If you’ve recently welcomed a new puppy or dog into your life, you might be wondering whether you should have your canine companion spayed or neutered. Below are answers to some of the most common questions people have about these surgeries. Show
What is the difference between spay and neuter?
Why spay or neuter your dog?Here are three of the top reasons to spay or neuter your canine companion from AKC’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr. Jerry Klein:
It’s important to note that recent data suggests neutering before puberty may instill a tendency toward shyness and insecure behavior. At what age should a dog be spayed or neutered?Though these procedures can be done on puppies as young as a few months old, dog owners should consult with their veterinarian to determine the best age to spay or neuter their pet. The AKC’s Canine Health Foundation sponsored research that indicates there may be long-term health benefits to spaying or neutering dogs after they have passed through puberty. Benefits to neutering after puberty can include a reduction in orthopedic health problems, a possible reduction in certain cancers in specific breeds, and possible improved behavior. More research is ongoing in this area to compare differences among breeds and size of dogs. Many recommend for female puppies to be spayed before their first heat, which can occur as early as 5 months of age. However, there is increasing evidence that this is too young as the dogs have not been allowed to fully develop and grow. If you elect to spay or neuter your dog, you should consult with your breeder and your veterinarian to determine the most appropriate age for this surgical procedure. What is the recovery time for spaying or neutering a dog?
What does it cost to spay or neuter a puppy or dog?The cost of spaying and neutering varies across the country, and depending on the facility where the surgery is done, the procedure can set you back several hundred dollars. You should check with a trusted veterinarian to determine prices in your area. Some communities offer low-cost spay/neuter programs to help reduce the number of unwanted pets. How can I find out about low-cost spay/neuter programs in my area?Check out the links below: Talk to your veterinarian for advice on spaying or neutering your puppy or dog. She will be able to address any questions or concerns you may have. Do male dogs change after being neutered?The main findings are: Male dogs show behavioural changes after castration more often and more distinctly than female dogs after neutering. Behavioural problems in most cases are reduced or have even disappeared after neutering (male dogs 74%, female dogs 59%).
What to expect after neutering a dog?Most dogs recover relatively quickly from neutering. A little wooziness is not unusual; post-anesthesia anxiety and fussiness is normal. Young dogs may want to return to play as soon as the same day. However, dogs should be kept calm for 10 to 14 days after surgery, or however long your veterinarian recommends.
What happens to dogs balls after they are neutered?The scrotum is often swollen in the first few days after surgery, leading some people to wonder if the procedure was really performed. If the dog is immature at the time of neutering, the empty scrotum will flatten out as he grows. If he is mature at the time of neuter, the empty scrotum will remain as a flap of skin.
Do dogs keep their balls when neutered?In large dogs, the scrotum may also be removed to prevent a postoperative scrotal hematoma, which can happen when the pet is too active after surgery and the empty scrotum fills with blood. Generally, the scrotum is left in the pet. In the final step, a neuter surgery again differs in dogs versus cats.
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