Which is the Right Age for Neutering or Spaying a Dog

What is spaying or neutering?

Spaying or ovariohysterectomy is the surgical procedure performed on bitches in which uterus and both ovaries are removed. Similarly, surgical removal of testes and associated epididymis in dogs is known as castration or neutering. Spaying or neutering is used for reproduction control which ultimately helps in fighting overpopulation. It will significantly reduce the killing of several homeless pets.

How Spaying or neutering allows reproduction control?

When ovaries are removed from a female dog, secretion of hormones estrogen and progesterone is eliminated. The spayed female won’t go into heat if ovaries are removed. There are various other changes which occur in female dogs that don’t allow them to conceive baby. Similarly, there is no secretion of testosterone in dogs after the testes are removed and a dog is not capable of inducing pregnancy in a female dog.

What is the right age to neuter your dog?

Actually, this is a very divisive issue that which is the right age to neuter a dog. No experience and no research can tell you the right age to neuter your dog. Different vets have different experiences and varying opinions about what is the right age to neuter or spay a dog. On a rough note, a male dog can be neuter any time after eight weeks of age.  A few years, ago it was a famous conception in the minds of vets that it is good to wait for at least six months to neuter your dog. However, there is no enough scientific data to support the fact that dogs should be neutered between the age of six to nine months. But, there are various studies which show slight complications which arise from early neutering even before six weeks of age.

So, it is the best to share the whole story with your vet about neutering your dog and he will give you suggest you.

After the surgery:

• Dog may refuse food for a day or two as he may be nauseated
• Dog’s scrotum will be swollen which is not a reason to worry as it automatically becomes normal
• There may be light stains where the vet has incised the dog
• You should restrict the movement and activities of the dog for a few days after the surgery
• Your dog will try to lick his stitches. To restrict this, put an Elizabethan collar around his neck

Benefits of spaying/neutering:

• Spaying in female dogs eliminates the risk of diseases such as uterine infections and breast cancer thus offering your pet a longer and healthier life
• Neutering is cost-effective
• If done before six months of age, neutering prevents testicular cancer in dogs
• Spaying or neutering keeps your pet fit if fed properly
• Neutered dog has improved behavior and will focus more on his human family
• Early neutering of a dog helps in fighting aggression issues
• Neutered dog will stay indoors most of the time and will not roam outside in search of a mating partner
• It helps in controlling pet population