There are many reasons why pet owners decide to spay or neuter their dogs, including control over hormone-related behavioral problems. But it’s important to consider both the pros and cons of this procedure before making a decision that can have such a profound effect on your dog’s health.
To “spay” an animal is to remove its reproductive organs so that it cannot reproduce.
- Removing a male’s testicles, a procedure called spaying or, more commonly, neutering, renders the animal sterile.
- Spaying is the process of sterilizing a female animal; it involves the removal of both the ovaries and the uterus (an ovariohysterectomy).
Both surgeries require an incision and are performed under general anesthesia.
While spaying is usually performed when a dog or cat is between 6 months and 2 years old, many veterinarians perform this procedure much earlier—sometimes as early as 8 to 10 weeks. Early spaying and neutering can be safe and has many benefits for both shelter and breeder-adopted pets.
Contents
Pros and cons of spaying a dog
ADVANTAGES
Spaying prevents unwanted pregnancies
There are already too many pets in the world, and breeding more will only make the problem worse. It’s not easy to find homes for your new family members, so think carefully before you let your dog have puppies!
Even if you decide to keep the puppies, caring for them can be expensive. Vaccinations, toys, and treats are all expenses that come into play when deciding whether or not to adopt a second dog. The mother’s ability—or lack thereof—to give birth without complications is another factor to consider before bringing more animals home with you already in tow.
Spaying your dog will prevent her from reproducing, eliminating the possibility of serious complications during delivery or health problems while nursing.
Spaying makes dogs cleaner and less aggressive
Sterilized pets are friendlier and easier to train than intact animals. Spayed dogs are less likely to suffer from uterine infections, ovarian cysts, and certain other reproductive disorders common in unaltered females.
Spaying keeps your dog healthier
Spaying your dog is a good way to prevent health problems such as cancer of the reproductive tract. The ovaries and uterus are removed during spaying, so ovarian cysts, uterine infections, and other such conditions are non-existent in spayed pets.
The results of several studies have shown that by spaying your dog before her first heat, you significantly reduce her chances of developing breast cancer later in life.
NEGATIVE SIDE
Sterilization is the same procedure as spaying
Because your dog is sterilized after spaying, she won’t be able to have puppies. At a time when there are too many pets and thousands of unwanted pets are euthanized each year, this is the best option for most dogs.
Spaying may cause weight gain
Pros and cons of getting dog neutered
Should I neuter my male dog – POSITIVE SIDE
Neutering prevents pregnancy
By allowing your dog to breed, you are contributing to the pet overpopulation problem. Even if you don’t have the female dog and don’t need a home for her puppies—at least not now—someone else will find them useful when they’re old enough.
Even if you love the puppies, there are additional expenses that come with having more than one pet.
Neutering can make a dog calmer
After being neutered, the dog no longer feels the need to seek out and serenade females. He also doesn’t have to worry about having accidents all over the house—or the yard! Neutering pets also improves their socialization skills with people.
Neutered males tend to be less aggressive than unaltered males and roam less.
Neutering a dog reduces the likelihood of certain health problems
There are many benefits to removing or neutering the testicles of a male dog. Removed organs are generally less likely to cause health problems, and the absence of testes greatly reduces your pet’s chances of developing cancer and other problems associated with the prostate gland.
Testicular implants can be used to neuter a male dog without altering his appearance.
Reasons not to neuter your dog – DOWNSIDE
A neutered animal is a sterilized animal
When you neuter your dog, he becomes sterile and unable to reproduce. If you intend to breed your animal, do not have it spayed or neutered.
The process of neutering him can change his appearance
Because your dog no longer has testicles, he will look different; you may find this change disturbing if you are bothered by the way he looks. Talk to your veterinarian about testicular implants so that you both have the same type of genitalia.
Weight gain may occur after neutering
Some pets gain weight after being spayed or neutered. If he stops gaining weight, it is probably because of the amount of food he eats or how active his lifestyle has become.
Many unwanted, homeless animals would not exist if their owners had spayed or neutered them. Spaying and neutering is done under general anesthesia, so patients don’t feel any pain during the procedure.
