Why Neuter/Spay My Dog?
Neutering/spaying your dog has many health benefits. The most common reason/benefit for this procedure is limiting their ability to reproduce. By neutering/spaying your puppy, you are helping to stop any unplanned pregnancies. While having a bunch of puppies sounds like a nice idea, if your dog was to get pregnant, having a litter of puppies is very expensive, time consuming and requires a lot of medical attention. Not to mention, the birth of these puppies can be dangerous and difficult. On top of that, finding homes for newborn puppies is not an easy task and we would all like to reduce the amount of dogs that end up in shelters!
Neutering/spaying your dog for this reason is a responsible decision. But, beyond that, there are many other health benefits that come with neutering/spaying your dog that don’t have to do with their reproduction system.
Unspayed females develop the risk of mammary tumors, which are painful tumors in their abdomen. Unneutered males develop the risk of testicular cancer and prostate diseases. Another reason and benefit to neutering/spaying your dog is to help with behavioral issues. It can help reduce aggressive behavior and reduce your dogs need to roam (dogs tend to roam to find a mate when they are in “heat”) aka less likely for them to walk away from you!
What to Expect?
A medical procedure can sound scary, but getting neutered/spayed is very common and is an easy process for you and your dog! You will be able to drop your dog off with your vet and let them handle everything. Depending on your doctor - after the procedure, your dog will either stay the night or can go home with you that day.
You can expect your dog to have some discomfort after, nothing they can’t handle! But you will be given a dog cone for them to wear on their neck to prevent them licking at their wounds. Overall, everything on the day of the procedure will be very easy and painfree.
After Care
After your dog gets home, there is some aftercare necessary to ensure proper healing. As mentioned, your dog will be given a dog cone collar to wear. This will prevent them from reaching their wounds. Regardless of neuter/spay - make sure to keep this collar on your dog! Avoid any licking or touching from your dog on their wounds to ensure they don’t develop an infection or tear their wound.
In addition, be sure to limit activity for 7 - 10 days after the procedure. This means going on less walks, trying to avoid getting their energy up, avoid playing with other dogs, and no rough play. Keep their activity and energy levels down because you don’t want them to tear their stitches.
Other than that, your dog can live their normal life. Your vet may require a follow up visit, but you will be informed of that directly from your vet. Your vet will also tell you when it is safe to take your dog's cone collar off. Even after they have gotten approval to remove their surgical collar, keep an eye on your dog because they may still be curious and want to lick their scar.
Many people also question whether or not your crate is still a safe place for your dog to sleep. Yes, but only if they have been crate trained! You don't want to add extra stress if they aren't used to a crate. Also as long as your dog crate size gives them enough room to comfortably sleep with their cone on, they will be safe in there and it will not affect their procedure aftercare. If they are not crate trained, then confine them to a small area.
Getting neutered/spayed is a very common procedure but it always helps to be informed and prepared when taking this step with your dog. As long as you listen to your vet and keep an eye on your dog - they will be healthy, safe, and happy!
