Reasons to Spay or Neuter Your Dog
Photo: Douglas Aanimal Shelter
After purchasing or adopting a new dog, you may be given the decision whether to spay or neuter. Most reputable breeders or dog rescues will require the dog be sterilized, but if given the option, there are many reasons why the small investment is the right decision. I really suggest you read my article named “Do Your Truly Want That Puppy? Be Prepared for What They Don’t Tell You!”, this subject is one of the reasons New Dog Owners was created!
Contrary to popular belief, raising puppies is not “fun”
Many pet owners decide not to spay or neuter their dogs because they feel that having at least one litter of puppies would be an enjoyable experience for the entire family. However, owners do not consider that puppies require round-the-clock care for the first 8 – 10 weeks of their lives. The mother, no matter how personable, can become extremely protective of her puppies, making it difficult if there are other pets in the house, or if strangers wish to visit. Puppies also cannot be potty-trained until they are at least 10 weeks old, so expect to clean up many messes.
Having puppies is expensive
Often, owners believe they can make money by selling a litter of puppies. This idea could not be further from the truth. An average litter of six puppies can cost the owner upwards of $2,000, and this does not include any emergencies that may arise, such as a C-section or a sick or dying puppy. An owner would have to sell each of the six puppies at $334 just to break even.
Every year, 1.2 million dogs are euthanized in animal shelters
Even if you do not plan to actively breed your dog, accidents happen. Your dog may escape the yard or an unneutered male may make a surprise visit to your yard. An extremely alarming statistic is that just one female dog and her puppies are capable of producing up to 67,000 dogs within 6 years. According to the ASPCA, of those 67,000, 6,700 are likely end up in a shelter, where over 2,000 will likely be euthanized. Spaying or neutering your dog is the only way to help control the number of animals that die each year.
Spaying or neutering can cause less temptation to roam
If your dog is an escape artist, sex-hormones may be to be blame. An unneutered male dog that can smell another female in heat will do whatever he can to try and find her, even if that means digging under, chewing through or climbing over a fence. Likewise, a female dog in heat is hardwired to try and find a mate, which can result in her escape.
Neutering can reduce aggression and marking tendencies
For male dogs, reducing the amount of testosterone they produce can reduce their desire to display dominance to other male dogs, as well as the need to mark every surface that another dog has touched.
Spaying can reduce or eliminate the risk of health problems
Spaying a female dog before the age of 2.5 years can dramatically reduce the risk of mammary tumors, pyometra, perianal fistulas, as well as uterine, cervical, and ovarian tumors.
Related Posts
When Does a Dog Become Sexually Active? Do you think raising a puppy is hard? Try raising a puppy that is pregnant with a […]
What Is Dog Hip Dysplasia? Causes, Symptoms And Diagnosis Hip dysplasia is the abnormal joint structure and laxity of muscles, ligaments and […]
Are Your Dog’s Allergies Real? The sad, hard truth is that veterinarian's are not qualified nutritionists. They are, […]
Can Dogs Catch a Cold or The Flu Although you can catch a cold or the flu at any time of the year, we see it so much more […]
I started newdogowners.com for one simple reason, to help prepare new dog owners for owning a new puppy. My goal is to help stop the passing around of dogs. The forever home, should be a dog's first home.
- How to Get a Service Dog for Anxiety and Depression: The Ultimate GuideIntroduction - February 6, 2024
- Best Toys for Teething Dogs: 10 Options to Soothe Their Gums - January 29, 2024
- How to Prevent a Mess: Dog Proof Trash Can and DIY Hacks - January 29, 2024
