Many dog owners decide to spay or neuter their pets not just to prevent unwanted litters, but to improve their pets’ health and behavior.
Spaying and neutering remove the dog’s reproductive organs and stop production of testosterone and estrogen, eliminating the desire and ability to mate and breed.
Spaying is the specific term used for the removal of the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries from a female dog. Male dogs are neutered by removing their testicles. Pet health experts use the terms "neuter" and "sterilize" generically to refer to both.
Benefits for you and your pet
It is well documented that spayed and neutered dogs live longer, healthier lives because they have a reduced risk of death and illness from reproductive cancers.
There also are significant behavioral advantages. Spayed females and neutered males are less likely to bite, less likely to get into fights, and less likely to wander (Intact males, in particular, spend considerable time and energy roaming the neighborhood "looking for love.")
Finally, spaying and neutering reduces "accidental" pregnancies and the growing number of unwanted dogs in animal shelters that end up being euthanized. A female dog can produce a litter of as many as 12 puppies as often as twice a year.
Debunking the myths
Despite the safety and benefits of the procedures, many pet owners are reluctant to neuter their dogs because of incorrect information they have heard or read.
Myth #1: My pet will gain weight.
Fact: The surgery will not make your pet fat. This myth probably developed because the procedure is performed at about the time most puppies’ growth spurt ends. As the metabolism slows, less food is required. If you don’t change what a puppy is eating, he will gain weight.
Myth #2: My dog won’t be as protective.
Fact: Neutering makes a dog less aggressive, not less protective. In fact, he will be a greater asset to the household if he is less likely to fight for no reason.
Myth #3: My pet will be less alert and less trainable.
Fact: The procedure has no effect on a pet’s intelligence or ability to learn, play, work, or hunt. Some experts say neutered dogs are actually more trainable.
Myth #4: The surgery is very expensive.
Fact: While it is expensive, there are many non-profit spay-neuter clinics that provide the service at a reduced cost. What’s more, it is a one-time cost and can eliminate many other vet bills for health problems in the future. It’s also a bargain compared with the cost of having your female dog produce litter after litter.
Legitimate reasons not to neuter
There are two legitimate reasons not to neuter your dog.
First, if your dog is a registered purebred and you intend to compete in American Kennel Club-approved conformation events, your dog needs to remain intact. (Confirmation is the term for competitions in which the dogs are evaluated on how well they meet the breed standard.) It should be noted that neutered dogs can still compete in many other dog show events, including obedience and agility.
The second reason not to neuter is if you have decided you want to become a professional breeder (not a backyard breeder). Before you make this decision, be sure you devote significant time to studying and understanding all that responsible breeding entails.
When to neuter and what to expect
Both male and female dogs reach reproductive maturity between 6 and 9 months of age (depending upon breed)
Most females can be spayed as young as 8 to 16 weeks of age (depending on breed and size). It generally is recommended that the procedure be done before the dog enters her first "heat" (estrus) cycle. This prevents estrogen from stimulating the mammary tissues and reduces the risk of breast cancer later on. Even if she has begun estrus, spaying will protect her against uterine or ovarian disease later.
For males, the best protection against hormone-related disease occurs if the dog is neutered before puberty. Breed, size, and general health are all factors in determining the proper time for the procedure. It’s important to consult your veterinarian about the proper age to sterilize your pet.
Both operations are safe, but require general anesthesia. Some dogs go home the same day, and some vets recommend that pets stay at the animal hospital for observation overnight.
When you bring your pet home, expect him or her to feel uncomfortable and want to curl up in a comfortable place to sleep. Just as with human surgery, the incision site will be tender for several days. Be sure to ask your vet to provide you with medication to help ease the discomfort.
Female pets usually take a little longer to recover since the surgery is more extensive. Depending upon your dog, you may need to carry her outdoors to her toilet area, especially if there are steps involved. Also, don’t be surprised if, for a few days after returning home, she is not very interested in food.
