|
Most of the time a pup will be spayed or neutered just before they hit puberty, but the procedure can be safely performed as early as six weeks of age. Often a Veterinarian will schedule the surgery at around 4 months of age, after the puppy has had its core vaccinations. But before you schedule your dog's surgery, you should read a little more information about the procedure, and bring some questions to your Veterinarian's office.
There may be some stubborn folk out there who would rather see nature take its course, but if you feel that way, we're here to let you know, you've been misguided. There is no shortage of dog or cat life in North America, or the rest of the world for that matter. In fact, the opposite problem is true, and overpopulation is both a costly and potentially dangerous problem. There are simply too many pets to find loving homes as it is, there is no reason to add to the overpopulation problem.
To further this sentiment, unless your dog is a premium example of its breed, it would only be hindering the genetic makeup for the next generation of puppies. Let the breeders do the breeding, let the pet owners do the petting.
If you don't have your pet spayed or neutered, and you also don't want puppies, then you have to stop your dog from following its most primal and principal urges. This is neither easy nor fun. If you have a female in heat, it will try to escape at any opportunity to find a mate, what's more many mates may be knocking on her door.
At what age should a puppy be spayed or neutered?:
Spay surgery is also known as an ovario-hysterectomy. It is the surgical removal of the uterus and ovaries. Male neutering is the removal of the male testicles, in order to prevent sperm production. As we said, the usual time for a puppy to be spayed or neutered just before they hit puberty, but it can be safely performed as early as six weeks of age. Often a Veterinarian will schedule the surgery at around 4 months of age, after the puppy has had its core vaccinations.
The primary reason to get your pet spayed or neutered is for birth control, but in addition there are some health benefits. The potential for breast cancer in females who are spayed before their first cycle is greatly reduced. It also completely eliminates the risk of ovarian cysts or uterine infection.
Neutered males of course have no risk of testicular cancer, and are also at a reduced risk for prostate enlargement and perianal adenomas.
One major benefit is the behavioral difference. Dogs that are spayed or neutered just seem to get along better with other dogs, and have less incentive to roam, so don't make it a habit as often. If you find your dog barking up a storm and wanting to be outside constantly, ask yourself, are they spayed or neutered? It could change their habits dramatically.
Two things you should ask your Vet about before surgery:
During surgery do the doctors place an IV in a vein as a safety precaution should drugs be needed in an emergency?
Does the Veterinarian give pain relief drugs before, during and after the surgery? Some Vets don't administer much pain relief for spay or neuter procedures, but it has been shown to improve recovery time, the dog will be more rested and naturally at less risk of tearing a stitch.
Rest is the most important thing to provide for your dog after surgery. Some may be naturally tired and sore, while others wont notice the pain and are so happy to be home they'll be running and playful. If this is the case try to play with your pup without causing lots of movement. It may also be advisable to place them in a dog cage for a while to stop them from running around. Just pay lots of attention to them while their in there, so they don't feel they're being punished.
Your Vet may also give you a big plastic cone shaped collar to place around your dog's neck. This will make it impossible for your dog to lick or bite at their stitches, and of course frustrate the living heck out of the dog and drive it crazy while it walks around bumping into things and shaking its head.
Take note of the recovery of the incision site. A bit of swelling is normal, but obvious redness, inflammation or discharge may be a sign of infection and the dog should be taken to the Vet immediately.
|
|
 |
| Basic Dog Health |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
| Adult Dog Care |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
