Long-Term Companionship: The Benefits of Spaying/Neuter

Spaying or Neutering Can Prolong Your Dog's Lifespan

Many pet owners may be concerned about the decision to spay or neuter their dogs. However, it's important to know that, in most cases, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.

Unrestrained breeding can accelerate the aging process in a dog's organs, potentially shortening their lifespan. On the other hand, spaying or neutering can actually extend a dog's life expectancy.

In addition, these procedures can significantly reduce the risk of various diseases, leading to a healthier and happier life for your furry friend. For male dogs, it can lower the chances of developing testicular and prostate cancers, as well as breast and uterine cancers. For female dogs, it can also reduce the risk of breast and uterine cancers, and decrease the likelihood of prostate diseases.

Spaying or Neutering Can Also Alter Your Dog's Behavior Positively

These surgeries can help curb unwanted behaviors such as marking territory, excessive barking, wandering, and fighting. This not only reduces the risk of your dog getting lost or injured but also minimizes the chances of them contracting diseases. Moreover, it can make your dog more affectionate, eager to be around people, and develop a closer bond with you, resulting in a gentler and more trainable pet.

What Preparations Should Be Made Before a Dog's Spaying or Neutering Surgery?

PreSurgery Preparations

1. It's crucial for owners to allocate sufficient time and energy to care for their dog before and after the surgery, as proper preparation and postoperative care are vital for the dog's healing and recovery.

2. The ideal time for surgery is after the dog has fully developed, which is typically between their first and second heat cycles. It's important to avoid scheduling the surgery during the heat cycle, as the uterus becomes more fragile and the blood vessels are more prone to damage, increasing surgical risks.

3. To prevent overdistension of the abdomen and reduce the risk of vomiting during surgery, which can complicate the procedure, dogs should be fasting for 68 hours and should not have water for 2 hours before the surgery. The fasting period should not exceed 12 hours in theory.

4. It's advisable to prepare a spacious box or cage for the dog to rest comfortably after the surgery.

How to Care for Your Dog After Spaying or Neutering Surgery?

PostSurgery Care Instructions

1. For the first 68 hours after surgery, while the dog is still under the effects of anesthesia, it should be kept fasting to prevent any risk of aspiration and ensure their safety.

2. Once the dog has fully awakened, you can start feeding them with highnutrient liquid food.

3. Keep the dog warm, as their body temperature may be slightly lower for a while after surgery.

4. Most dogs can tolerate the postoperative pain, but if they seem particularly uncomfortable, you can consult with the vet about administering pain medication. Pain can stress the body and hinder healing.

5. Limit your dog's vigorous exercise for about a week after surgery to prevent the wound from splitting and to avoid unnecessary outings.

6. Disinfect the wound daily and keep it dry to prevent infection.

7. Dogs may have a tendency to lick their wounds, which can cause the sutures to break and lead to infection. Therefore, it's important to keep them fitted with an Elizabethan collar until the stitches are removed. The collar should not be too tight or too loose, with a finger's width between the neck and the collar.

8. When is the Best Time to Perform the Spaying or Neutering Surgery?

Performing the surgery too early can interfere with the dog's normal hormone production and development, so it's best to wait until after the first heat cycle, which is typically around 78 months of age for male dogs. For female dogs, it's best to wait until after their first heat cycle to ensure they have reached a certain level of maturity.

Important Reminder

Spayed or neutered dogs are not eligible to participate in dog shows, as one of the core beliefs of dog shows is the breeding of purebred dogs with desirable genetics. If you plan to raise a dog for show purposes, it's best not to spay or neuter them.