You probably think that puppies are adorable, but you might change your tune if you had to be responsible for a whole litter of them! Here’s everything you need to know about dog neutering and the various benefits of this procedure.
What Is Dog Neutering?
Both spaying and neutering are processes that aim to remove the sexual organs in dogs, but there are many differences between these two procedures. “Unlike female spaying, where the sexual organs are located inside the body,” male neutering does not require doctors “to go inside the body cavity to remove the sexual organs,” says Dr. Amy Tate, a veterinarian and co-owner of Riverview Animal Clinic in Birmingham, Alabama. This means that the amount of time needed to recover “is usually a lot less for male dogs.”
What Are the Benefits of Dog Neutering?
By neutering your dog, you can help to lower his risk of developing various health problems. “One of the biggest risks when not spaying or neutering your dogs is unwanted litters, but there are other risks to the dogs themselves, such as prostate issues,” says Connie Price, a registered veterinary technician at ACT Spay and Neuter Clinic in Stockton, California. Dr. Tate warns that dogs that don’t get neutered may be at a higher risk of coming down with a condition called prostatitis, which can be really difficult to treat and almost impossible to completely cure.
Another major benefit of neutering your dog is that this procedure can prevent him from developing testicular tumors and lower his chance of contracting a sexually transmitted disease. According to Dr. Tate, “male dogs that are not neutered are more prone to sexually transmitted diseases, and could even develop a venereal tumor, that would have to be treated with chemotherapy.”
This treatment can be much more costly than neutering. Furthermore, Dr. Tate warns that dogs that are not neutered are more prone to urinary track infections, which, if left untreated, can move through a dog’s abdomen and cause greater health problems.
Another benefit of neutering your dog is that it may improve his behavior. After this procedure takes place, “you will really be left with a much happier, more balanced dog because there won’t be so much extra energy left for the dog to expend,” says Dr. Tate. This hormonal energy may often lead your dog to partake in bad behaviors, such as marking or jumping the fence.
How Much Does Dog Neutering Cost?
According to The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), spaying or neutering a dog typically costs around $200. Dr. Tate adds that the price of dog neutering generally includes costs associated with the procedure, pre-surgery blood work, post-surgery medications and recovery process. But if you’re on a tight budget, you can try to find a local nonprofit spay and neutering clinic.
According to Price, nonprofit clinics do not have the same overhead as full-service veterinarians, and because they only neuter young, healthy dogs, they usually don’t require pre-surgery blood work, post-surgery recovery or an IV hookup.
When Is the Best Time to Neuter Your Dog?
According to Dr. Tate, the best time to neuter your dog is between 12 to 15 months of age, or at five-years-old if you are using your dog for breeding purposes. “At this age, they have pretty much finished their growing and their personalities have developed, so it’s an optimal time,” she says. But Price urges you to neuter your dog as soon as possible. With younger dogs, the procedures are much easier and the recovery times are shorter, she says, so you won’t have to miss as much work or hire a pet sitter to keep your dog company during recovery for as long.
For more information, read Say Yes! Spay Your Pet!
Amy Aitman is a freelance writer who writes lifestyle and parenting articles, including some for pet parents. She has her own little Westie that is now 13 years old. Follow her on Twitter.
