Dogs

Should I Spay or Neuter My Dog?

Nicole Groshek | February 3, 2022 | 2 minute read

Why to Spay or Neuter Your Dog

Spaying or neutering is the surgical removal of your dog’s reproductive organs. These are safe, quick, and typically low-risk surgeries that can be performed at your regular veterinarian office. And, thankfully, these procedures come with fast recovery times, especially for dogs. There are many reasons as to why you’d want to get your dog spayed or neutered, but the most popular reasons include:

Improved Behavior.

Dogs that are spayed or neutered tend to be better behaved because they don’t have as intense of hormones impacting their emotions and actions.

Safety.

For your dog and others around you, spaying or neutering keeps them safer because they aren’t as likely to wander off looking for a mate or be as vulnerable to another dog that’s looking for one.

Healthier Life.

Spaying or neutering your dog helps to prevent diseases, such as urinary tract infections, testicular cancer, and breast tumors, from occurring, meaning your dog has a better chance at living a longer and healthier life.

Why Not to Spay or Neuter Your Dog

Despite spaying and neutering being very common procedures, there are several reasons why pet parents may choose not to spay or neuter their dog, including:

The pet parent has plans to breed their dog.
Inability to afford the procedure.
Concerns regarding the anesthesia or surgery.

Nonetheless, spaying and neutering is a pet parent’s choice and now you’re informed with all you need to know before making a decision.

When to Spay or Neuter Your Dog

Should you choose to spay or neuter your dog, the age at which you should spay or neuter it all depends on life stage and breed size. For small-breed puppies, it’s recommended to wait until they’re at least 6 months old to spay or neuter. And, for large-breed puppies, you should wait until they’re at least a year old to spay or neuter. For all of the pet parents out there with adult or senior dogs, it’s never too late to spay or neuter them. However, you’ll need to consult with your vet first to ensure that your dog doesn’t have any underlying health issues or medical conditions that could cause complications when undergoing the procedure.

Learn More from Stella & Chewy’s

Unless you plan to responsibly breed your dog or your dog has health issues that could interfere or complicate spaying or neutering, it’s always encouraged to spay or neuter your dog. The benefits far outweigh the risks and your dog could experience a longer and happier life if spayed or neutered. At Stella & Chewy’s, we keep your pet’s safety, health, and happiness at the top of our minds and we offer a lot of additional resources, articles, tips, and tricks in Our Blog: For the Pet Obsessed.