Deciding whether to spay or neuter your dog is a significant decision for pup parents. In this post, our New Hope vets explain how having your dog spayed or neutered (fixed) helps prevent unwanted puppies and benefits your dog's health. This procedure may also prevent some unwanted behaviors from pets.
Why should I get my dog fixed?
According to the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), millions of dogs enter shelters each year across the United States.
Spaying or neutering your dog is the best way to help reduce the overall number of unplanned puppies that are born annually while improving your pet's behaviour and reducing their risk of some serious health conditions.
What is the difference between spaying and neutering?
It's important to understand what 'fixing your dog' actually means. 'Fixing' is the general term we use when discussing spaying or neutering a dog.
Spaying Female Dogs
Spaying involves the surgical removal of a female dog's reproductive organs through either an ovariohysterectomy (both ovaries and uterus are removed) or an ovariectomy (only the ovaries are removed). Your female dog will not be able to have puppies after she has been spayed.
Neutering Male Dogs
The neutering of a male dog (also referred to as castration) entails the surgical removal of both testicles and their associated structures. A neutered dog is unable to father puppies.
Benefits of Spaying Female Dogs
Across the United States, animal shelters are overflowing with unwanted dogs. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) estimates that 3.3 million dogs enter shelters annually.
Health Benefits of Spaying Your Dog
Spaying your female dog before her first heat can help 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 suitable for your wallet. While spaying costs money, it is relatively low compared to the expense of caring for a pregnant dog, calling a vet for the birth of the puppies, and caring for the newborns.
Deciding Not To Spay Your Female Dog
Female dogs not spayed go through a reproductive stage known as '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, possibly resulting in 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
When you neuter your dog, you reduce the risk of them developing testicular cancer and significantly lower the risk of prostate diseases, which can be serious. Neutering also helps to decrease the risk of perianal tumors and perineal hernias in your dog.
Behavioral Benefits of Neutering Your Dog
Neutering can help reduce your dog's desire to roam and may decrease 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, being overprotective of people and toys, roaming (seeking female dogs), and aggression towards other dogs.
When to Get Your Dog Spayed or Neutered
The optimal age to have your dog neutered or your female dog spayed varies based on their breed, size, and overall health. Generally, veterinarians recommend that dogs be fixed between six and nine months of age. However, some large-breed dogs may benefit from waiting until they are a bit older, around 12 to 18 months, to ensure proper development.
Puppies can be spayed or neutered as early as eight weeks old, provided they are healthy and weigh at least two pounds. Early spaying and neutering can prevent unwanted behaviors and health issues before they start. Always consult your veterinarian to determine the best time for your pet.
Expectations for an Unfixed Dog
Choosing not to fix your dog comes with certain considerations and potential challenges. Unfixed dogs are more likely to exhibit aggressive and territorial behaviors. Male dogs may mark their territory with urine and become more prone to wandering, increasing their risk of accidents or getting lost. Female dogs that are not spayed will go into heat approximately twice a year, which can result in unwanted attention from male dogs and the potential for unplanned litters.
Preparing for Surgery
If you decide to get your dog neutered or your female dog spayed, preparing for the surgery is essential. Ensure your dog is in good health and up-to-date on vaccinations. Follow your veterinarian's pre-surgery instructions, which may include fasting. Post-surgery, provide a quiet and comfortable space for your dog to recover and monitor the surgical site for any signs of infection. Your vet will give you detailed aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.
Getting your Dogs Fixed
Getting your dog fixed is a responsible choice that can lead to a happier, healthier pet and contribute to the broader effort of controlling the pet population. Whether you opt to have your dog neutered or your female dog spayed, the benefits far outweigh the risks.
By making this important decision, you are investing in your dog's well-being and helping to create a better world for all pets.
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.