The Pros and Cons of spaying your dog

If you have a dog and you have not had her spayed then it is time for you to start thinking about it.  Are you wondering if you should not make a big decision like this because it will change your dog’s life? Do you think it will keep her from performing like nature intended? Well let’s consider the pro’s and con’s of spaying and neutering then maybe it will assist you in making the best choice for your little furry friend,

Many individuals ask what is neutering. Well neutering is a simple procedure that is performed to “de-sex” an animal. This procedure control’s animal population growth, while reducing unwanted sexual behavior in our pets, it will also decrease / eliminate the possibility of certain disease conditions an animal can get later in life, if they are not sexually active.  If your furry female friend is not neutered she can run the possibility of pyometra or an infection in the uterus.

Spraying is the term used to describe the sterilization procedure on females. During the ovariohysterectomy both of the ovaries are removed. Both of these procedures involve making a surgical incision.

The Positive Side of Spraying

• It removes the risk of unwanted pregnancy
• Cuts down on over population
• The added cost of vaccines
• Extra food
• Complications during delivery
• Problem during nursing
• A cleaner, calmer dog
• No bloody discharge while in heat (no stained carpet)
• Very gentle and affectionate

So by spraying your dog you will have a healthier, happier dog along with fewer health problems to contend with. Since spraying removes the ovaries and uterus you will shorten the chances of having to deal with ovarian cysts, uterine infections, and cancer in the reproductive tract. If puppies are sprayed before puberty they have a lower significant chance of developing breast cancer than unsprayed or older dogs.

Yes spaying is sterilization. But it stops the over population of unwanted pets each year that end up being euthanized. Spraying can cause some pets to gain weight as they grow older. But all you have to do is exercise your pets daily take her for a walk and cut down on the food and snacks.  

The Positive Side of Neutering

• A calmer dog
• Cleaner home
• No drive to mate
• No need to mark territory / urinate in the house
• Easier to get along with
• More affectionate
• Will not fight as much with other animals

Once your furry friend no longer has these organs, the chances for testicular cancer will no longer be a concern nor will your dog run the risk of prostate problems. Are you are an individual that wants to sterilize your dog but do not want your dogs appearance to be altered? Well they do have testicular implants.

The Negative Side of Neutering

Yes, neutering does mean your dog will be sterilized.  That means he will no longer be able to reproduce.

So if you have plans to breed your animal, you do not want to have him neutered. Also neutering does change your dogs appearance because his testicles will no longer be present. If this is a problem it can be taken care of cosmetically. You can discuss testicular implants with your veterinarian.

When your dog has been neutered make sure to put him on and exercise regimen and decrease his food intake. Because often dogs do gain weight after they have been neutered.

Both spraying and neutering operations are performed under general anesthesia.