Spaying a female dog or neutering a male dog involves surgically altering reproductive organs so the dog cannot reproduce. Due to the lack of people who spay or neuter dogs, thousands of unwanted dogs enter shelters every year. At Central Texas Animal Hospital, we offer spay and neuter dog services to prevent unwanted puppy litters and protect your dog’s health.
Why Spay or Neuter Your Dog
Spaying and neutering your dog can bring a wealth of medical benefits. Females who have been spayed have lowered risks of cancers of the reproductive system and breast cancer, for example.
Male dogs see a reduced risk of prostate or testicular cancer, less likelihood of getting into altercations with other dogs, and are less likely to get hurt by roaming.
Spaying or neutering dog pets can also prevent unwanted litters, which is a major contributing factor to overwhelmed shelters and the high number of euthanized dogs in this country.
Behavioral issues, such as marking territory, anxiety during heat cycles, and aggression are also less likely to occur.
Spay and Neuter Dog Services
Part of the responsibility of pet ownership is making certain there is no unexpected offspring, and for the majority of dog owners, this means getting your dog a spay or neuter operation. Here at Central Texas Animal Hospital in Pflugerville, we take this responsibility very seriously. If you’re nervous about bringing your furry friend in for an operation here’s a bit of an explanation of what the procedure involves.
Common FAQs About Spay and Neuter Dog Procedures
What it Means to Spay or Neuter a Dog
First off, spaying a dog refers to the procedure that is done to a female dog, while neutering refers to the procedure that is done to male dogs. In both instances, the dog’s reproductive organs are removed.
At what age should a dog be spayed or neutered?
Dogs can be spayed or at around six to nine months old. Adult dogs of all ages can be spayed or neutered, but scheduling the procedure early in life is generally encouraged because healing time is faster and easier on the dog.
When to Spay or Neuter Your Dog
We work closely with our patients to determine what is the best age for a dog to get spayed or neutered. In most cases, dogs are spayed or neutered between the ages of four and six months, but a dog can potentially have the procedure done as young as two months. For female dogs, waiting longer than six months runs the risk of the dog having her first heat.
What Happens When You Don't Spay or Neuter Your Dog?
Clearly you run the risk of unintended pregnancies due to not spaying or neutering your dog. Additionally, a female dog will start to go into heat a couple of times a year, this will cause a mess around the house as well as attract the attention of male dogs in the neighborhood. Male dogs can show signs of aggression and will show extreme interest in any female dogs in heat.
Will spaying or neutering make your dog less active?
Dogs don’t become less active after spaying or neutering—this is actually an ongoing myth. Dogs do lose their drive to breed, which can calm them down during breeding seasons, but following a good exercise routine and nutrition plan will mean you still have an active dog even if they are spayed or neutered.
What is the recovery like after spaying or neutering?
After the procedure, you will be able to pick up your dog once they are awake from surgery. In very rare cases, a dog may have to stay overnight for monitoring, especially if the procedure takes place later in the afternoon. A few pointers to keep in mind once you get your pet home include:
- Give the dog a quiet place to recover without being bothered by other pets or children
- Avoid strenuous play or exercise for a few weeks
- Don’t bathe your dog for at least 10 days after surgery
- Monitor the incision site to watch for signs of infection, such as swelling, oozing, or redness
Ready to Spay or Neuter Your Dog?
Overall, spaying or neutering your dog is a responsible decision as a pet owner. If you are ready to schedule an appointment to spay or neuter your dog in Pflugerville, TX, reach out to us at Central Texas Animal Hospital.
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