When you get a new pet they become part of your family. Dogs are loveable pets that happen to require a great deal of care. One of the decisions you’ll need to consider once getting a dog is whether or not you will have your dog spayed or neutered. This is a hot topic amongst breeders and those involved with animal rescues and shelters. The decision to have your dog spayed or neutered is a personal choice but while pondering this option; consider the pros and cons that weigh in with this topic.
Reasons to Spay or Neuter
Overpopulation:
One of the most important factors that many people stress as to why dog owners should get their pet spayed or neutered is because there are already so many stray dogs with thousands being killed each year because they had been abandoned, unwanted, lost or too much work for the family they were with. When dogs are simply abandoned they are forced to re-enter the world on their own and their wild instincts are forced to return. Dogs then become a risk to people, other animals and tend to cause damage to personal property. The goal of neutering or spaying dogs is to keep the population under control. A dog’s litter is typically about six puppies; a female can become pregnant as early as six months, then every six months after that.
Medical Benefits:
By spaying or neutering your animal you are reducing their chances of serious issues later on in life. Male dogs are less likely to develop testicular tumors and prostate problems. When a female dog is spayed before she goes into heat for the first time, she will be less likely to develop mammary tumors, ovarian cancer or a uterine infection. For both males and females, getting fixed also will help reduce the urgency to try and escape the yard in order to fulfill their animalistic desires. There have been many animals who’ve been hit by cars as they try to connect with the opposite sex to mate. Please note we are not suggesting that by neutering or spaying your dog you will not need to take safety measures, like an invisible fence, for your dog. Whether you neuter or not, we strongly encourage you to make sure your property is properly secured for your animal’s safety.
Temperament:
Another reason to spay and neuter your dogs is the benefit this procedure can offer to your pet’s temperament. When fixing your pet early in life, the dog is less likely to be aggressive and less likely to have mood swings associated with hormones. Your pet will be able to focus better as well. Additionally, dogs are less likely to mark their territory when spayed or neutered early on in life.
Reasons to Not Spay or Neuter
Pure Breed:
If you have a pure breed animal and are looking to breed your dog as a breeder, you of course would not want to spay or neuter your dog. Before you decide to become a breeder, make sure you do thorough research and understand the work and dangers that may come with breeding to both you and your dog.
Not Natural:
Some people are concerned with neutering and spaying their dog because it is medically interfering with how their animal was made, not wanting to mess with nature. Another is to willingly subject their beloved pet to the risks associated with anesthesia.
Become Lazy:
Getting your dog fixed may affect their temperament (many times for the better) and also their activity level – while their activity level may decline, they should still be taken on walks and played with for daily exercise. Some people may not want to chance the affect the procedure could have on their pet and choose to steer clear.
The choice is one only you, the pet owner can make. Hopefully we have given you some good information to help work through this decision on your own. Best of luck on your journey of being a great dog owner!
Dr. Susan Wright DMV is a practicing veterinarian of more than 10 years. Dr. Wright has written many articles proper pet care and is the staff expert on dog containment systems for DogFenceDIY.com
