A long-term benefit of neutering is improved health. Early spay/neutering nearly eliminates breast cancer, and totally prevents uterine infections and uterine and testicular cancer.

Recent vet research now encourages spay/neuter older than the previously thought age of 4 months.  The research makes several valid points that make good sense to me.  NEW AGE IS 5 ½ to 6 months. This is before full maturity and I have found that the girls keep that sweet “little girl” behavior and the boys squat the rest of their lives—WOW that is a bonus!

MYTHS ABOUT NEUTERING

Neutering will take away the "guard dog" instincts. NOT TRUE.  Neutering a dog does not reduce its ability as either a guard or watch dog. They will still be as protective of their territory as they were before the surgery.

Neutering makes pets fat. NOT TRUE. Neutering does not make your pet fat or lazy. Too much food and not enough exercise is the main cause of obesity.

Neutering will hurt him. NOT TRUE. Neutering is a safe and relatively painless operation done by a veterinarian.

MYTHS ABOUT SPAYING 

She should have one litter first. NOT TRUE. It is actually better for her not to have a litter or a heat period before being spayed.  

Spaying will hurt her. NOT TRUE. Spaying is safe and relatively painless operation done by a veterinarian.

Spaying will make your pet fat. NOT TRUE. Spaying will not make her fat and lazy. Too much food and not enough exercise is the main cause of obesity.

A NOTE FROM ME ON THIS SUBJECT

Unless you plan to breed, you must have the pet altered.  You are buying this pet to be a loving addition to your family.  Your pet may live as long as 15 years if cared for properly.  This includes spay/neutering.  I have known too may people who felt it “wasn’t fair” to the animal to “fix” it.  Those same people often end up facing illness and cancer, conditions exacerbated by leaving the pet unaltered. 

Your dog is giving you unconditional love and trust.  How can any owner not protect it from surgery or premature death brought on by a NO spay/neuter attitude?  Do the right thing. This dog is depending on you to make good decisions for it.

COST:  find a “low cost” spay/neuter clinic or call the Humane Society for a list of vets that offer discounts.  In Riverside I pay $55 at a vet I searched out for this purpose.  You can pay ALL prices but spay/neuter services should not be expensive. 

Preparing for spay/neuter should not concern you.  Take the food/water away the night before at about 8pm.  NEVER let the dog out of your site while it goes potty.  Keep the dog caged for safety sake.  Take the pup to the vet the next morning, usually around 8-9am.  You can pick up the pup about 4pm. The pup may be a bit “wobbly” for a few hours. I put the pup out to go potty then offer water and food and encourage rest in the crate. The next day things will be back to normal!!    Easy as pie!

 I ALWAYS put my dogs on antibiotics and your vet will include this in your charge.  10 days later you return to have the ONE suture out in the case of neutering or TWO sutures out in the case of spaying.