| While ‘spaying a dog’
and ‘neutering a dog’ refer to sterilizing your
dog, there is a difference. Dog spaying is a surgical technique
to remove the reproductive organs, the uterus and ovaries
of a female dog, while dog neutering or castration means to
surgically remove the testicles of a male dog. Dog spay and
Dog neuter operations are performed while the dog is under
anesthesia. Dog neutering and spaying is ideal at approximately
six months of age but can be done later. Your dog’s
age, size and health determines how long he or she needs to
stay at the vet’s clinic.
Positives:
For your dog-
- Spaying a dog removes the risk of pregnancy. Preventing
an unwanted litter that may end up at a dog shelter helps
reducing dog overpopulation as there are not enough homes
to take in your pup.
- Spaying and neutering dogs make them healthier.
- Dog spaying can prevent uterine infection, tumors in the
womb and ovaries, uterine or ovarian cancer, pus in the
uterus, ruptured uterus, ovarian cyst, abortion, whelping
difficulties, caesarian section, false pregnancy, injuries
during mating and can reduce the possibility of breast cancer.
- Dog neutering eliminates the risk of testicular cancer
and reduces the chances of prostate disease.
- Dog neuter substantially reduces the dog's desire to
roam and usually eliminates frustration caused by the inability
to find a female in heat.
For the Dog Owner-
- Spaying dogs and neutering dogs make them more affectionate
companions, they are happier and manageable.
- Spaying a dog eliminates her heat cycle lasting an average
of 6 to 12 days, often twice a year. They cry incessantly,
show nervous behavior, and attract unwanted male animals.
- Spaying a dog keeps your dog safe from all dangers and
discomfort that occur when a dog is in heat.
- Dogs that have not been spayed or neutered often display
more behavior and temperamental problems than do those who
have been spayed or neutered.
- Dog spaying and dog neutering make dogs less aggressive
and reducing chances of your dog biting or attacking somebody.
- Neutering makes dogs less likely to roam the neighborhood
or run away.
For the Community
- Many communities have unwanted stray homeless dogs which
defecate in public areas or on private lawns, and frighten
and attack people and pets. Communities spend millions of
dollars to control them.
- Animal shelters are already overburdened with surplus
animals and many dogs are put to sleep at these shelters.
Negatives
- Note that dog spaying or dog neutering leads to sterilization
(if you plan on breeding later on)
- Dog spaying may cause weight gain with age.
- Dog neutering causes your dog to look different because
of absence of testicles- consult your vet about testicular
implants.
Risks Involved: Dog spaying and dog neutering
should not be taken lightly. The risks and cost of surgery
increases if the dog is overweight, pregnant or in heat. Most
vets do not spay dogs in heat or those that are pregnant as
there is the risk of heavy bleeding.
Post-Surgical Care: Your dog should be kept
calm, indoors with no exercise for at least week. Don’t
bathe your dog for a week to prevent the wound from getting
wet. Check the cut daily for signs of any infection. Consult
your vet immediately in case of redness, swelling, any discharge
or if you think the incision has opened up. All post-surgical
care advice given by your vet should be followed strictly
to prevent any complications.
While there are risks involved in any surgery, the benefits
of spaying a dog far exceed the risks. Dog Spay or Dog Neuter
surgeries carry a one-time cost that is comparatively small
when you consider the benefits of your dog’s health
and the prevention of unwanted dogs.
Please consult your vet for complete information on dog
spay and dog neuter procedures and choose what suits you and
your dog best. Also discuss the best age for your pet to be
spayed or neutered.
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