Why Dog Neutering and Spaying Is Important
As the number of unwanted pets grows every year, animal shelters around the country are often filled to capacity with dogs and cats that have no other place to go. Each new litter born only lessens the chance that any of these animals will find permanent, loving homes. Related Articles
Funding for animal shelters is limited, and donations are frequently relied on to keep the doors open. During uncertain economic times, donation levels drop and leave many shelters in a precarious position.
With all this in mind, its easy to understand why its more important than ever for owners to carefully consider whether or not their pets should be allowed to breed. Ask yourself the following questions:
These are tough issues that deserve careful consideration before forging ahead with a breeding.
Neutering and spaying are both terms used to refer to the surgical removal of a pets reproductive organs. Although any type of surgery carries certain risks, these procedures are routinely performed on males and females as young as four weeks old, but normally on animals eight to sixteen weeks old. This permanently eliminates the possibility of producing future litters.
Beyond limiting the population growth, neutering and spaying provides other benefits for dogs and owners, including:
Dog neutering and spaying results in lowered hormone levels that can leave some dogs feeling less active. Sometimes this leads to an undesirable weight gain. To avoid this gain and the possibility of developing related health problems down the road, owners will need to monitor their pets activity level and adjust his or her diet accordingly. If your pet is especially fond of mealtime, you can try increasing his exercise with daily walks instead. The important thing is to find that all important balance between diet and exercise to help your dog remain healthy.
Understanding how each spay/neuter procedure is carried out will give you a better idea of what to expect during the recovery period following surgery.
The procedure is relatively simple for male dogs. Removal of the testicles, also referred to as castration, is necessary to prevent reproduction. Under anaesthetic, an incision is made into the scrotum, the testicles are removed and the vessels are sutured. The scrotum is then stitched/glued closed, and the patient will usually receive an antibiotic injection to help prevent infection.
Recovery time is fairly quick with most males acting like their old selves within 48 hours, although the site may remain tender a bit longer. Dissolving sutures and surgical glue are normally used for this procedure, so a follow up visit usually isnt necessary unless there are signs of infection or rupture.
The procedure for spaying females is considered major surgery just like a human hysterectomy. Under general anesthesia, an incision is made into the females abdomen and the complete uterus and ovaries are removed. Dissolving sutures are used internally and sometimes externally, but often the outer incision is closed with surgical staples that must be removed approximately ten days after the surgery, necessitating a follow up visit with the vet. The female will receive an antibiotic injection immediately after surgery and will also receive antibiotic tablets to be given during the remaining recovery period.Females take longer to recover from this procedure, usually about fourteen days, but the surgical site may remain tender some time.
Once you take your pet home, its crucial to follow your veterinarians care instructions to the letter. Even under the best of circumstances, dog neutering and spaying can lead to post surgical infections, so be sure to inspect the incision twice daily during the healing period to be certain it remains clean and uninfected.
Warning signs to watch for include:
If your pet displays any of these signs, report it to your vet immediately.
Veterinary fees vary, but your pets size, sex, and age all play a role in determining the cost of the procedure. Spaying females is significantly more expensive than neutering males because the procedure is so much more invasive.
If cost is a major consideration, owners might be able to have their dogs spayed or neutered at a reduced cost through their local Humane Society or animal shelter. These organizations frequently work with area vets to provide spay/neuter vouchers to those in need.
Do dogs need antibiotics after neutering?
Most patients that have surgery do not need antibiotics to go home. Occasionally, patients get infections after surgery. This can happen even when patients are being administered antibiotics.
How do I care for my dog after neutering?
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Our Farmington Hills vets understand that deciding to have your dog neutered or spayed can be an emotional decision. Thats why were here to offer advice on pain management during recovery, answer any questions you may have and put your concerns at ease.
Also referred to as having your dog “fixed”, getting your pooch spayed or neutered has been shown to have several health benefits for your dog. You might even see a reduction in undesirable behaviors such as mounting, roaming and animal aggression.
Of course, spaying & neutering also prevents unwanted puppies from being born. Approximately 3.3 million dogs come to shelters every year. Having your pup spayed or neutered is the best way to help reduce the overall number of unwanted pets in your area.
While it may not seem like it right now, undertaking the emotional process of having your dog neutered or spayed is worth the time and investment for these reasons and more, for both you and your pup.