Millions of dogs across the United States are surrendered to animal shelters every year. About 25 to 30 percent of these dogs are retrieved or adopted into new homes .. There are around 11 million dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens, that must be put to death, due to a lack of suitable homes.
The good thing is that today’s reality is subject to change. Spaying and neutering your pet can help avert the tragedy of too many dogs and not enough homes.
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Difference Between Neutering And Spaying
Spaying and neutering, often known as “altering,” are methods of providing birth control for cats and dogs. This is done by by removing the sexual organs. It prevents these pets from producing litters of pups or kittens. Spaying refers to surgery performed on female dogs or cats. Neutering refers to the surgery performed on male pets.
Pros And Cons Of Spaying And Neutering Dogs
So, what are the pros and cons of neutering a dog… Here is everything you need to know…
Pros of Neutering a Dog:
- Some health issues may be avoided. If your dog is healthy, he is at risk for enlarged prostate or testicular cancer.
- A Happier Dog – Neutered dogs are often calmer and less anxious.
- Less Territorial Marking — A neutered dog is less likely to mark his territory, particularly in the house.
- There’s a Lower Likelihood of Getting Lost . Because neutered dogs aren’t looking for a mate, there’s a lower chance he’ll walk off in search of his next partner.
- Isn’t a Cause of Pet Overpopulation – Every day, hundreds of unwanted dogs and puppies arrive at local shelters. There are many more unwanted dogs who are just thrown out on the street as trash. Your unneutered male dog is adding to the problem, even if you don’t own the female dog.
Cons of Neutering a Male Dog:
- Resulting in weight gain – If your dog isn’t as active, he or she may get overweight. Diet and exercise can help with this.
- Risks of Anesthesia — There is a 20% possibility that your dog will have an unpleasant response to general anesthesia., This is essential for neutering. Although the majority of these responses are minor, some dogs may experience life-threatening consequences.
- Hormone Disturbance — This can lead to hypothyroidism, which can result in weight gain.
Can Impact Bone Growth – Early neutering is the most common cause of this. Consult your veterinarian about when the optimum time is to neuter your dog
Pros of Spaying a Dog:
- Some health problems can be avoided. Without ovaries, there would be no ovarian cancer or cysts. If you don’t have a uterus, you won’t get uterine cancer or infection. Spaying a dog before she reaches adolescence reduces her chances of developing breast cancer.
- When a dog will have no drive to mate, she is naturally calmer.
- Less Mess – There will be no blood discharge if your dog is not in heat.
- Isn’t a Cause of Pet Overpopulation – There are already too many unwanted dogs in the world, and you don’t want to add to the situation. Furthermore, finding suitable homes for pups is not even an easy task.
PROS AND CONS OF SPAYING AND NEUTERING DOGS
Cons of Spaying a Dog:
- Spaying, like neutering, is a surgical procedure that requires an anesthetic. The majority of responses are minimal, however one out of every five canines has a bad reaction to anesthesia. Anesthesia, on the other hand, can be fatal.
- Spaying has been linked to an increased risk of urinary infections, urine incontinence, and hypothyroidism.
Weight Gain — Because your dog is likely to be less active, it may gain a few pounds. Diet and exercise can help with this
How to Get Your Dog Ready for Spay or Neuter?
Your veterinarian should make sure that your dog is healthy before undergoing surgery. In order to avoid nausea from the anesthetic, your dog will need to fast before the procedure.
What to Look Out For and What to Expect After Surgery?
After the procedure, your veterinarian will advise you to limit your dog’s activities for 7 to 10 days. On the first day following surgery, your dog may not eat as much as usual, but this should shortly change. You should bring your dog back in a week or two for the sutures to be removed, and the incision checked.
- It will make your pet meek and lazy. Some people believe that getting a their spayed or neutered will make the pet sluggish. Some individuals claim that this life-extension operation may make any dog or cat more spirited. Because of spaying and neutering, many dogs and cats will continue to be active for many years to come.
- It will cause cancer: The fact is that spaying and neutering your pet can help prevent some malignancies, including as breast and testicular cancer. This beneficial procedure can also help your pet live a better life and prevent the discomforts of the heat cycle.
- Your dog will lose its protective nature: Many of you undoubtedly bought your dog because you want it to be a member of the family and guard your house while you are away. Spaying or neutering a dog will take away its innate ability to defend, according to a popular misconception. The protective aspect of your dog stems from their affection for you and your family. Even if your dog has been spayed or neutered, he or she will still go to considerable lengths to defend their pack.
Costs
- It will cost you an arm and a leg to spay and neuter your pet: Spaying and neutering pets is no longer as expensive as it previously was. These surgeries are, reasonable and should be included in your pet’s overall health care costs. The costs of not having your pet repaired, on the other hand, might be extremely substantial. If your dog becomes pregnant, the expense of caring for the litter can run into hundreds of dollars, if not thousands.
- It’s cruel: So, is spaying and neutering cruel? No, its not. Latest spaying and neutering procedures are non-invasive and painless for pets. During the process, pets are sedated, and some veterinarians prescribe pain medication that may be taken home after the surgery is done. During the recuperation phase, most pets feel just minor discomfort and recover rapidly.
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The above pros and cons of neutering or spaying dogs should have given you a good idea of how these two procedures work. This method has helped to keep the total number of undesirable dogs under control.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to whether you might spay or neuter your dog, there is no ideal solution. I see so many abandoned dogs every day that I believe spaying and neutering is a must. However, there are hazards. There are other dangers associated with not spaying or neutering your pet. You would have to be a responsible dog owner in either case.
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