In our previous article Neuter or spay; what’s the difference anyway? We went over what neuters and spays are and how these surgeries affect cats. Now it’s time for our dutiful dogs to shine in the spotlight. Just in case you need to recall what these surgeries are remember, neutering is the removal of both testicles for male dogs and spaying (OVH) is the removal of both ovaries and uterus. As before we will go over the effects of neutering and spaying as well as addressing popular myths. Even though these procedures are controversial for many, the benefits that come with these procedures are monumental. Not only do they benefit your puppy, but society as well.
Before we get into the main course (which involves taking about urine, so ew), you may be thinking “How on earth is neutering or spaying my dog going to help society?” Well, for a moment I would like you think about animal shelters. There are unfortunately thousands of dogs (and cats) that are homeless. The sad reality of it is that most will not be adopted in time and will be euthanized. Truly, if we could save them all we would. In order to prevent a canine life that may grows up on the streets, in isolation or possibly be euthanized, spay or neuter your pet. You can personally effect over population and give every dog their best chance to find a loving home.
Overpopulation is definitely not the only reason to have your spayed or neutered because of course it’s beneficial for your own dog’s life. Dogs that are spayed run a lower risk for ovarian cancers, cysts, mammary gland tumors, and uterine infections. Canines that are castrated (another word for neuter) are less susceptible to testicular cancer and prostate disease. And just like cats, Fido is less likely to be aggressive and won’t stray away from home. All these benefits are yours and for your pup just as long as you go through with these common procedures. You may think that your dog will miss their sexual reproductive organs (I know I would) but the only thing your dog will miss are all these diseases (play on words people).
To conclude let’s address the myths of neutering and spaying. People often worry that spaying or neutered their pet will make them fat. This is false. To put it into blunt terms, you and your dog’s habits are what going to determine your dog’s weight. Now it’s true, lowered hormone levels may decrease your pets activity. If that happens worry not as all you have to do is feed your pet less and give him or her more exercise. Another myth is that females need to complete a heat cycle before getting spayed. This is again false. The truth is the fewer heat cycles your dog goes through before being spayed, the better her protection against mammary cancer. The final myth is will my dog lose his personality or spunk after surgery? Absolutely not. As always if you want the best possible life for your pet why not do what so many have done already? Not peer pressure, but simply fact.