discharge. You may notice she seems clingy, edgy or jumpy.
Neutering
By having your dog neutered early, you can help to prevent some prostate problems and testicular cancer. Male dogs who are neutered may not have as strong of an urge to roam or try to escape from home to search for females, which can help protect your dog from injuries due to fights with other males, or even traffic accidents.
If male dogs are left unneutered, they will be more likely to mount other dogs or people, be more aggressive to other dogs and are more likely to spray urine in the house to mark their territory.
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 replying 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.