It is highly recommended to have your puppy spayed or neutered to prevent unwanted pregnancies and litters and curb undesirable behaviors. Additionally, these procedures can decrease your dog's risk of certain diseases. Our vets in Orlando are here to guide you through everything you need to know about having your puppy undergo one of these procedures.
Why should I get my dog fixed?
If you have recently adopted a new puppy, you might be considering whether or not to have them undergo spaying or neutering. This is especially important if your dog is taken for walks on a leash or confined to your garden or backyard.
There are actually several reasons to have your dog fixed, including significant health and behavioral benefits, as well as potential financial benefits.
Benefits of Spaying Female Dogs
Animal shelters in the United States are overflowing with dogs. According to the ASPCA, 3.3 million dogs enter the shelter system in America annually.
Health Benefits of Spaying Your Dog
Spaying your female dog before her first "heat" can help prevent uterine infections and breast tumors, both of which can lead to cancer.
Financial Benefits of Spaying Your Dog
It is financially beneficial to prevent the birth of unwanted puppies. Though there is a cost associated with spaying, it is relatively low compared to caring for a pregnant dog, calling a veterinarian for the birth of puppies, and taking care of the newborns.
Deciding Not To Spay Your Female Dog
Female dogs not spayed go through a reproductive phase called "heat." During this phase, male dogs can be attracted to your dog for up to 18 days. This can result in unwanted attention from male dogs while walking outside or in your yard and also lead to an unintentional litter of puppies.
Benefits of Neutering Male Dogs
Neutering male dogs helps reduce the population of unwanted dogs in the US, just like spaying female dogs.
Health Benefits of Neutering Your Dog
By neutering your dog, you are helping to eliminate the risk of tentacular cancer for them. You are able to significantly curb the risk of prostate diseases (which can be quite serious). Neutering also helps to prevent undesirable behaviors and conditions like perineal tumors and hernias.
Behavioral Benefits of Neutering Your Dog
Neutering can help to curb your dog's desire to roam and may help to reduce behaviors such as mounting and aggression towards other dogs.
Deciding Not To Neuter Your Male Dog
Male dogs that haven't been neutered typically exhibit various undesirable behaviors. These include increased territorial behavior, being excessively protective of toys and people, showing aggression towards other dogs, and roaming, especially while searching for female dogs.
When to Get Your Puppy Fixed
Typically, puppies are spayed or neutered between five to nine months of age. Adult dogs can also be spayed or neutered. Consult your vet to find out when you should get your dog fixed.
What to Expect When Getting Your Puppy Fixed
Your veterinarian will provide you with a detailed set of pre-operative instructions for your pet, which will include restricting their food and water intake before the scheduled procedure.
After the surgery, your veterinarian will give you post-operative instructions to help your dog recover comfortably. Depending on the timing of the procedure, your dog may receive pain medication to take home.
Usually, female dogs take longer to heal after being spayed than male dogs after being neutered. After a female dog is spayed, she is considered sterile and cannot have puppies.
It is important to note that male dogs are not considered sterile immediately after neutering. It may take up to 6 weeks for them to be considered 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.
