Many people spay or neuter their dog because they don't want to deal with puppies, but there are many more reasons that are just as important and involve your dog's health and safety. Consider the following reasons when you're deciding whether or not to neuter your dog.
9 Reasons to Spay or Neuter Your Dog
- The top reason to spay or neuter is to avoid unwanted pregnancies and litters. While it seems that everyone loves puppies, not everyone is willing to take on the responsibility of an unplanned litter. Our shelters are already overcrowded and by spaying or neutering your dog you reduce the risk of yet another unwanted litter of puppies
- Your female dog will live a longer, healthier life. Dog spaying before her first heat reduces your female dog's chances of uterine infections and breast cancer. Breast cancer is fatal in about 50% of unspayed female dogs.
- Your female will never go into heat, avoiding having to clean up blood stains on your furniture and carpeting.
- Your male dog will also benefit from neutering. If neutering is completed before 6 months of age, you greatly reduce your dog's risk of testicular cancer and a variety of prostate problems.
- Neutering will lessen a male dog's urge to roam. While some breeds are known for their wandering nature, neutering will lessen that urge and prevent injury from car accidents or fights with other dogs.
- Neutering promotes better behavior in male dogs. An intact male dog still has the urge to mount and mark his territory. Once neutered, these desires are greatly reduced, if not eliminated.
- Dog spaying/neutering is cost effective. While spaying or neutering can be costly, it is not nearly as expensive as caring for an expectant female and the puppies that later arrive. Many cities and counties also have reduced licensing fees for dogs that are neutered.
- Neutering does not make your dog fat. Many people use the excuse that spaying or neutering their dog will make them fat. Too much food and not enough exercise is what makes your dog fat. So long as you monitor your dog's food intake and ensure proper exercise, they should maintain a healthy body weight.
- By spaying your female dog you avoid having the neighborhood stray male dogs hanging out around your home while your female is in heat.