The spay or neuter operation is a major surgery, but is considered routine.
For Dogs:
Female dogs reach maturity between six and twelve months of age, and it not spayed, they will go into heat twice a year, which last 21 days. It is recommended that that one has their dog spayed between eight weeks and six months of age. Other than obvious reasons, such as reducing the animal population, females should be spayed because it can prevent some problems seen in older dogs which are not spayed. Some problems include:- Mammary tumors
- Life threatening uterine infections
- Unplanned pregnancies
Male dogs reach maturity between six and twelve months of age. Male dogs have a tendency to mark their territory by urinating in their home environment, and will start to wander from home in search of female dogs after they have become mature. Male dogs should be neutered between the age of eight weeks and six months, same as a female. There are many good reasons to have your dog neutered such as:
- Prevent reproduction
- Reduce prostate problems
- Eliminate Testicular cancer
- Reduce or eliminate the urine marking behavior
- General longer life span
As shown above, there are multiple great reasons to have ones pet spayed or neutered. Overall dogs generally live longer and live happier lives once. The healing process can take up to two weeks, during this two week period dogs should avoid using stairs, running or licking at their incision site. After the two week period and the stitches are removed, the dogs can return to their normal behavior.
