Our Natick vets share some information and the benefits of spaying or neutering your dog. Not only does it promote good health and behavior, but it can also benefit you as a pet owner.
What is spaying?
Spaying is a procedure where the productive organs are removed from the female dogs, preventing them from having puppies.
What is neutering?
Neutering is a similar procedure for male dogs, where the testicles are surgically removed to prevent them from fathering puppies.
What are the benefits of spaying or neutering my dog?
Depending on the procedure, having your dog spayed or neutered has many health benefits. Cost is also a factor in many pet owners' decisions:
Spaying
If this procedure is performed while your female dog is young, this will prevent your pup from going into heat. Scheduling this common procedure for your dog before her first heat can help her live a long, healthy life free from serious health issues such as uterine infections or breast tumors.
Female dogs who are not spayed typically go into heat every 6 months for about 3 to 4 weeks. During this period, she will excrete a bloody vaginal discharge. She may seem clingy, jumpy, or edgy.
Neutering
Neutering your dog at an early age can prevent prostate problems and testicular cancer. It also reduces the likelihood of your dog wandering off to find a mate, which can result in injuries from traffic accidents and fights with other dogs.
Unneutered male dogs may display undesirable behaviors such as mounting other dogs or people, being aggressive, and marking their territory by spring urinating inside the house.
Cost
Spaying or neutering your puppy can save you money in the long run by avoiding expenses related to illnesses that could have been prevented, litters of puppies, and injuries from fighting or wandering.
Less Pet Overpopulation
Reducing the number of unwanted puppies is crucial, as animal shelters across the untied States are filled with homeless and unwanted dogs. If all pet owners spayed and neutered their dogs, there would be a decrease in the number of dogs in shelters and on the streets, resulting in few 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.