When you think of preventive care for your pet you know that means routine vaccinations as well as parasite prevention. But did you know that it also covers reproductive care? Our Deer Park vets talk about the importance of spaying and neutering your pet and offer a guide for getting your dog fixed.
What is the importance of spaying and neutering dogs in Deer Park?
If you have a new puppy you might be wondering why you should bring your dog in for reproductive surgery at our spay and neuter clinic in Deer Park, especially if you don't plan on ever letting your dog be around others without supervision or off-leash.
Even if your primary concern isn't the puppies that may happen, there are a number of other potential benefits to spaying or neutering your dog in Deer Park.
What are the benefits of spaying your dog?
Across America, animal shelters are filled with unwanted dogs. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) estimates that 3.3 million dogs pass through shelters each year.
Health Benefits
Spaying your female dog before her first 'heat' can help to prevent uterine infections and breast tumors which can often be malignant or cancerous.
Financial Benefits
Preventing the birth of unwanted puppies is good for your pocketbook. While there is a fee for spaying, this fee is relatively low when compared to the cost of caring for a pregnant dog, calling a vet for the birth of the puppies and caring for newborns.
What Happens to Intact Females?
When female dogs are not spayed, they go through a reproductive stage often referred to as 'heat' about twice a year. During this stage, male dogs will be attracted to your female for about 18 days. This can lead to unwanted male dogs visiting your yard and possibly unwanted puppies.
What are the benefits of neutering your dog?
As with spaying female dogs, when you neuter your male dog you help to reduce the population of unwanted dogs in the United States.
Health Benefits
By neutering your dog, you eliminate the risk of them developing testicular cancer and significantly reduce the risk of prostate diseases which can be serious. Neutering also helps to reduce the risk of perianal tumors and perineal hernias in your dog.
Behavioral Benefits
Neutering can help to curb your dog's desire to roam and may help to reduce behaviors such as mounting and aggression towards other dogs.
What Happens to Intact Males?
There are a number of undesirable behaviors that are typical of male dogs that have not been neutered. These include heightened territorial behavior, being over-protective of people and toys, roaming (seeking female dogs), and aggression towards other dogs.
Handy Guide For Spaying and Neutering Dogs in Deer Park
When is the ideal time to have your puppy fixed?
Once your pup is between the ages of 5 and 9 months you will be able to have them fixed safely. If you have an adult dog they will also be able to undergo spay and neuter surgery. Speak with your vet to learn more about the options for your dog.
What should you expect with spaying and neutering your dog?
Your vet will provide you with detailed pre-surgical instructions which may include restricting your pet's food and water before the scheduled surgery.
Your vet will provide you with instructions to follow during recovery as well as any necessary pain medications.
Spaying a female dog will have a longer recovery period than neutering a male dog.
Your female dog will no longer be able to become pregnant as soon as the surgery has been completed.
Male dogs, however, are not considered sterile until at least 6 weeks have passed after neuter surgery.
How can you help make recovery from spaying and neutering in Deer Park a success?
There are a number of considerations while your dog is recovering from spay and neuter surgery. Some of these precautions are:
- Do not allow your dog to socialize, play or run.
- Jumping will also be out of the question for at least 2 weeks.
- Use an e-collar (Elizabethan cone) to prevent licking.
- Monitor the incision for signs of infection. Call your vet if there are any concerns.
- Don’t bathe the dog for the initial 10 days after surgery.
- Contact your vet if your dog is vomiting, lethargic, has a decreased appetite or has diarrhea.
You should discuss all pain management and aftercare considerations with your vet surgeon prior to the surgery to ensure that you will be prepared. While your pet may not end up needing the pain medication, it is best to have it available just in case.
If you notice that your dog is happy and playful throughout recovery then it is a good indication that they are recovering well. That being said, it is important to continue to limit the activity of your dog until they are fully healed.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.