When deciding to have your dog spayed or neutered, there are a few things that you should consider. Our vets in Madison share the benefits of having your dog fixed and what to consider when deciding to bring your pet in for reproductive veterinary surgery.
The Importance of Having Your Dog Fixed
If you recently got a puppy, you may be considering whether or not to have them spayed or neutered. This decision becomes especially important if you plan to walk your dog on a leash or keep them in your garden or backyard.
Having your dog fixed offers various advantages, such as improved health, better behavior, and potentially saving money.
Expectations When Deciding Whether to Have Your Dog Fixed
You must consider the considerations and expectations of having your dog spayed or neutered.
Benefits & Considerations for Female Dogs
Across the United States, animal shelters are filled with dogs. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) estimates that 3.3 million dogs are a part of the shelter system in America each year.
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 caring for 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 enter a reproductive stage called "heat." During this period, male dogs can be attracted to your dog for up to 18 days. This may result in unwelcome encounters with male dogs during walks or in your yard, and it can also lead to an unintended litter of puppies.
Benefits & Considerations for 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 toward 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 Have Your Puppy Spayed or Neutered
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 when to get your dog spayed or neutered.
What will happen during your dog's surgery?
Your veterinarian will give you detailed instructions before your pet's surgery at our Madison animal hospital. These instructions will include guidelines for restricting your pet's food and water before the scheduled procedure.
Once the surgery is done, your vet will provide instructions to help your dog recover comfortably. Depending on the timing of the procedure, your dog may also receive pain medication to take home.
Female dogs generally take a little longer to heal from veterinary surgery than male dogs do. By following all post-operative instructions you can help ensure the best possible outcome for them.
After a female dog is spayed, she cannot have puppies as she becomes sterile. Please keep in mind that male dogs are not immediately sterile after neutering. It can take up to 6 weeks to be considered safely sterile.
Surgical Services at Gluckstadt Animal Hospital
At our veterinary hospital in Madison, we routinely perform spay and neuter surgeries. Our team does these procedures using stringent protocols ensuring the health and safety of your beloved pet.
Throughout your dog's surgery, a dedicated veterinary professional will administer the anesthesia and monitor their vitals.
Once surgery is complete and your furry friend is stable, they will be released into your care and you will be able to bring them home.
Before you depart your vet will provide you will detailed instructions for the ongoing care of your dog as they recover, including information about any scheduled follow-up visits.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding people or pets. Always follow your doctor's advice regarding asthma or other allergy symptoms.