Having your dog spayed or neutered prevents unwanted litters, but can also help to curb undesirable behaviors and even reduce the risk of certain diseases. Here, our Poway vets share what you need to know about getting your puppy fixed.
Why should I get my dog fixed?
If you have a new puppy you might be wondering why you should get your dog spayed or neutered, particularly if your dog will be on-leash during walks and otherwise confined to your home and garden.
In fact, there are many reason to have your dog fixed, including some significant health benefits, behavioral benefits, and possibly even financial benefits!
Benefits of Spaying Female Dogs
Unwanted dogs are overflowing animal shelters all over America. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), 3.3 million dogs are housed in shelters annually.
Health Benefits of Spaying Your Dog
Spaying your female dog before her first 'heat' can help to prevent uterine infections and breast tumors which can often be malignant or cancerous.
Financial Benefits of Spaying Your Dog
It's beneficial to your wallet to stop the birth of unwanted puppies. While there is a fee associated with spaying, it is small in comparison to the expenses associated with caring for a pregnant dog, calling a veterinarian to attend the birth of the puppies, and caring for the young.
Deciding Not To Spay Your Female Dog
When female dogs are not spayed, they experience what is known as "heat" about twice a year, which is a reproductive stage. For about 18 days during this stage, male dogs will be drawn to your female. Due to this, unwanted male dogs may visit your yard and possibly give birth to unwanted puppies.
Benefits of Neutering Male Dogs
As with spaying female dogs, when you neuter your male dog you help to reduce the population of unwanted dogs in the United States.
Health Benefits of Neutering Your Dog
By neutering your dog, you completely eliminate the possibility of testicular cancer in addition to greatly lowering the possibility of serious prostate diseases. The risk of perianal tumors and perineal hernias in your dog is also decreased by neutering.
Behavioral Benefits of Neutering Your Dog
Neutering can help to curb your dog's desire to roam and may help to reduce behaviors such as mounting and aggression towards other dogs.
Deciding Not To Neuter Your Male Dog
Male dogs who have not been neutered frequently engage in a number of undesirable behaviors. These include aggressive behavior toward other dogs, increased territorial behavior, excessive protection of people and toys, and roaming (looking for female dogs).
When to Get Your Puppy Fixed
Typically, puppies are spayed or neutered between five to nine months of age. Adult dogs can also be spayed or neutered. Consult your vet to find out when you should get your dog fixed.
What to Expect When Getting Your Puppy Fixed
Your vet will provide you with detailed pre-surgical instructions which may include restricting your pet's food and water before the scheduled surgery.
Your veterinarian will give you post-operative instructions to ensure your dog recovers comfortably after the procedure is finished. Your dog might be given pain medication to take home with them, depending on the procedure that was done.
Generally, female dogs take longer to recover after being spayed than male dogs after being neutered.
Once a female has been spayed, she is considered sterile and unable to have puppies.
It is important to note that male dogs are not considered sterile immediately following surgery! It can take as long as 6 weeks for a neutered male to be considered sterile.