| There are a lot of pros and cons to whether you | | | | dogs especially, if they are neutered before |
| should spay or neuter your dog at all. I'm going to | | | | maturity, there is decreased chance of unwanted |
| assume that you should, even if there are some | | | | behaviors like marking territory and aggression. |
| negatives, because it would be a shame to have | | | | For females, avoiding heat is beneficial, especially if |
| more puppies that can't find homes. And it's just | | | | your dog lives indoors. |
| not reasonable to think that your dog will never | | | | Costs |
| ever get out and potentially breed. | | | | The cost of the surgery often depends on the |
| So, assuming that you're going to spay or neuter | | | | weight of the dog, since a larger dog requires |
| your dog, the next question becomes when. | | | | more anesthesia. This means that it's usually less |
| Veterinarians used to recommend waiting until a | | | | expensive to spay or neuter your dog as soon as |
| dog has reached maturity. Now more vets tell | | | | they're old enough. In many states, the cost of |
| you that you can have them fixed at a much | | | | licensing your dog is lower if he or she is sterilized. |
| earlier age, as early as 8 weeks old. | | | | So the sooner you get it done, the less you'll pay |
| Health Benefits and Risks | | | | for the license. |
| There are health benefits and risks associated | | | | Conclusion |
| with spaying and neutering. You hear a lot about | | | | Everything seems to point to having the surgery |
| the health benefits from shelters and animal rights | | | | done as soon as possible, except the health |
| groups who want to reduce the overpopulation of | | | | benefits and risks to your pet. These depend on |
| pets, which results in many animals being put to | | | | whether it's a male or female dog and its breed. |
| sleep. There are also some risks to the surgery. | | | | You can find some information at NaiaOnline, but |
| Some of the benefits and risks are related to | | | | it's pretty technical. The best answer is to talk to |
| when you have them fixed. Some increase or | | | | your vet and she what he or she recommends |
| reduce the chances of a particular disease. You | | | | for your dog. |
| will want to take your dog's breed into | | | | If you choose to wait a while, please make sure |
| consideration, since a specific breed may be more | | | | that your dog doesn't have the opportunity to |
| or less prone to a particular disease. | | | | breed in the meantime. Females can get pregnant |
| Behavioral Factors | | | | at about six months, when they have their first |
| Having your dog spayed or neutered is generally | | | | heat. Males can impregnate a female when they're |
| considered to make them better pets. For male | | | | as young as 4 months old. |