Having your dog neutered or spayed offers many health and behavioral benefits that some dog owners are unaware of. Today, our Everett vets discuss everything you should know about getting your dog fixed.
Spaying Female Dogs
When your female dog is spayed, the dog's reproductive organs are removed so your pooch will be unable to have puppies.
Neutering Male Dogs
When a male dog is neutered, your dog's testicles are surgically removed. This procedure keeps your dog from being able to father puppies.
Benefits of Having Your Dog Fixed
Having your dog spayed or neutered has many health benefits depending on the procedure. Cost is also a factor in many pet owners' decisions:
Spaying Procedure
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 Procedure
By neutering your dog early in their life, you can help prevent issues such as prostate problems and testicular cancer. Neutered dogs are less likely to roam or try to escape from home to search for fertile female dogs. By reducing roaming, you help to protect your dog from injuries due to traffic accidents, fights with other males, and other incidents.
When male dogs are not neutered, they are more likely to display undesirable behaviors such as mounting other dogs or people, being aggressive to other dogs, and spraying urine in the house in a bid to mark their territory.
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. If all pet owners spayed and neutered their dogs, there would be fewer dogs relying on shelters. Fewer unwanted puppies will help to reduce the number of animals living on the streets, and fewer euthanizations.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets.