What Veterinarians Have to Say about Spaying or Neutering

Spaying and neutering are procedures that are widely regarded as good for dogs and puppies. Even if you don’t know all about them, you still probably know that they offer some useful benefits.

Then again, some pet owners are more cautious. They may not be as open to the idea of getting their pet spayed or neutered.

Being cautious is a good thing. You should be more discerning about things that could potentially impact the long-term health of your pet.

If you’re uncertain about getting your pet spayed or neutered, this article will be able to help you out. We’ll be using this space to detail what veterinarians have to say about spaying or neutering. Check out the details included here so you can make a more informed decision for your dog or puppy.

Your Dog’s Age

At what age should you get your dog spayed or neutered? There was a time when many animal health experts believed that spaying or neutering should be done very early on. Many even believed that sterilizing a dog as soon as they reached five months of age was a good idea.

These days, we have a better idea regarding the appropriate sterilization age for dogs and puppies.

Per this article from the American Kennel Club, new pieces of evidence suggest that waiting until your pet reaches puberty before sterilizing them yields some important benefits. More specifically, waiting that long can reduce the odds of your pet developing certain cancers and orthopedic health issues.

Studies regarding the proper age for spaying or neutering dogs are still ongoing. The recommended age could still change eventually. For now at least, that period right after puberty seems to be the right time for canine sterilization.

Your Dog’s Breed Can Affect Time of Spaying or Neutering

The specific breed of your dog or puppy is an important consideration when it comes to sterilization. You must remember that not all breeds should follow the same timeline for spaying or neutering. Adjustments may have to be made based on the breed of your pet.

Waiting is recommended if your pet belongs to a large breed. Exactly how long you should wait is unclear. That’s a matter your veterinarian has to determine after they get a closer look at your pet.

Small dogs are different. You have more flexibility as a pet owner when it comes to spaying or neutering them. Going early is fine, but waiting a bit should not be a big issue as well.

Your Dog’s Weight

It probably comes as no surprise that your pet may suffer from more health issues if they’re overweight. What you may not have known before is that your dog’s weight can also affect sterilization.

Spaying and neutering are regarded as very safe procedures. That said, complications can still occur. Those complications are more likely to pop up if your pet is overweight.

Knowing that, you should put your dog on a diet and get them exercising if you’re planning on getting them fixed. Lower their weight to a healthy point to boost the odds that they will emerge from the surgical procedure unscathed.

There is also a financial incentive to helping your dog slim down before they are spayed or neutered. Spaying and neutering are more affordable procedures if your pet is at a healthy weight. Use that as added motivation to train your dog.

Your Dog’s Sex

The sex of your dog is also something that veterinarians consider when they’re trying to pinpoint the right age for sterilization.

Veterinarians typically recommend that female dogs get sterilized earlier than their male counterparts. That could explain why the sterilization schedules are not the same even if you’re caring for dogs who are also siblings.

Your Dog’s Behavior Might Influence Time of Spaying/ Neutering

A lot of pet owners believe that spaying or neutering will help curb problematic behavior. They believe that dogs behave better after they are sterilized.

You should know that sterilization is not a quick fix for your pet’s troubling behavior. Dogs may become less likely to roam after sterilization, but they may still like fighting, barking, and chewing things inside your home.

Training is the only way to truly get rid of your pet’s bad habits. Spaying or neutering won’t be magical fixes for those issues.

Take the time to talk with your veterinarian if you’re interested in sterilizing your dog. Use the information they provide to make the best possible decision for your situation.

Your dog will need some company after they are fixed. We at TAILored Pet Services are more than happy to watch over your pet as they recover from surgery. Find out more about our services by calling 425-923-7791 or by emailing through contact page on our website.