Why Spay or Neuter Your Puppy?

Unless you plan to professionally breed your dog, get him or her neutered or spayed (fixed). Pet overpopulation is a serious problem. Spaying and neutering are routine procedures done by a veterinarian in a surgical environment and pose very few health risks for your dog. Your dog can usually go home on the same day that the procedure is done.

Low-cost spaying and neutering programs are available. Check with your local humane society for information.

In addition to being effective for pet population control, spaying and neutering can also benefit your dog's health. Having your dog neutered or spayed before six months of age cuts the risk of developing certain types of cancers and infections in half.

"Spaying" is used in reference to female dogs, while "neutering" is used when referring to a male.

When a female dog is spayed, the uterus and ovaries are removed, which prevents the dog from going into heat. The most obvious health benefit is that there are no risks associated with giving birth.

If your dog is spayed before she ever goes into heat, then her risk of developing mammary tumors (malignant or benign) is almost completely eliminated. Furthermore, her risk of developing any reproductive organ cancers and infections (uterine and ovarian cancers or uterine infections) is obviously reduced significantly as well. If you wait until after her first heat cycle to have her spayed, then her chances of developing some of these conditions is almost double.

When a male dog is neutered, the testicles are removed. If your dog is neutered before 6 months of age, his chances of developing reproductive-related cancer (i.e. penile cancer) or disease is cut about in half.

Early neutering can also help control or eliminate behaviors such as spraying, marking, and the desire to run away, which are linked to a dog's hormones. Without the hormone production, your dog is less likely to develop these behaviors.

Neutering your male dog can also make him easier to handle in social situations where other dogs are present. He will be less likely to show aggression toward other male dogs and will not try to breed with an available female, even if she is in heat.