Horsham Veterinary Hospital

Ten Reasons To Spay Your Female Dog

1. To reduce pet overpopulation - Millions of dogs are put to sleep every year because they are unwanted. There simply are not enough homes for the number of dogs born each year. Breeding your dog even once contributes to this problem.
2. To reduce your dog's risk of breast cancer  - Most dogs can be spayed at 6 months of age. Spaying your dog at this age (before her first heat) will bring her risk of breast cancer down to almost nothing. Spaying your dog after she's gone through three heat cycles makes her risk of breast cancer about 80% less than that of an unspayed dog.
3. To protect your dog's health from other cancers  - your spayed dog has no risk of getting ovarian or uterine cancers because these organs are removed in the surgery.
4. To avoid pyometra - this condition is quite common in older unspayed dogs. The dog's cycle makes her prone to uterine infection and the uterus actually fills with pus. This is a life-threatening condition for your dog, and the treatment is emergency spay. Spaying at this time is much more difficult and risky because the dog is ill.
5. To keep other dogs off of your property - Intact female dogs are quite interesting to male dogs and you may find that you've adopted unwanted guests.
6. To avoid a mess in your home - female dogs. Which are not spayed, go into heat about once every 6 months. At this time they are ready to breed and may have some vaginal bleeding. The amount of bleeding varies with the individual, as does the exact time between heat cycles.
7. To protect your dog from a complicated birth - certain breeds of dogs are very prone to having difficult births. These dogs may become very ill or even die if the owner isn't educated about when to intervene and get the dog medical assistance.
8. To avoid costly vet bills - even if your dog has an uncomplicated pregnancy, you will need to have all of the puppies examined and vaccinated before finding them homes. Certain breeds should have minor surgeries performed in the first few days of life. Before breeding, responsible breeders will have their dog thoroughly examined, including hip radiographs and eye certification.
9. To protect you and your dog from unwanted litters - anyone who keeps an intact female dog runs the risk of an unwanted pregnancy. Male dogs can be quite persistent about getting to female dogs. A fence is not protection.
10. To help your dog live a long, healthy life - spaying is one of the best ways to protect your dog's health. Then you can be friends for as long as possible.

Ten Reasons To Neuter Your Male Dog

1. To reduce pet overpopulation -- Millions of dogs in need of homes are put to sleep each year. Even siring just one litter takes up available homes and contributes to this problem.
2. Decreased roaming -- Studies show that 9O% of neutered dogs decrease their roaming tendencies and are more content to stay home. This is most important in reducing the chances of your dog being hit by a car.
3. Decrease aggression -- Male clogs are frequently aggressive, particularly towards other male dogs. This is usually obliterated by castration. Other forms of aggression (not just towards male dogs) may be helped.
4. Less urine marking -- Many dogs use frequent urination to mark their territory. This behavior is lessened or often completely stopped by neutering.
5. Decreased mounting behavior -- Male dogs that are not neutered will frequently try to mount a person or object. This behavior is greatly reduced in neutered dogs.
6. Eliminates prostatic hyperplasia -- Commonly, the prostates of dogs enlarge as they age causing difficulty with urination and defecation. Neutering stops this problem.
7. Reduces prostatic cysts -- This is a cause of prostate enlargement that is very uncommon in neutered dogs.
8. Reduces prostatitis -- Infections of the prostate are common in male dogs, and uncommon once they are neutered.
9. Eliminates Testicular Tumors -- Testicles are removed in castration, and therefore testicular cancer cannot occur.
10. For a happier, healthier, calmer pet-- neutered dogs tend to be content to stay at home with their owners and are usually calmer, less aggressive, and happy.