Spaying or neutering your dog prevents unwanted litters, helps curb undesirable behaviors, and reduces the risk of certain diseases. Our vets in Torrance will now share essential information about getting your puppy fixed.
Why should I get my dog fixed?
If you've got a new puppy, you might be wondering why you should spay or neuter your dog, especially if you plan to keep your dog on a leash during walks and within the confines of your home and garden.
In fact, fixing your dog offers numerous health, behavioral, and potentially financial benefits!
Benefits of Spaying Female Dogs
Unwanted dogs fill animal shelters across America, with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) estimating that shelters receive 3.3 million dogs 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 when 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 are not spayed, they go through a reproductive stage often called '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 your male dog contributes to reducing the population of unwanted dogs in the United States, just as spaying female dogs does.
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 curb your dog's desire to roam and may help 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
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, which may involve restricting your pet's food and water before the scheduled surgery.
After completing the surgery, your vet will provide post-operative instructions to help your dog recover comfortably. Depending on the performed procedure, your dog may be sent home with pain medication.
Female dogs generally take longer to recover after spaying than male dogs after being neutered.
Once a female is spayed, she becomes sterile and cannot have puppies.
It's important to note that male dogs are not considered sterile immediately after surgery. A neutered male can take up to 6 weeks to be considered sterile.