Spaying or Nuetering Your Dog-Get The Facts... Be Responsible

Bringing a new puppy or dog home is a huge commitment and a three-fold responsibility. You now have a commitment to your dog, yourself, and to your community. Spaying or neutering your pet is just another responsibility that you must think about when bringing a puppy or dog into your home. And, if you've already brought one home, the time to start thinking about you and your pet's future together is now.

Unless you are a professional breeder, there is no reason not to have your dog spayed or neutered. Let's take a look, quickly, at the differences of each.

Spaying vs. neutering
A female dog is spayed and a male is neutered. The operation is a removal of the animal's reproductive organs. The operation tends to be a little more expensive for female dogs as the veterinarian has to make an incision and sew up the animal's lower abdomen. In a male dog, however, the scrotum is opened and the reproductive organs are removed. The operation is also a little quicker for male dogs. The age and health of your dog will cause recovery time to vary.

A long time ago in the United States, older dogs were the only one's spayed or neutered as they had a greater chance of survival than puppies. However, with advances in sterilization, the operation is usually done when a puppy is around six months of age. Some veterinarians will do the operation a little sooner, around three to five months. Older dogs can also be spayed or neutered, but you should talk to your vet about the appropriate time, especially for female dogs. The operation should occur well after a heat cycle (Estrus).

There are many benefits to spaying or neutering your dog. Female dogs undergo a heat cycle for six or seven days, three times per year. While female dogs, unlike cats, remain somewhat controllable during Estrus, it will save you headaches, clean up, and every male dog in the neighborhood coming over for a visit to your front yard. Spayed or neutered pets live longer, happier and healthier lives. Spayed dogs (females) have no chance at developing uterine or ovarian cancer, as these organs have been removed. Studies show that spayed animals have a less likely chance of developing breast cancer.

Neutered dogs (males) are less likely to wander off and explore. The dog will also be less aggressive in his play or when outside on his own. He will not play as rough, nor will he bite as often. This, of course, all depends upon the training your dog receives as well.

Spayed or neutered dogs tend to be more affectionate and loving. They usually display calmer temperaments and are more enjoyable to play with and be around. Neutered pets are less likely to urinate on every tree or post they pass. Does it cause weight gain?

Some people believe that spayed or neutered animals tend to have problems with weight gain. While spayed or neutered animals tend to be more docile, there is no relationship with the surgery and weight gain. In other words, it all depends upon proper playtime (exercise) and diet, not whether your pet is spayed or neutered.

There are many places that you can contact regarding information or to schedule an appointment for your dog. Contact an animal shelter, your vet or contact SPAY USA. There are grants and monies available for those who may not have the funds to pay for all of the surgery. The responsibility rests with you. This small step will mean a more fulfilling life for you, your dog and not to mention, for your community.

About the Author:
Tina Spriggs is an expert dog lover whose lifelong interest in canines provides the motivation for her site. To learn more about dogs or to find gifts and toys for them visit her site at Dog Gifts and Toys for Dog Lovers.

Copyright 2005. All rights reserved.

---

Puppy Basics: Potty-Training, Reprimanding, and Rewards...

Potty Training Your Puppy:Make sure you feed your dog at... Read More

Westie Merchandise that Benefits your Dog

There are many places to find Westie merchandise, but before... Read More

Understanding Dog Fleas: How Fleas Breed & Affect Your Dogs Health

Fleas belong to the insect order Siphonaptera. They are common... Read More

Your Kids Want a Pet, You Dont Want To Pet Anything

"Mom, can we get a puppy?" Who hasn't heard that... Read More

Grapes, Nuts, and Your Dogs Health -- Foods that Fido should Avoid

"Magoo was a big, playful Labrador retriever who often got... Read More

Scottish Terrier Dogs - Important Facts

Scottish Terriers are short-legged dogs, at a height of ten... Read More

Cat Arthritis

Cat arthritis is not a very common ailment among healthy... Read More

Dog Grooming and Dog Care

Dog grooming is relatively simple for most dogs. I have... Read More

Why The Horses Eyes Are So Important When Training Him!

They say the eyes are are the gateway to the... Read More

Dog Food - Which Diet is Best for Dogs?

Why The Food You Give Your Dog Matters!If you're like... Read More

Is Your House Killing Your Dog?

You love your dog. You would do anything for your... Read More

Pet-Rabbit Information ? What Is Domesticated Rabbits? How To Care For Your Pet-Rabbit?

Domesticated rabbits are one of the most popular pets, apart... Read More

How To Recognize A Respiratory Tract Ailment In Your Parrot

A respiratory tract ailment can be fatal to your parrot... Read More

Pet Adoption: The Right Choice

Pet adoption is a fabulous option if you're seeking a... Read More

Lower Your Veterinarian Costs And Increase the Longevity of Your Pets Lives

What does doing natural preventative care mean? I thought vaccinating,... Read More

A Review of Cat Fancy Magazine

Occasionally, some of us get to do work that is... Read More

My Dog Won?t Stop Digging - What Can I Do?

Lonely, bored, tired of eating that same old stick, then... Read More

What You Should Know About Your Dogs Sleeping Habits

It's important to understand your dog's sleeping habits and how... Read More

New Book Helps Worried Owners Of A Pregnant Cat

'Help, my cat is pregnant and I don't know what... Read More

You Dont Get a Second Chance!

I'm sure you're aware of the bad reputation Pitbulls have.... Read More

Leash Training Your Dog-Take The Time To Get It Done and Do It Right

Attempting to train your dog to walk on a leash... Read More

Seven Ways to Boxer-Proof Your House

You are ready to bring your Boxer home? First, you... Read More

Are You Ready for a Boxer?

Are you ready for a Boxer?The answer is "no" if... Read More

Housetraining Tips for Your Dog or Puppy

Puppies need to go to the bathroom after they play,... Read More

How To Get Your Pet To Strike The Pose: Tips For Photographing Your Pet

If you have ever tried to take a picture of... Read More

Whats the Best Diet for a Pregnant Cat?

Pregnant cats have to eat for two, three, four, five,... Read More

Got Fleas?

Author of Keep Fleas OffStill using all the chemicals you... Read More

Our Pets

Having a pet is an experiance that I think everyone... Read More

Tips & Guide To Looking For A Good Dog Trainer

Dog training is definitely not rocket science and is easier... Read More

Puppy Love - Wonderful Companions

Everybody loves puppies. Who can resist those cute little faces... Read More

Lyme Disease in Dogs

It is hard to get an early diagnosis of lyme... Read More

Does Your Dog Bite? How to Protect Your Dog and Yourself from Liability

MuttShack Foundation for Animal Foster and Rescue, claim that dogs... Read More

Clipper Experiments: A Tail in Two Parts

Poor Dog. Subjected to my most ambitious experiments, she still... Read More