If you’re not sure whether you should spay or neuter your dog, consider that five to eight million dogs and cats are euthanized in animal shelters in the US every year. The best way to combat this overpopulation and reduce of number of healthy puppies that must be put down is to ensure all non-breeding animals are fixed at a young age. But exactly when should you spay or neuter your dog? Find the recommended timeline and other information about spaying and neutering here.
When Is the Right Time to Spay or Neuter Your Dog?
The ASPCA states that the typical age to neuter a dog is six to nine months. For your female dog’s health, the best time to spay her is before the first time she goes into heat. Puppies as young as eight weeks can be neutered if they have a clean bill of health.
Adult dogs can also be spayed or neutered if you change your mind later on or adopt a full-grown, intact dog. Just remember that post-op risks are slightly higher for dogs that are older, overweight or stricken with certain health problems. Talk to your vet if you have any concerns about neutering your animal.
Should Females be Permitted to Have a Litter Before being Spayed?
The idea that your dog needs to experience motherhood one time in her life is one of the misconceptions that has led to the pet overpopulation. If you spay her early in life, she’ll never know she’s missing a life experience.
Plus, by not permitting your dog to have a litter, you don’t have to worry about the financial burden of owning several animals or finding homes for all those puppies. After all, for every home your dog’s puppies go to, that’s one less home for another dog that has already been born.
What Are the Benefits of Spaying and Neutering Pets?
- Improve your dog’s health: A spayed dog is likely to live longer, since the operation helps prevent uterine infections and breast tumors, which are cancerous in 50 percent of dogs. A neutered male is also protected from testicular cancer and many prostate conditions.
- Avoid unwanted puppies: Spayed females won’t go into heat, and neutered males won’t hunt down potential mates. By eliminating the organs that produce sex hormones, you save your animal from the misery of desperately wanting a mate. Fixing your animal also makes him or her less likely to attempt an escape. Once loose in the neighborhood, a male could impregnate a stray dog without your knowledge or a female could come home pregnant.
- Improve your dog’s behavior: Intact males often mark their territory with foul-smelling urine. They also tend to mount other dogs, animals and inanimate objects when they’re desperate for a mate. Heightened testosterone can even make some male dogs more aggressive. Neutering can help solve all of these problems.
Have Your Dog Spayed or Neutered at Germantown Vet Clinic
Whether you recently got a new puppy or you’re fed up with your adult dog’s behavior when she goes into heat, Germantown Vet can handle your spaying and neutering needs. Our clinic utilizes the latest monitoring equipment to ensure a safe, effective procedure. We also provide a calm environment where your dog can heal post-op before returning home with you.
Still have unanswered questions about spaying and neutering? We’re happy to arrange a consultation where we can explain the surgical procedure and put your fears to rest. Simply contact us online or call us at 240-252-7467 to schedule a consultation or arrange your dog’s spay or neuter appointment.
