Did you know that neutering has health benefits for your pet?
If you're the proud owner of a female puppy, you'll be interested to hear that spaying can reduce her chances of developing breast cancer, uterine cancer and ovarian cancer. It also lessens the likelihood of uterine infection. All that, plus you'll avoid the risks associated with an unplanned pregnancy!
If you have a male puppy, you should know that neutering will prevent testicular tumours and may prevent prostate problems. It also reduces the possibility of perennial tumours and hernias.
Some vets prefer to neuter females (Bitches) before their first heat cycle, but others don't. For male dogs, the timing is less specific, so it's best to talk to your vet for their recommendations.
The obvious benefit of you and your family having your puppy neutered is that you'll never have to deal with unwanted litters. But there are other advantages too. Males neutered early in life are less aggressive, less distracted by females in heat, less likely to mark their territory with urine and less likely to mount the furniture or your leg!
Spaying a female puppy will stop stray males from camping in your garden and decrease her desire to roam and breed.
Tragically, thousands of dogs are euthanasied in Australia and New Zealand every year. Many of these are the result of accidental breeding by free-roaming, unneutered dogs. By neutering your puppy, you will know that you won't be adding to this problem.
Despite all the strong evidence in favour of neutering, you may have some concerns. Let's tackle a few common ones.
1. Is the surgery safe?
You should never take any operation lightly, but it's important to understand that neutering is a routine procedure that's statistically very safe. The medical benefits far outweigh any risks.
2. Will my puppy gain weight?
There's absolutely no need for a neutered puppy to gain weight. Just remember to adjust how much you feed him according to his activity level. You may also want to consider speaking to you vet about switching your puppy to a lower calorie food such as Hill's® Science Diet® Light when he reaches one year old.
3. Will my puppy's personality change?
Maybe... but only for the better! A neutered male puppy may be less aggressive, less likely to wander and less likely to spray or mark his territory with urine.
4. What else should I know?
Your pet will be required to have a general anesthetic for this procedure, so your vet will ask you not to give your puppy anything to eat or drink for twelve hours before the operation.
You'll probably be able to bring your puppy home on the same day, although he may have to stay a little longer if he's very sleepy.
To discuss these concerns further, or if you have any additional worries, it is best to schedule an appointment with your vet.