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Spaying/Neutering Dogs: Factors to Consider

Whether you’re a new pet owner or someone who’s cared for many animals over the years, you will still hear one piece of advice consistently. That piece of advice is all about spaying or neutering your pet.

People will say that you should get your dog spayed or neutered as soon as possible. So, should you follow what they’re saying?

In this article, we’ll highlight the factors you must keep in mind when deciding on a time to spay or neuter your dog. Use them to formulate your decision so you and your pet don’t end up struggling with the procedure and its aftermath.

The Health of Your Pet

Arguably the most important factor to consider before sterilizing your dog or puppy is their health.

How healthy is your pet? Were they born with some kind of illness or do they have a clean bill of health? You need to confront those questions because they clue you in to what you need to do.

Generally speaking, spaying or neutering should be done earlier if your pet already has some kind of pre-existing condition. Remember that sterilization can reduce the odds of your dog developing certain diseases. It can prevent a potential issue and it also your pet a better chance of staying healthy long-term.

Sign up for spaying or neutering as soon as you can if your dog already has a chronic issue.

Your Location Might Influence Best Time for Spaying/ Neutering

Next up, you should also consider where you live when mapping out the sterilization timeline for your dogs or puppies.

Some areas are known for having a large population of stray dogs. If you let your pet out during the day, chances are they will interact with those stray dogs at some point. You cannot be surprised if your dog returns home pregnant or if a neighbor tells you that your pet is the father of some new puppies.

Unless you suddenly want to be responsible for a new litter of puppies, you should sign up for spaying or neutering as soon as it becomes an option.

Your Expenses

Many pet owners are hesitant to get their dogs sterilized because they’re wary of their finances. They’re worried that spaying or neutering their pet will cost too much money.

We understand that concern. However, it’s not always a valid one. You see, spaying or neutering should not be expensive.

According to WebMD, there are veterinary clinics around the country that offer to perform spaying or neutering for low prices. They may even perform the necessary procedure for less than $100.

Also, holding off on sterilization may even prove more costly down the line. Your pet could end up getting pregnant or impregnating another dog. All of a sudden, you will have to spend more on caring for those puppies.

On top of that, your dog could also end up developing an illness that sterilization could have helped prevent. Treating that illness may end up being more expensive than either spaying or neutering.

Your Schedule

Something we often overlook when deciding on spaying or neutering our pet is our schedule. Dogs and puppies need some time to recover following surgery.

It’s possible that your pet can recover after just seven days. Then again, some dogs need to stay in recovery for up to two weeks.

The bottom line is that you can never be certain when your pet will recover from the procedure. That’s why you have to clear out your schedule.

Make time for your dog post-surgery. Try to stay as much as you can with them so you can tend to their needs.

Avoid scheduling your dog’s spaying or neutering during a time when you know you’ll be busy at work. Alternatively, you can hire a sitter to watch over your pet while you tend to matters at work.

Your Veterinarian’s Input

Lastly, we encourage pet owners to seek advice from a veterinarian if they’re interested in getting their pet spayed or neutered.

Your veterinarian can offer valuable insight regarding the current condition of your pet. They can tell you if the time is right for sterilization or if you should wait a bit longer.

Check out next week’s article if you want to learn more about what veterinarians are likely to say about spaying or neutering.

Deciding on the right time for spaying or neutering is hard. It’s not a decision you can make lightly. Hopefully, all the details included here will help you make the right decision in your case.

Do you need someone to watch over your dog or puppy who is still recovering from sterilization? We at TAILored Pet Services can help with that. Call 425-923-7791 or email through contact page  if you wish to learn more about the services we provide.

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