Spaying is the generic term used for removing the ovaries and uterus of a
female dog. Neutering is the generic term used the castration of a male dog,
though the term neutering is occasionally used as a "catch-all" word in
reference to both male and female dogs. Regardless of the term used, either
procedure removes the dog's ability to reproduce. This is not a bad thing.
In fact, it's one of the most important things you can do to promote good
dog health, both mentally and physically.
For female dogs, it greatly reduces the risk of mammary cancer and
completely eliminates the possibility of uterine cancer or infections. In
male dogs it prevents testicular cancer and reduces the chance of prostate
problems and certain behavioral issues such as spraying and the desire to
roam. Both sexes will enjoy a longer, healthier, and most importantly,
happier life by being spayed / neutered. If you're worried about your dog
being less vigilant or protective, don't be. They'll be calmer but still
every bit as protective of their homes and families as they would be
otherwise.
Either procedure can be done as early as six weeks and most vets seem to
recommend having it done before six months of age, though it's really never
too late. The main thing
is to get it done before they reproduce. Why's that you ask? Well I'll tell
you...
An estimated ten million animals (Cats included) are euthanized every year
just in the United States because there simply aren't enough homes for them.
10,000,000. That's a staggering number. A staggeringly depressing number,
and if you've ever been to an animal shelter you know just how depressing it
really is. I'm not going to get up on a soapbox here, but please, please,
please don't contribute to making that number any higher. No, it's not going
to make your female dog's personality improve to let her have just one
litter. No, it's not wrong to deprive an animal of it's right to reproduce
without it's consent, especially when so many of them are being put to death
for no other reason than too many are being born. No, you shouldn't let your
purebred reproduce to "perpetuate the breed" or whatever. Believe it or not,
there are actual Breeders already doing that, except they actually
know what they're doing. Yes, you should get your male dog fixed too.
Females are limited in how often they can produce a litter but a single male
can produce a litter as often as he can find a female. You do the math and
figure it out. And no, no, no you shouldn't use your dog to teach your
children about "the miracle of birth", "the birds and the bees", or any
variation thereof. There are far more relevant lessons for your children to
learn from owning a dog, such as patience, love, caring for dependant
creatures, and something that will serve them well all too soon -
responsible reproduction (religious beliefs allowing).
I guess I lied about getting up on a soapbox. Sorry if I got a little
opinionated towards the end, but the subject is one of my many hotspots. If
you care at all about your dog's health, or dogs in general, please get
yours spayed / neutered.
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