Discover why spaying or neutering your pup is important. It prevents unwanted pregnancies, a litter, and helps control undesirable behaviors. Additionally, these procedures lower the risk of certain diseases in your dog. Our vets in Fort Worth will guide you through the essentials of getting your puppy spayed or neutered.
Why should I get my 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.
Benefits of Spayed 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 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 taking care of a pregnant dog, calling a vet for the birth of puppies, and caring for newborns.
Deciding Not To Spay Your Female Dog
If female dogs are not spayed, they enter a reproductive stage known as "heat." Male dogs may be attracted to your dog for up to 18 days during this time. This may result in unwelcome encounters with male dogs on walks or in your yard, as well as an unintended litter of puppies.
Benefits of Neutered 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 tentacular cancer and lowers the risk of prostate diseases, which can be serious. Neutering also prevents unwanted behaviors and conditions such as perianal 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 towards other dogs.
Deciding Not To Neuter Your Male Dog
Male dogs who are not neutered frequently exhibit a variety of undesirable behaviors. These can include territorial behavior, overprotection of toys and people, aggression towards other dogs, and roaming, particularly when looking for female dogs.
When to Get Your Puppy Fixed
Puppies are typically spayed or neutered between the ages of five and nine months. This procedure is safe for adult dogs as well. Consult your veterinarian to determine the best time to have your dog spayed or neutered.
What to Expect When Getting Your Puppy Fixed
Your veterinarian will give you detailed instructions before your pet's surgery. These instructions will include guidelines for restricting your pet's food and water before the scheduled procedure.
After the surgery, your vet will give you instructions on how to help your dog recover comfortably. Depending on when the procedure is performed, your dog may also be given pain medication to take home.
In general, female dogs take longer to recover from spaying compared to male dogs after neutering.
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 for them to be considered safely sterile.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.