Spaying or Neutering Your Dog

Every year in North America, millions of dogs are euthanized simply because they do not have a home. The shelters and humane societies are filled to capacity with unwanted pets. And yet, while millions die, millions more are born, far beyond the number of good homes available for them. The vicious cycle continues as long as people remain uneducated about the situation.

While puppy mills are responsible for most of this situation, backyard breeders are responsible for their fair share. Backyard breeders are those people who think that they have a wonderful dog and letting their dog have puppies would be a great thing. The result is often dogs with temperamental or behavioural issues, that are hard to train or have inherited diseases or other health problems.

Spaying or neutering your pet helps in controlling the pet population by preventing accidental pregnancies and adding more unwanted puppies to an already overloaded system. It is pointless to risk adding another life only to have it taken away a short time later because you can’t find a good home for the pup.

Spaying involves removing the entire reproductive system from a female including the uterus and ovaries. Neutering involves removing the testicles. There are many health benefits to your pet including the eliminating the chance of many cancers and development of serious conditions. The cost of the spay or neuter will more than pay for itself. Spaying or neutering results in a happier, healthier pet that is more focused on you, the owner.

When to Have Your Pet Spayed or Neutered
The spaying or neutering of your pet should be done before your pet reaches six months old. In females, it is preferrable to spay before they have their first heat cycle. Some vets will spay as early as 8 weeks old. You should have your pet spayed or neutered as early as your vet will allow. The younger it is done, the faster your pet will recover and have less potential for complications.