Spaying and Neutering Dogs - The Facts and Benefits

The Facts About Spaying and Neutering

Most responsible pet owners consider getting their dogs spayed or neutered to be a necessary medical procedure, assuming they do not plan to breed their animals. There are many benefits associated with spaying and neutering. The most obvious benefit is the ability to prevent unwanted pregnancies. However, this is not the only reason that getting your dogs spayed or neutered is important.

Health Benefits of Spaying and Neutering

There are also a number of behavior and health benefits associated with spaying and neutering. For example, male dogs that are not neutered before reaching sexual maturity are at risk of developing prostate problems as they age. Female dogs who are not spayed are susceptible to developing ovarian or uterine cancer, both of which can necessitate costly medical care or lead to death. Dogs that are spayed or neutered, however, are not at risk of these types of dangerous medical problems.

Spaying and Neutering Improves Behavior

Getting your pets spayed or neutered before they reach sexual maturity can reduce the possibility that they will develop problems with aggressive behavior. Many puppies that grow into aggressive dogs begin to exhibit signs of aggression once they begin to mature sexually. By taking care of spaying or neutering before this occurs, such behavior problems can often be avoided.

Even dogs that don't have naturally aggressive personalities often exhibit aggressive mating behaviors. However, dogs that have been spayed or neutered do not experience behavior problems associated with strong mating instincts. For example, if you own a male dog that has not been neutered, you are likely to face problems with him continually running away in search of fertile female dogs. He may jump over or dig under your fence, or bolt past you any time you open the door.

If you have a female dog that has not been spayed, your pet will go into heat periodically. During this time, you will have to keep your dog inside your home, because male dogs in the area who have not been neutered will go to extreme measures to mate with her. In addition to keeping your pet isolated from male dogs, you will also have to employ sanitary measures, such as canine diapers, to keep her from making a mess in your home while she is in heat.

Taking the Next Step

If you are not going to breed your dog, it is in your best interest and the best interests of your pet, to get him or her spayed or neutered before sexual maturity becomes an issue. The best time to take care of this surgery is when your dog is between four and six months old, but the procedure can be performed on younger and older animals. The next time you take your puppy to the vet, talk with your veterinarian about spaying and neutering so you can make an informed decision.

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