The Importance & Benefits of Spaying or Neutering Your Dog

A dog is more than just man’s best friend, more than just a built in heater at the end of the bed, more than a morning shower (even if slobber on), and more than the inertia at the end of a leash during a jog through the park. Instead, a dog is part of the family, like the uncle, aunt, child, or sister that one never had, or perhaps they maintain their own special spot that is yet to be named. After all, each owner does provide their canine companion with a bed, clothing (in some cases), toys, and food. Plus as they prove to be an ideal sidekick, each owner finds themselves compelled to look after them, much like in the way they look after us.

This is exactly why each dog owner (and even those who feel their dog owns them) should spay or neuter their canine companion. Veterinarians recommend that pets be spayed or neutered before they are six months of age, especially in order to catch females before they go into heat. The benefits of getting a pet fixed reap unsurpassable benefits ranging from canine population control, health issues, and behavior exhibited by the dog.

For female dogs, the process of removing the ovaries to halt reproduction capabilities is known as ‘spaying,’ or in the medical field lingo, it is referred to as ovariohysterectomy. It is highly recommended that a veterinarian spay the female dog before her first heat (estrus) cycle, this decreases the risk of ovarian cancer, uterine infection, and breast cancer.

On the other hand, the process of castrating the male reproductive organs is referred to as neutering. This can prevent prostate cancer, abscesses, cysts, and testicular cancer. In addition, a neutered male is less aggressive, hyperactive and inclined to fight other dogs or go roaming around.

On top of the aforementioned reasons, there are plenty more ways that spaying and neutering one’s dog can be beneficial. Not only do dogs that have been altered live healthier and longer lives, they are also generally easier to train. Training a male puppy is always a challenge for any dog owner, neutering the male can take a bite out of this challenge by increasing the focus, calmness, and aggressiveness of the puppy.

This decrease in hyperactivity can be beneficial if there are children in the home. The family dog is not just a dog, but rather a part of the family and when fixed, he or she will be a more pleasant pet for your children to be around.

Information on Maricopa County spaying and neutering assistance.