Spaying and neutering, defined as the sterilization of dogs through removal of their reproductive organs, are safe and routine medical practices performed by veterinarians across the country. But, the average dog owner may not know why the procedure is done, the associated benefits and whether the surgery is necessary. So, we’re shedding some light on what can be considered a taboo subject with the goal of arming you with crucial information related to your pup’s reproductive health and what it means for his future.
While it’s typical to sterilize a dog from six to nine months of age, veterinarians are now beginning to sterilize puppies as young as eight weeks old. Neutering or spaying your dog may seem costly at first, but in fact, it not only saves money in the long run, but also eliminates the responsibility of having to take care of an entire litter of puppies. Not to mention, sterilization keeps dogs off the streets and safe in happy, healthy homes. Let’s take a look at some of the additional benefits of each:
Spaying
Spaying is the term used to describe the removal of the female reproductive system in animals. The medical benefits of spaying according to the American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF) include increased protection from diseases because spaying a dog before her first heat helps defend against tumors in the mammary glands and uterus. Spaying also eliminates the unfavorable attributes of the heat cycle during breeding season, such as excessive urination, irritability and bleeding.
Neutering
Neutering is a general term for the castration of a male animal, though “neutering” can also be used to refer to the sterilization of both male and female animals. The AVMF recommends neutering to prevent male dogs from testicular cancer and prostate problems. Neutering also inhibits roaming in dogs, a marked trait of an unsterilized dog with the drive to travel far distances to mate. Neutering is also thought to improve the behavior of male dogs as the decrease in testosterone may allow them to be less territorial, less sexually aggressive and less likely to engage in humping and leg-lifting.
When Not to Neuter
While the clear benefits to sterilization are explained above, there are certain situations in which it is appropriate to leave your dog intact. First, if you are a qualified breeder, you will need to keep your dogs intact for breeding purposes. Second, if you plan to show your dog in a professional show, you will need to keep the dog intact as neutered dogs are not eligible given that the original purpose of showing was to evaluate a dog for its breeding stock.
Lastly, some holistic veterinarians allege that spaying and neutering your dog, especially before she has a chance to fully mature, is not only unnecessary, but harmful to the dog. If you decide not to neuter and don’t want an unplanned pregnancy, then it is vital to do the appropriate research and make responsible decisions such as keeping your dog out of social situations during heat cycles, etc. Spaying and neutering alleviates this worry in dog-owners, making neutering a popular option for American homes today.
health/safety We at PuppySpot believe that good health is a crucial part of responsible breeding, and a puppy’s good health begins with healthy parents. That is why we partner with the American Kennel Club to host health clinics to examine adult breeding dogs. The clinics are set up all round the U.S. and encourage breeders to … Continue reading PuppySpot & AKC Host Health Clinics for Adult Breeding Dogs
health/safety We all want the best for our pets, and one way to ensure that your pets are healthy, happy, and safe is to keep an eye on the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) recall list.
health/safety Whether flying in-cabin as carry-on or flying in cargo, we’ve outlined the key steps you can take for safely and responsibly flying your dog. Follow these tips and feel good about bringing your pup on that next vacation.
It is always a pleasure working with the various chapters of Make-A-Wish®. Their wish managers and volunteers work hard to ensure the wishes of thousands of children are granted each year. Recently, Make-A-Wish has experienced quite an uptick in puppy wishes; that is where PuppySpot comes in! Thanks to a bit of coordination between Make-A-Wish … Continue reading Puppy Brings Joy to Mid-Atlantic Wish Child
Feel Good PuppySpot continues to work with the various chapters of Make-A-Wish to help grant puppy wishes for children with critical illnesses. Our first puppy wish of the year was granted with Make-A-Wish Central & Northern Florida. When they reached out to us, the chapter was working on a puppy wish for four-year-old Daniel, a resilient little … Continue reading A Special Surprise for Jacksonville Wish Child
Feel Good This year has brought on numerous challenges to many families. It will be a year many of us won’t soon forget. Now, it is time to put this year to rest. With 2021 comes a sense of hope, and that is what two Make-A-Wish families received just in time to bring in the new year. … Continue reading Double Wish Granting Brings Hope into 2021
Feel Good This past year has been challenging for many families. It has been particularly hard for one Make-A-Wish Southern Florida family. The Diaz family is not only dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, but they are also in an ongoing battle with leukemia. Jaxon Diaz is a 6-year-old boy whose wish is to have a normal life. … Continue reading A New Best Friend for South Florida Wish Child
