Spaying or neutering your dog has many health and behavioral benefits. In this article, our vets in Jackson will explain more about it and how it can benefit your puppy.
When should I spay or neuter my dog?
Spaying or neutering a healthy dog can be done at any age, but the most common age is between six to nine months old.
What is spaying?
When a female dog is spayed, the veterinarian removes her reproductive organs, making it impossible for her to have puppies.
What is neutering?
When a male dog is neutered, your vet surgically sterilizes your dog by removing the testes. Neutering prevents your dog from being able to father puppies.
What are the benefits of spaying or neutering my dog?
Spaying
It is highly recommended to have female dogs spayed before their first heat cycle. This can help ensure a long and healthy life for your furry friend, and can also prevent the risk of serious health problems such as uterine infections and breast tumors. If young female dogs are spayed, they will not go into heat, which is not the case with dogs that are not spayed. If not spayed, female dogs typically go into heat every six months for about 2 to 4 weeks. During this period, they may excrete bloody vaginal discharge and show signs of edginess, clinginess, or jumpiness.
Neutering
Neutering your male dog early on can help prevent testicular cancer and certain prostate problems. Additionally, it can reduce the chances of your dog wandering away from home in search of a mate, which can protect them from injuries due to fights with other male dogs or even traffic accidents.
Conversely, male dogs that are not neutered are more likely to mark their territory by spraying urine in the house, mount other dogs or people, and be more aggressive towards other dogs.
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
Reducing the number of unwanted puppies is crucial to addressing the issue of homeless and unwanted dogs in shelters across the USA. If all pet owners spayed and neutered their dogs, the number of dogs in shelters would decrease significantly. Fewer unwanted puppies will help to reduce the number of animals living on the streets, and ultimately result in fewer cases of euthanasia.
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.