Planning to spay or neuter your dog is one of the most important demonstrations of showing responsibility toward the pet - not for one or two days, but for its whole life. Spaying and neutering can also help with many aspects of dog health. If after reading this article you still aren't sure, go down to the humane society in your area on the day they are euthanizing some of the 10 million dogs and cats that are euthanized in the U.S. each year. Words won’t begin to describe how horrible life is for these abandoned and abused dogs that were once someone's pet. Newspaper ads are full of animals to give away because they don’t want them, right next to the animals being sold for high dollars. And the cycle goes on.

Health Reasons for Dog Neutering

When you decide to neuter or spay your animal, not only are you preventing them from having another unwanted litter of puppies in an overly animal-populated world, but also you are allowing them to live a healthier and happier life. Early neutering and spaying can prevent uterine infections, testicular cancer, and breast cancer in animals. Many people do not neuter or spay as they feel it costs too much. In reality the cost is much less than raising a litter of puppies. Owners need to consider this cost as part of owning and managing your dog's health over his or her entire life.

There are no changes in regard to the personality after neutering in a dog, but behaviors that are influenced by the hormones will be affected in male dogs. Roaming after females will be reduced 90%, while aggression against other males will be reduced 60%. Urine marking will be reduced 50% of the time, while inappropriate mounting will be reduced 70% of the time. All in all, he will be a better dog.

When Can I Get My Dog Neutered or Spayed?

Most dogs can be neutered anytime after they turn 8 weeks of age, even though only in certain areas will they do it that young. The usual age is around six to eight months of age, and if they are neutered after they reach puberty they will not be as large as the ones who have it done before.

If a male dog is not neutered, he will mark inside the home on furniture, flooring, plants, and you, in order to establish his boundaries and let other animals know that this is his belonging and you belong to him. And this will not stop if you wait until he is older, and then have him neutered.

Females are typically spayed at about the same age, ideally before they come into heat for the first time. Early spaying prevents many common health problems such as reproductive cancers and complications.

One of the best ways to ensure your dog's health is to plan to spay or neuter your pet as soon as recommended by your vet or breeder. If you have questions talk to your vet, he or she will be more than happy to talk to you about your dog's health and spaying and neutering.