There are numerous reasons you should spay or neuter your dog! Let’s talk about health reasons first…
Female dogs that are spayed CAN’T get uterine cancers, their risk of mammary (breast) cancer is reduced by 25% and they are less prone to urinary tract infections. As early as 6 months of age, female dogs begin a biannual “heat” cycle during which they attract every unneutered male dog within 20 miles. She can also have hormonal or personality changes and leak bloody vaginal discharge throughout your house. And no, it’s not true; your dog won’t get fat because you spay her.
Male dogs that are neutered CAN’T get testicular cancer and they live 40% longer than their unneutered counterparts. Unneutered male dogs respond to the “call of the wild” and their desire to wander is fierce. In fact, 62% of dogs hit by a car are unneutered! Finally, 66% of unneutered males get prostate disease.
Aside from the important medical reasons for spaying or neutering you are doing the right thing for the serious overpopulation problem in the United States. Over 12 million unwanted dogs and cats are euthanized each year and even more are abandoned.
Please contact your veterinarian if you have additional questions; they are the best resource for information about the health and well-being of your best friend.
Neutering too young
Re: Neutering too young
Hi Rod,
Thanks for your comment! This article is intended as a general reference regarding the importance of spaying and neutering dogs. We at the Pet Health Network advocate spaying and neutering all pets for health reasons as well as to reduce the over-pet population and the countless numbers of dogs and cats that are euthanized yearly.
We always recommend that you consult with a veterinarian before having your pet spayed or neutered because as pet healthcare experts, vets are your best resource for guidance about pet health. In this case, a veterinarian would be your best resource with regards to the right age to spay and neuter your pet or pets, as well as potential complications that could arise during the procedure (which, of course, is unique for each pet).
Again, thanks for your comment!
Sincerely,
The Pet Health Network Team