Many pet owners opt to spay or neuter their pets, and spaying and neutering are important for reducing pet overpopulation. If you decide to spay or neuter your pet, you have options. Surgical sterilization During surgical sterilization, a veterinarian removes certain reproductive organs. Surgical alternatives to traditional spaying and neutering The procedures described above are the surgical procedures routinely used to spay or neuter dogs, but some pet owners opt for one of these alternatives:.
Nonsurgical sterilization There is an approved product on the market used to neuter male cats and dogs that is injected into the testes to stop sperm production and render the dog or cat infertile. Because not all of the hormone-producing cells of the testes are affected by the drug, the testis will continue to produce some hormones.
As research continues, additional products for nonsurgical sterilization may be developed. Every year, millions of unwanted dogs and cats, including puppies and kittens, are euthanized.
The good news is that responsible pet owners can make a difference. By having your dog or cat sterilized, you will do your part to prevent the birth of unwanted puppies and kittens.
Spaying and neutering prevent unwanted litters, help protect against some serious health problems, and may reduce many of the behavioral problems associated with the mating instinct. Removing the testes from male dogs and cats reduces the breeding instinct, making them less inclined to roam and more content to stay at home. Early spaying of female dogs and cats can help protect them from some serious health problems later in life such as uterine infections and breast cancer.
Neutering your male pet can also lessen its risk of developing benign prostatic hyperplasia enlarged prostate gland and testicular cancer. Spaying and neutering your dog can increase their lifespan, decrease serious health issues, make them more manageable, and reduces the incidence of canine overpopulation and homelessness.
It can also be good news for your wallet. The definition of spaying is the sterilization procedure that female dogs undergo, where their uterus and ovaries are removed. The definition of neutering pertains to male dogs, in which sterilization is done through removal of the testicles.
The spaying and neutering procedures are done under anesthesia and take very little time. Spaying takes 15 to 20 minutes, while neutering typically takes 10 to 15 minutes or less. Both surgeries require several stitches. The risks are minimal to healthy, young dogs and they will return to normal activities within a few days.
There is nothing as eye-opening to the importance of spaying and neutering your dog as cold, hard facts. One of the unfortunate results of neglecting to curb this natural inclination is litters of puppies that cannot find a home. Often, pet owners cannot afford to keep a whole litter of puppies. When they have nowhere to place them, they are either abandoned or turned over to a shelter. A relatively simple procedure, neutering makes it impossible for your dog to father any puppies.
Your dog will need to be put under in order for the surgery to take place, but the whole medical process is typically quick and you are usually able to take your dog home that same day to rest. When your female dog is spayed , a veterinarian performs surgery, under anesthesia, to remove her uterus and ovaries through an incision in her stomach.
This procedure can sometimes be performed laparoscopically. While it is more involved than a neutering procedure, the operation still typically takes less than 90 minutes to complete. And, while some vets will keep your dog overnight, most pets are fine to head home the same day to rest and heal.
The recovery tends to be a bit longer and they can have more pain with the procedure than males do. On the other hand, some diseases, such as prostate cancer and certain orthopedic conditions, are slightly more common in dogs and cats that have been spayed or neutered. For most pet owners, the benefits of spaying or neutering their animals outweigh the disadvantages.
The age to spay or neuter a pet can vary depending on the size of the pet, but in general terms, the procedure can be practiced from 4 months. Each owner should discuss their specific circumstances with their personal veterinarians, as there are several factors that can influence the timing of spaying and neutering. Larger dog breeds tend to mature a little later than their smaller counterparts.
So intervening too early could harm or interrupt their maturation, keeping them more childish. The situation in the home of an animal should also be considered, for example, if two cubs from the same litter live in the same home, they should be sterilized before the female goes into heat.
If you only have one pet at home, the urge to castrate or spay will be much less, but you should pay attention to your animal when it is in heat and circulates freely. Before your pet is going to be spayed or neutered, it is very important that your regular vet does a complete checkup to make sure it is free from health problems. The complete medical history of the pet should be provided as the underlying conditions or prescription medications may be relevant.
You can help your pet have a safe and comfortable recovery after being spayed or neutered by following some precautions:. For medications that help manage pain, see your vet.
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