Spaying or neutering your dog has many health and behavioral benefits. Today, our Charlotte vets explain more about this and how it 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 spaying?
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 neutering?
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
Spaying your female dog before her first heat can help prevent serious health issues such as uterine infections and breast tumors. Spayed female dogs won't go into heat if the surgery is done while they are young.
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 male 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
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 for having your pet sterilized.
In the long run, spaying or neutering your puppy could save you money. This is because you can avoid costs associated with litters of puppies, treating illnesses that may have been prevented by fixing your dog.
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.