Spaying and Neutering Dogs: Price, Procedure, and Aftercare Preview
Dog Owners Urged to Consider Spaying and Neutering for Improved Health and Behavior
As a new dog parent or someone seeking to keep their four-legged friend healthy and content, you may have heard your vet discuss the merits of spaying or neutering. These common surgeries, consistently recommended by the American Veterinary Medical Association, play a crucial role in numerous aspects of pet care.
In the U.S. alone, approximately 8 million dogs undergo these procedures every year, which contribute to a healthier, happier, and longer life for our beloved pets (1). Spaying or neutering advances vital health benefits:
- Lifespan Extension: Dogs that have been spayed or neutered tend to enjoy a longer lifespan, often by one to three years, owing to the decreased likelihood of severe ailments, infections, and cancers linked with reproductive organs (2,4).
- Cancer Prevention: Spaying significantly lowers the risk of mammary tumors (around 50% of which are malignant in dogs), ovarian and uterine cancers, and pyometra, a potentially life-threatening uterine infection (5). Neutering eliminates the risk of testicular cancer and reduces the likelihood of prostate problems (4,5).
- Prevention of Reproductive Health Issues: Removing the reproductive organs eliminates the risk of infections and complications related to gestation and childbirth (4,5).
- Improved Behavior: Spayed females avoid the stress of heat cycles and the subsequent behavioral issues, while neutered males are less likely to display aggression, roam, or mark territory. These procedures often result in calmer, more manageable pets (4,5).
The timing for these surgeries is vital. Veterinary experts suggest waiting until the dog reaches an appropriate age and, if necessary, until skeletal maturity to minimize the risks associated with orthopedic issues (5).
For male dogs, the neutering process generally involves going under general anesthesia, followed by removal of the testicles. Reduced hormone levels lead to a reduction in hormone-driven behaviors like roaming, mounting, and urine marking.
Female spaying is a more involved procedure, requiring the removal of the reproductive organs. Both techniques - ovariohysterectomy and ovariectomy - effectively prevent pregnancy, reduce the risk of cancer, and eliminate the possibility of pyometra (5).
Many U.S. shelter euthanasia rates have plummeted since large-scale sterilization programs were introduced by the ASPCA in the 1970s. Rates initially estimated at 13.5 million annually have diminished to under a million in recent years, demonstrating the transformative potential of these simple procedures in both pet-owning households and communities (1, 2).
When planning spay or neuter appointments for your furry companion, familiarize yourself with the preferences and guidelines of your vet regarding optimal timing. Consult your vet to determine whether your dog should be spayed or neutered between 6 to 12 months of age, depending on factors such as breed and size (5).
While these procedures carry some risks common to any surgery, such as anesthesia complications and postoperative infection, the benefits generally outweigh these risks (5). Exceptions to surgical sterilization are rare, and when applicable, alternatives such as vasectomy or hormonal treatments are not widely recommended (5).
Here are some expected steps prior to surgery:
- Your vet will offer pre-op instructions, typically including a fasting period and preoperative blood work.
- Administer any prescribed anxiety and nausea meds.
- Increase your dog's exercise in the days prior to surgery to ensure they rest adequately after the procedure.
On the day of surgery, drop off your dog at the clinic in the morning, where they'll have a physical exam and receive an IV catheter for fluid administration. General anesthesia will be administered, and the surgery itself lasts about 20-60 minutes, following which they'll be moved to recovery, with appropriate pain management and care provided as needed (6).
Recovery usually takes 10 to 14 days, after which normal activities can resume, but avoid baths, swimming, rough play, and licking or chewing at the incision site. Monitor the site daily for signs of infection.
Contact your vet if your dog appears excessively lethargic for more than 24 hours, experiences vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty urinating, or shows concerning symptoms at the incision site.
In conclusion, spaying or neutering your dog is a fundamental aspect of responsible pet parenting. Beyond preventing unwanted litters, these procedures proactively support long-term pet health and improve behavior (6). As always, feel free to consult your vet for advice tailored to your dog's particular needs prior to and during surgery.
References
- Rowan, A., & Kartal, T. (2018). Dog Population & Dog Sheltering Trends in the United States of America. Animals: an open access journal from MDPI, 8(5), 68. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani8050068
- ASPCA (Retrieved 2023, Apr 13). Pet Statistics. Retrieved from: https://www.aspca.org/helping-people-pets/shelter-intake-and-surrender/pet-statistics
- Xavier, R. G. C., et al. (2023). Canine Pyometra: A Short Review of Recent Advances. Animals: Basel, 13(21), 3310. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13213310
- Hoffman, J. M., et al. (2013). Reproductive Capability is Associated with Lifespan and Cause of Death in Companion Dogs. PLOS ONE, 8(4), e61082. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0061082
In light of the significance of pet health and wellness, dog owners should consider the benefits that spaying and neutering can bring to their furry friends. These procedures can lead to a longer lifespan for dogs due to reduced risks of severe ailments, infections, and cancers linked with reproductive organs (2,4). Furthermore, spaying and neutering can positively impact a dog's behavior, making them less likely to display aggression, roam, or mark territory, resulting in calmer, more manageable pets (4,5).
