Happy Pet Advice

Spaying or Nuetering Your Dog-Get The Facts... Be Responsible

Bringing a new puppy or dog home is a huge commitment

and a three-fold responsibility. You now have a commitment

to your dog, yourself, and to your community. Spaying or

neutering your pet is just another responsibility that you

must think about when bringing a puppy or dog into your

home. And, if you've already brought one home, the time to

start thinking about you and your pet's future together is

now.

Unless you are a professional breeder, there is no reason not

to have your dog spayed or neutered. Let's take a look,

quickly, at the differences of each.

Spaying vs. neutering

A female dog is spayed and a male is neutered. The

operation is a removal of the animal's reproductive organs.

The operation tends to be a little more expensive for female

dogs as the veterinarian has to make an incision and sew up

the animal's lower abdomen. In a male dog, however, the

scrotum is opened and the reproductive organs are removed.

The operation is also a little quicker for male dogs. The age

and health of your dog will cause recovery time to vary.

A long time ago in the United States, older dogs were the

only one's spayed or neutered as they had a greater chance

of survival than puppies. However, with advances in

sterilization, the operation is usually done when a puppy is

around six months of age. Some veterinarians will do the

operation a little sooner, around three to five months. Older

dogs can also be spayed or neutered, but you should talk to

your vet about the appropriate time, especially for female

dogs. The operation should occur well after a heat cycle

(Estrus).

There are many benefits to spaying or neutering your dog.

Female dogs undergo a heat cycle for six or seven days,

three times per year. While female dogs, unlike cats, remain

somewhat controllable during Estrus, it will save you

headaches, clean up, and every male dog in the

neighborhood coming over for a visit to your front yard.

Spayed or neutered pets live longer, happier and healthier

lives. Spayed dogs (females) have no chance at developing

uterine or ovarian cancer, as these organs have been

removed. Studies show that spayed animals have a less

likely chance of developing breast cancer.

Neutered dogs (males) are less likely to wander off and

explore. The dog will also be less aggressive in his play or

when outside on his own. He will not play as rough, nor

will he bite as often. This, of course, all depends upon the

training your dog receives as well.

Spayed or neutered dogs tend to be more affectionate and

loving. They usually display calmer temperaments and are

more enjoyable to play with and be around. Neutered pets

are less likely to urinate on every tree or post they pass.

Does it cause weight gain?

Some people believe that spayed or neutered animals tend to

have problems with weight gain. While spayed or neutered

animals tend to be more docile, there is no relationship with

the surgery and weight gain. In other words, it all depends

upon proper playtime (exercise) and diet, not whether your

pet is spayed or neutered.

There are many places that you can contact regarding

information or to schedule an appointment for your dog.

Contact an animal shelter, your vet or contact SPAY USA.

There are grants and monies available for those who may

not have the funds to pay for all of the surgery.

The responsibility rests with you. This small step will mean

a more fulfilling life for you, your dog and not to mention,

for your community.

About the Author:

Tina Spriggs is an expert dog lover whose lifelong interest in canines provides the motivation for her site. To learn more about dogs or to find gifts and toys for them visit her site at Dog Gifts and Toys for Dog Lovers. Copyright 2005. All rights reserved.

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