Your Dog: Alter? or not?

Deciding To Have Your Male Dog Neutered And / Or Your Female Dog Spayed?

To "Alter" (Spay (ovariohysterectomy) or neuter (castrate)) your pet is an inexpensive and effective method of pet population control. Just visit your local animal shelter and look at the number of unwanted adult and young animals.  In the United States an amazing number are euthanized each year. Other major benefits of neutering a male dog and spaying a female is prevention or reduction of some behavioral and physical problems (mostly related to the hormones and hormonal imbalances). 

Sexual Maturity in dogs is usually reached around 9 months of age, often slightly later in males and larger breeds, and sometimes slightly earlier, especially in small breeds. 

Undesirable traits associated with sexual maturity:
Note: "straddling" or "mounting" behavior is often mistakenly taken as being sexual.  This behavior is seen in males and females before and after sexual maturity, and is not related.

For female dogs (bitch) sexual maturity is noticeable (although occasionally they might have a "silent heat" with no signs). The vulva (external genitalia) swells and bloody discharge may be significant, and may last up to 10 days. This is the first or "pro-estrus" phase. In the second or "estrus" phase, which can also last up to 10 days, the bitch is receptive to the male and can get pregnant. During this phase the discharge changes from bloody to clear, and the vulvar swelling becomes less firm. During both the pro-estrus and estrus phases, the female will attract male dogs (from quite a distance sometimes).  The gestation period lasts about 2 months. A typical litter size averages between 5-10 puppies. 

Non-spayed females are more susceptible to certain mammary gland tumors which can enlarge and multiply quickly (under the stimulation of estrogen).  These may or may not respond well to "spaying" or other surgery or treatment.

Non-spayed females are susceptible to uterine infection (pyometra)
Pyometras are not uncommon in non-spayed bitches, may be life threatening, and almost always require emergency surgery.

Intact (non-neutered) male dogs tend to want to roam.  When neutered , instead of roaming, he will spend more time at home. 

Non-neutered male dogs often exhibit aggressive behavior, especially if a non-spayed female is in the vicinity. Dog fights between two non-neutered dogs are not uncommon, and one or both of the dogs will frequently end up severely injured. Aggressive behavior could and does sometimes get transferred to humans as well, with bites that can be severe.

Dog neuters and spays are generally performed when animals are 4 - 7 months of age. 

Overweight Pets:
Recent research is suggesting a link between spay/neuter procedures and weight gain in your dog and/or cat. The cause(s) of weight gain are not yet understood. It is very important to monitor your pet's weight routinely (every month or so) and limit food intake to prevent excessive weight gain in the first year after spay/neuters are performed.

It is easier to prevent weight gain than it is to lose weight later.