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Spay and Neuter for DogsSpay and neuter for dogs is one of the best things we can do for our dog's well-being and the well-being of our communities. This simple procedure does more than reduce unwanted pregnancies and puppies; spay and neuter reduces the population of stray, agressive dogs that may pose a threat to our communities.
Shelters are full with dogs who lack loving homes, and sadly, hundreds of thousands of these poor creatures are euthanized each year. Clearly, overpopulation is a problem in the canine community. Many rescue groups have taken the initiative to implement low-cost spay/neuter programs in cities throughout the U.S. and Canada. These clinics are not only available in the big cities; my town with a population of 98,000 (give or take a few)
has a very busy low-cost spay/neuter program, complete with a waiting list!
While spay and neuter is a simple procedure, and available to pet parents of all income levels, some may be reluctant to follow-through with this responsibility-even when the benefits are many! Neuter for Male DogsNeutering of a male dog is a relatively simple procedure, often outpatient, which means your dog will be home with you the same evening. Altering your dog significantly reduces the risk of certain medical and behavioral tendencies: Altered dogs are less likely to be aggressive, roam and mark territories; If altered at a before sexual maturity, your dog is less likely to exert dominance over family members (the mounting behavior that raises interesting questions from young children); Neutered dogs are not likely to develop testicular cancer-no testicles, no cancer; Neutering your dog reduces the risk of prostate problems (benign prostatic hyperplasia) later in life; Altering gives full or partial protection hormone-driven conditions such as perianal gland adenomas, acute or chronic prostatic abscess, testicular infection, venereal tumors and perineal hernia, to name several. Spaying for Female DogsSpaying a female dog is a bit more complicated than the neuter procedure, but is safe and provides health benefits to your female dog. The surgery is more invasive than neuter, but this being said, your dog is usually sent home with you the same evening, barring any post-surgery complications. The benefits of spay are many, the most important of which is no unwanted puppies. As a bonus, this surgery will prevent some undesirable behavior and unwanted medical conditions: Altering your dog eliminates the messy spotting associated with estrous and the maddening behaviors of heat; Having your dog altered will keep her home with you-no roaming with the risk of an attack from another dog or being hit by a car; Altering your dog before her first heat greatly reduces the risk of mammary cancer and eliminates the risk of ovarian and uterine cancer; Spaying also gives some protection against chronic endometritis, vaginal hyperplasia, pyometra (a serious, virulent uterine infection). Myths about Spay/Neutering Your DogThere's obviously a dozen good reasons to alter your dog, but some pet parents choose not to do so, relying on myths about the procedure to form their decision. Here are some myths that are based on old information, misinformation or just plain ignorance: "My dog will become fat and lazy." Only if you let her! Your pet needs proper nutrition in the correct quantities for her size and activity level. Moreover, she needs daily exercise. Without these, she will become chubby and less than motivated; The second myth: My dog is a purebred "whatever"; neutering/spaying my dog will make him less valuable. Yes, altering will pretty much trash your dog's "value" as a breeder. But if you're not intending on breeding, why not alter? You can still show your dog in the pet class and how appropriate-if you have a dog and are not planning to breed, that's exactly what he is (of course to some of us these "pets" are so much more)! Here's another one, usually popular with men: "My dog will feel like less of a "male" after altering. Dogs and cats as well don't have a concept of sexual identity or ego like we do. Nature gives our dogs sexual instincts, while we are the ones who impose a sexual identity. While this myth is more prevalent in some cultures, I promise you that your big strapping dog won't suffer an identity crisis and become lax about protecting his turf. I have a altered beagle/cocker mix, as easy-going as can be, but when a stranger enters his territory, his attitude says "step off." The last myth is "It's too expensive to have my pet altered." Well, this can be true; some vets are expensive and the costs associated with doing this procedure may be cost prohibitive for some. But, as a volunteer for an organization that provides low cost/no cost spay-neuter in our community, I tell you there are options out there. Many communities have these clinics and the procedure is priced well below what the average vet charges. Is the surgery of lesser quality or performed by someone not qualified or licensed? No! Vets volunteer their services at these clinics for a couple of reasons: they love animals and want to prevent overpopulation and many of the pets they encounter at these clinics (about 50%) become their patients for vaccinations, exams, etc. Go to Spay Neuter Aftercare for Dogs
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