Sunday, October 17, 2010

The importance of Spaying or Neutering your dog

When purchasing a new pet, such as a rabbit, cat, dog or others, one thing an owner should take into consideration is spaying or neutering their new pet. The surgical procedure is performed to prevent the animal from reproducing unless the owner plans on breeding. Breeding a pet is not recommended, but if one plans on breeding, they should do extensive research into the breed and their own dogs breed line.
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.

1 comment:

  1. Chelsea's first blog post argues over the topic of spaying and neutering dogs. Chelsea provides information as to why most individuals get their dogs spayed or neutered and what could happen to the animals if they do not receive the surgical procedure.
    Within Chelsea's argument, she uses an informative style of writing. She informs the readers specific ages when to get the surgery, typical healing times, and what a person should do if they choose to breed or buy a bred animal.
    If the reader is an animal lover, this could influence the person to choose to have the surgery for their animal. I agree with Chelsea that we have a responsibility of spaying or neutering our animals to decrease the amount of senseless killing of shelter animals.
    Chelsea's second blog also argues over dog owners having their animal's ears cropped. This procedure cuts off parts of the dogs ears, and all for a certain look. This blog would be a great discussion starter because many find it acceptable and completely okay to crop the dogs ears. To put an animal through an unnecessary and painful procedure is sickening and I agree with Chelsea that it shouldn't be allowed.
    Chelsea's second post also does a good job of informing us not only of her opinion, but of factual information against cropping of ears. Infections, further sedation to remove the bandages, enormous pain, and all for a look. I know that it makes me not want to do this to my dog.

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