It's important to spay or neuter your puppy to prevent unwanted pregnancies, litters, and control undesirable behaviors. Additionally, these procedures can lower the risk of certain diseases in your dog. Our veterinarians at Marina del Rey can guide you through the essentials of getting your puppy spayed or neutered.
Why should I spay a dog?
If you have recently adopted a puppy, you may be wondering whether to have them spayed or neutered. This decision becomes even more important if you plan to keep your dog in your backyard or walk them on a leash. There are many benefits to getting your dog fixed, such as improved health, better behavior, and potential cost savings.
Advantages of Spaying Female Dogs
Each year in America, the shelter system takes in an estimated 3.3 million dogs, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).
Health Benefits of Spaying Your Dog
Spaying your female dog before her first "heat" can reduce the risk of diseases such as uterine infections and breast tumors, which can lead to cancer.
Financial Benefits of Spaying Your Dog
Preventing the birth of unwanted puppies saves you money. Although there's a fee for spaying, it's much cheaper than the expenses involved in taking care of a pregnant dog, calling a vet for the birth of puppies, and caring for newborns.
Deciding Not To Spay Your Female Dog
When female dogs are not spayed, they go through a reproductive stage known as "heat." This phase can last up to 18 days, during which male dogs can be attracted to your dog. As a result, you may encounter unwanted encounters with male dogs during walks or in your yard, which can lead to an unintended litter of puppies.
Advantages of Neutering Male Dogs
As with spaying female dogs, when you neuter your male dog you help to reduce the population of unwanted dogs in the United States.
Health Benefits of Neutering Your Dog
Neutering your dog has several benefits. It reduces the chance of them developing testicular cancer and lowers the risk of prostate diseases, which can be serious. Neutering also prevents unwanted behaviors and conditions such as perineal tumors and hernias.
Behavioral Benefits of Neutering Your Dog
Neutering can control your dog's urge to wander and potentially decrease behaviors like mounting and aggression towards other dogs.
Deciding Not To Neuter Your Male Dog
Unneutered male dogs often exhibit several undesirable behaviors. These can include displaying territorial behavior, being overly protective of toys and people, showing aggression towards other dogs, and roaming, especially when searching for female dogs.
When to Get Your Puppy Fixed
Puppies are usually spayed or neutered when they are between five and nine months old. Even adult dogs can undergo this procedure. It's best to consult your veterinarian to determine the appropriate time to get your dog spayed or neutered.
What to Expect When Getting Your Puppy Fixed
Your veterinarian will provide you with detailed instructions prior to your pet's surgery. These instructions will include guidelines for restricting your pet's food and water intake before the scheduled procedure.
After the surgery is done, your vet will give you instructions to help your dog recover comfortably. Depending on the timing of the procedure, your dog may also receive pain medication to take home.
In general, it takes longer for female dogs to recover from spaying compared to male dogs after neutering.
Once a female dog is spayed, she becomes sterile and cannot have puppies.
Please keep in mind that male dogs are not immediately sterile after neutering. It can take up to 6 weeks for them to be considered safely sterile.
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.