Spaying or neutering your puppy prevents unwanted pregnancies and litters and also helps reduce undesirable behaviors. These procedures may even lower the risk of certain diseases in your dog. Our vets from Lafayette guide you through what you should know about getting your puppy spayed or neutered.
Why should I get my dog fixed?
If you've recently welcomed a new puppy into your home, you might be contemplating whether to spay or neuter them. This decision is especially important if you plan to walk your dog on a leash or keep them in your garden or backyard.
There are several compelling reasons to consider having your dog spayed or neutered, such as improving their health, their behavior, and potentially saving money.
Benefits of Spaying Female Dogs
Across the United States, animal shelters are filled with dogs. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (the 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 she reaches her first "heat" can help curb diseases like uterine infections and breast tumors, both of which can cause cancer.
Financial Benefits of Spaying Your Dog
Preventing the birth of unwanted puppies is good for your pocketbook. While there is a fee for spaying, this fee is relatively low compared to the cost of caring for a pregnant dog, calling a vet for the birth of the puppies and caring for newborns.
Deciding Not To Spay Your Female Dog
When female dogs aren't spayed, they go into a reproductive stage often known as "heat." This stage can cause male dogs to be attracted to your pup for up to 18 days. This can lead to unwanted visits from male dogs while out for walks or in your yard and can also result in an unwanted litter of puppies.
Benefits of Neutering Male Dogs
Spaying female dogs helps reduce the unwanted dog population in the United States, and neutering your male dog also contributes to this important goal.
Health Benefits of Neutering Your Dog
Neutering your dog reduces their risk of tentacular cancer and greatly lowers the chances of developing serious prostate diseases. It also prevents unwanted behaviors and conditions such as 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
Many male dogs that haven't been neutered exhibit various undesirable behaviors. These behaviors may involve showing heightened territorial tendencies, being overly protective of toys and people, displaying aggression towards other dogs, and engaging in roaming, especially when 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 vet will give you detailed pre-surgical instructions for your pet, which will involve restricting their food and water intake before their scheduled procedure.
After the surgery, your vet will provide post-operative instructions to help your dog recover comfortably. Depending on the timing of the procedure, your dog may also be sent home with pain medication.
Typically, female dogs require more time to recover after being spayed than male dogs do after being neutered.
Once a female dog has been spayed, she cannot have puppies because she is sterile.
It's important to note that male dogs are not immediately considered sterile after neutering. It can take up to 6 weeks for them to be safely considered sterile.