Why should dogs be spayed or neutered?

Spaying or neutering dogs can lead to healthier and longer lives, normal hormone levels, stable emotions, and prevention of various diseases. Female dogs can avoid uterine inflammation and other diseases, while male dogs can avoid prostate diseases. These procedures contribute to physiological and psychological balance. Medically speaking, spayed or neutered pets tend to have longer lives and healthier mental and physical development.

1. Benefits of Spaying Female Dogs

1. No more heat cycles: Female dogs experience menstruation-like bleeding during heat cycles, which can be a nuisance for many pet owners who value cleanliness and tranquility in their homes. Spaying eliminates this issue by preventing the twice-yearly, ten-day-long bleeding periods.

2. Avoiding uterine infections: Approximately one in four unspayed female dogs will develop a uterine infection at some point in their lives. This condition can be life-threatening, with the only cure being emergency surgery to remove the uterus. Spaying young and healthy dogs can prevent this issue and reduce the risk of breast tumors, uterine tumors, cervical tumors, and mammary tumors.

3. Preventing pseudo-pregnancy: Some dogs exhibit pregnancy symptoms, such as a swollen abdomen and milk production, even if they haven't been mated. Pseudo-pregnancy can lead to metabolic disorders and severe mastitis.

2. Benefits of Neutering Male Dogs

1. Reduced marking: Unneutered male dogs tend to urinate on objects to mark their territory. Neutering can reduce the frequency of this behavior.

2. Diminished territorial aggression: Neutering can reduce a dog's territorial aggression and associated aggression towards other dogs.

3. Lower risk of attack: Unneutered male dogs are more likely to be targeted by other males. Neutering can redirect a dog's attention from other dogs to its owner.

4. Decreased mating behavior: Neutering combined with proper training can reduce or eliminate unwanted mating behavior, including sexual acts towards toys or human legs.

5. Reduced risk of prostate disease: Eighty percent of unneutered male dogs over five years old develop prostate enlargement. Some dogs experience difficulty urinating or defecating. Neutering can resolve these issues quickly. Neutering also prevents testicular cancer, which affects approximately 7% of unneutered male dogs. The good news is that this cancer rarely spreads and has a 90% cure rate.

By spaying or neutering our dogs, we can provide them with healthier and happier lives while also maintaining a cleaner and more peaceful living environment.