Bringing a new puppy or dog home is a huge commitment and a three-fold responsibility. You now have a commitment to your dog, yourself, and to your community. Spaying or neutering your pet is just another responsibility that you must think about when bringing a puppy or dog into your home. And, if you've already brought one home, the time to start thinking about you and your pet's future together is now.
Unless you are a professional breeder, there is no reason not to have your dog spayed or neutered. Let's take a look, quickly, at the differences of each.
Spaying vs. neutering
A female dog is spayed and a male is neutered. The operation is a removal of the animal's reproductive organs. The operation tends to be a little more expensive for female dogs as the veterinarian has to make an incision and sew up the animal's lower abdomen. In a male dog, however, the scrotum is opened and the reproductive organs are removed. The operation is also a little quicker for male dogs. The age and health of your dog will cause recovery time to vary.
A long time ago in the United States, older dogs were the only one's spayed or neutered as they had a greater chance of survival than puppies. However, with advances in sterilization, the operation is usually done when a puppy is around six months of age. Some veterinarians will do the operation a little sooner, around three to five months. Older dogs can also be spayed or neutered, but you should talk to your vet about the appropriate time, especially for female dogs. The operation should occur well after a heat cycle (Estrus).
There are many benefits to spaying or neutering your dog. Female dogs undergo a heat cycle for six or seven days, three times per year. While female dogs, unlike cats, remain somewhat controllable during Estrus, it will save you headaches, clean up, and every male dog in the neighborhood coming over for a visit to your front yard. Spayed or neutered pets live longer, happier and healthier lives. Spayed dogs (females) have no chance at developing uterine or ovarian cancer, as these organs have been removed. Studies show that spayed animals have a less likely chance of developing breast cancer.
Neutered dogs (males) are less likely to wander off and explore. The dog will also be less aggressive in his play or when outside on his own. He will not play as rough, nor will he bite as often. This, of course, all depends upon the training your dog receives as well.
Spayed or neutered dogs tend to be more affectionate and loving. They usually display calmer temperaments and are more enjoyable to play with and be around. Neutered pets are less likely to urinate on every tree or post they pass. Does it cause weight gain?
Some people believe that spayed or neutered animals tend to have problems with weight gain. While spayed or neutered animals tend to be more docile, there is no relationship with the surgery and weight gain. In other words, it all depends upon proper playtime (exercise) and diet, not whether your pet is spayed or neutered.
There are many places that you can contact regarding information or to schedule an appointment for your dog. Contact an animal shelter, your vet or contact SPAY USA. There are grants and monies available for those who may not have the funds to pay for all of the surgery. The responsibility rests with you. This small step will mean a more fulfilling life for you, your dog and not to mention, for your community.
About the Author:
Tina Spriggs is an expert dog lover whose lifelong interest in canines provides the motivation for her site. To learn more about dogs or to find gifts and toys for them visit her site at dog gifts and toys for dog lovers.
Copyright 2005. All rights reserved.
The Discus fish has its habitat in the South American... Read More
Have you ever held any Westie puppies? These tiny creatures... Read More
Brings live to your community tanksMany freshwater fish-keepers have a... Read More
We've all heard the phrase, "Free as a bird." In... Read More
A couple of years ago a Japanese electronics company came... Read More
Unfortunately, there are a number of household items which we... Read More
Pets provide an unconditional love that requires very little on... Read More
This article discusses two foods in paticual. For the puppy... Read More
... Read More
Are you just starting to research the BARF diet for... Read More
We all know that good food, a loving home and... Read More
Just like when you bring home a new baby, you... Read More
Puppy TrainingPuppy training can be a trying time. The key... Read More
Dog's come in all shapes and sizes ? out of... Read More
Of course, we humans use shoes to protect our feet.... Read More
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are not cheap. On average you... Read More
Location of your aquariumSo, you bought your very first fish... Read More
We have a long history with domesticated animals and even... Read More
If you take a quick look at this species they... Read More
Pets can enjoy the therapeutic effects of aromatherapy as much... Read More
What should you feed your cat to make sure he... Read More
Does your dog have that sheepish look? It could be... Read More
The 4th Of 6 Keys To Building A Life Long... Read More
Are cats and children a good mix?So, you had a... Read More
Pets are family members and should be treated as such.... Read More
Des Moines rental limo ..Pomeranians have tiny mouths and itty bitty teeth, but not... Read More
Pet's, any kind of pet can be a welcome addition... Read More
Oscar is kind of a funny name and it fit... Read More
Our pets give us so much. They entertain us, listen... Read More
If you take a quick look at this species they... Read More
Many people want to make sure their family pet has... Read More
Thunder storms affected pets differently. Some hardly notice them, others... Read More
I really do not hope your are eating something, but... Read More
Are there so many great dog breeds out there that... Read More
Before we talk about using the essential oils, we first... Read More
This may come as a surprise...but if the tables were... Read More
There are many ways in which you can prepare for,... Read More
As all cat owners know, a feline can be a... Read More
Beaks, Bills, Face Knives, Beakers - whatever we want to... Read More
Thanks to Disney's Motion Picture 'Finding Nemo,' almost everybody is... Read More
Imagine being on a horse and he bolts. You pull... Read More
Chihuahua Training is Easy! You may be wondering if Chihuahua... Read More
Clone a Cat, Go To Jail ...or at least... Read More
An easier and more pleasant journey with your chosen Boxer... Read More
Doggie day care is becoming more and more prevalent in... Read More
When pondering whether my neurosis is learned or genetic, I... Read More
Moving is about as stressful a time as any in... Read More
Having a cat allergy came as something of a surprise... Read More
Scientific Name: Botia macracanthus Other Scientific Name(s): Cobitis macracanthus, Botia... Read More
Do you want to save money, anxiety for your kitty,... Read More
Pet |