Getting your dog spayed or neutered prevents unplanned litters and can improve their behavior and lower their risk of certain illnesses. Our Diamond Bar veterinarians provide information on fixing your puppy.
Why should I get my dog fixed?
As a new puppy owner, you may question the need to spay or neuter your dog if it'll only be leashed during walks or kept in your yard.
However, there are numerous benefits to fixing your dog, including better health, improved behavior, and potential cost savings.
Benefits of getting a female dog spayed
Across America, animal shelters are filled with unwanted dogs. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) estimates that 3.3 million dogs pass through shelters each year.
Health Benefits of Spaying Your Dog
Spaying your female dog before her first 'heat' can help to prevent uterine infections and breast tumors, which can often be malignant or cancerous.
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 caring for a pregnant dog, calling a vet to the birth of the puppies, and caring for newborns.
Deciding Not To Spay Your Female Dog
When female dogs are not spayed, they go through a reproductive stage, often referred to as 'heat' about twice a year. During this stage, male dogs will be attracted to your female for about 18 days. This can lead to unwanted male dogs visiting your yard and possibly unwanted puppies.
Benefits of Neutering Male Dogs
Neutering male dogs, like spaying females, helps decrease the number of stray dogs in the US.
Health Benefits of Neutering Your Dog
By neutering your dog, you eliminate the risk of them developing testicular cancer and significantly reduce the risk of prostate diseases, which can be serious. Neutering also helps to reduce the risk of perianal tumors and perineal hernias in your dog.
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
A number of undesirable behaviors are typical of male dogs that have not been neutered. These include heightened territorial behavior, being over-protective of people and toys, roaming (seeking female dogs), and aggression towards other dogs.
When to Get Your Puppy Fixed
Puppies are typically fixed between 5-9 months old, but adult dogs can also undergo the procedure. To determine the appropriate time to spay or neuter your dog, seek advice from your veterinarian.
What to Expect When Getting Your Puppy Fixed
Your veterinarian will give you detailed instructions before your pet's surgery, which may involve limiting food and water intake.
After the procedure, you'll receive post-operative instructions to aid in your dog's comfortable recovery. Pain medication may be prescribed depending on the surgery. Recovery time for females is typically longer than for males.
Females become sterile after spaying and cannot have puppies. However, it can take up to 6 weeks for male dogs to become sterile after neutering.