Spaying or neutering your dog offers numerous health and behavioral advantages. In this article, our Pittsboro veterinarians will discuss the benefits of these procedures for your puppy.
When should I spay or neuter my dog?
As long as your dog is healthy, spaying or neutering can be done at almost any age. The most common age for getting puppies fixed is six to nine months.
What is spaying?
When a veterinarian spays a female dog, they surgically remove the dog's reproductive organs, preventing the dog from having puppies.
What is neutering?
When your vet neuters a male dog, they surgically remove the testes, thereby sterilizing the dog and preventing him from fathering puppies.
What are the benefits of spaying or neutering my dog?
Spaying
Spaying your female dog before her first heat can significantly extend her life and maintain her overall health. This procedure prevents severe problems like uterine infections and breast tumors.
If you spay your female dog when she is still young, she won't experience heat cycles. Unspayed female dogs usually go into heat every six months, lasting approximately 2 to 4 weeks.
During this time, they discharge bloody vaginal fluids and may exhibit signs of restlessness, neediness, or nervousness.
Neutering
Neutering your dog early can prevent testicular cancer and certain prostate problems. Neutered male dogs are less likely to roam or attempt to escape in search of females, reducing the risk of injuries from fights with other males or traffic accidents.
Unneutered male dogs are more likely to mark their territory by spraying urine indoors, mounting other dogs or people, and displaying increased aggression towards other dogs.
Cost
In the long run, spaying or neutering your puppy could save you money by avoiding costs associated with littering puppies, treating illnesses that could have been avoided by fixing your dog, and treating injuries due to roaming and fighting.
Less Pet Overpopulation
Reducing the number of unwanted puppies is of paramount importance—shelters throughout the USA overflow with homeless and unwanted dogs. Spaying and neutering dogs by all pet owners would result in fewer dogs relying on shelters. This, in turn, would reduce the population of animals living on the streets and decrease the number of 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.