Pet overpopulation, across Brevard County, is a widespread problem. The recommendation is for the average, non-breeding pet parents to spay or neuter their dog. To spay or neuter means to remove the sex organs of the pup so they cannot reproduce. However, it’s not something you should do without first weighing the benefits and consequences.
A lot of pet parents don’t even think about it before they spay (for females) or neuter (for males) their canine friends, and the majority of pet lovers agree that it’s ultimately a good thing. February is Spay/Neuter Awareness Month (also known as “Beat the Heat month), Responsible Pet Owners Month, as well as National Prevent a Litter Month; and World Spay Day is February 23rd. In recognition of this timely topic, we want to dive into this topic so we can help Space Coast pet parents like you feel more informed with your choice.
5 Benefits of Spaying and Neutering
There are several benefits to spaying/neutering your pup. It can help with pet overpopulation, potential health problems, disposition, and cleanliness.
Reducing Pet Overpopulation
There are too many homeless pets in our communities. Many homeless dogs end up in shelters, which often results in them being put down quickly if they don’t get adopted. If your pet helps make puppies, even more doggos could be killed. It’s an ongoing cycle that can be interrupted by spaying and neutering.
Preventing Health Problems
Spaying intact female dogs before they have their first heat cycle decreases the pup’s risk of developing mammary gland tumors. Uterine and testicle cancers are also less likely to form when Fido’s sex organs are removed. Avoiding these diseases increases your furry loved one’s life expectancy, as well as saves the heartache of having to decide between treatment or financial hardship.
Calmer Disposition
The dog’s hormones change with the removal of the sex organs resulting in having a calmer, less aggressive dog. A relaxed dog is a happy dog making their human counterparts and guests happier too.
Improved Cleanliness
Intact (un-neutered) dogs can cause messes when they ejaculate. There is a substantial mess associated with a dog going into heat (such as discharge or blood from female dogs). If you spay your pup, then the dog isn’t going to go into heat, thus avoiding the mess.
Save Money
Cost is often the reason many people use who fail to get their dog spayed or neutered; however, the price is minimal when comparing the cost that they will experience if they don’t spay or neuter their pet. Expenses include the expense of puppies if the pet gets pregnant and the cost of ongoing health problems such as uterine cancer that wouldn’t affect a dog who had been spayed or neutered.
3 Risks of Spaying or Neutering
With all procedures, there are risks to take into account with spaying and neutering personality changes play a part too.
Procedure Risks
There are usually very few detrimental side effects to spaying and neutering dogs; however, there are always risks that something might go wrong whenever a dog is in for surgery. Some canines have reactions to anesthesia, which you won’t know about until the dog is already under operation. Consult with your vet to discuss this risk so you can make an informed decision.
Less Active and Weight Gain
Dog’s hormones change after being spayed or neutered, resulting in calmer dogs. Calmer pups are less active than before surgery, and some people prefer an active dog. The dog may also be quieter, which some people will consider a problem if the dog is supposed to be for protection. It’s also notable that your dog will probably gain weight as a result of the change in hormones and activity. Keeping Fido active will take more intentional effort.
No Puppies
Not having puppies is the purpose of the procedure, but some people fail to think about the consequences of this. If you ever might want to breed your dog to raise puppies that you can then sell, then you don’t want to get it spayed or neutered obviously.
Making the Best Decision for You and Your Dog
There are quite a few points to consider when deciding to spay or neuter your four-legged friend. Rest assured that whether your pup is spayed or neutered, you can count on your friends at Space Coast Pet Services to know how to handle Fido or Fluffy.
Click to learn about our Services and Contact Us to join our pet family! If you need pet care during your pup’s recovery period after their spay/neuter, we can help with any medication management and modified activity restrictions they may need. Let’s chat!
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It’s great that you mention that having your dog spayed or neutered can protect them from cancer. I want my puppy to stay healthy, so I’m thinking about taking him to a veterinarian to get neutered soon. I’m going to look for a good veterinarian in my area that does dog neutering.
Every dog I’ve had that was fixed, GOT CANCER. Maybe there is an alternative solution??