Spaying or neutering your dog has many health and behavioral benefits. Today, our Charlotte vets explain more about these surgeries and how they can benefit 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 involved in getting your dog spayed?
When a female dog is spayed, the vet typically removes both the uterus and the ovaries so that your dog is unable to become pregnant.
What is involved in getting your dog neutered?
The surgical sterilization of a male dog is done 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 and neutering offer many benefits below are just a few:
Spaying
Spaying your female dog before her first heat can help prevent serious health issues such as uterine infections and breast tumors. Spayed dogs won't go into heat if the surgery is done before they reach sexual maturity.
Female dogs who are not spayed typically go into heat every six months for approximately two to four weeks. While your female dog is in heat, she will excrete a bloody vaginal discharge and may seem edgy, clingy, or jumpy.
Neutering
Neutering your dog early can help prevent testicular cancer and certain prostate problems. Neutered dogs are typically less likely to roam or try to escape from home in search of females. This decreased roaming can protect your dog from injuries due to fights with other males or traffic accidents.
When male dogs are left unneutered, they are more likely to urinate in the house to mark their territory, mount other dogs (or people), and be more aggressive toward other dogs.
Cost
Although the cost of spay or neuter surgery may be a concern for you, in the long run, getting your puppy fixed could save you money. This is because you can avoid costs associated with litters of puppies and treating illnesses that may have been prevented by spaying or neutering your dog.
The cost of spaying or neutering a dog varies widely from one location to another and may be influenced by the size and age of your dog. Contact your vet to get an accurate estimate of the cost of having your pet sterilized.
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. Having our pets spayed or neutered can help take pressure off of shelters and rescue agencies, and reduce the number of euthanizations that occur.
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.
There are many benefits to getting your dog fixed. If it's time to spay or neuter your dog, contact the friendly and compassionate vets at Quail Hollow Veterinary Hospital today.