Did you know that spaying and neutering have health benefits for your pet?
If you're the proud owner of a female puppy, you'll be interested to hear that spaying can reduce her chances of developing breast cancer, uterine cancer and ovarian cancer. It also lessens the likelihood of uterine infection. All that, plus you'll avoid the risks associated with an unplanned pregnancy.
If you have a male puppy, you should know that neutering will prevent testicular tumors and may prevent prostate problems. It also reduces the possibility of perianal tumors and hernias.
Timing
Some vets prefer to spaying female dogs before their first heat cycle, but others don't. For male dogs, the timing is less specific, so it's best to get your vet's recommendations.
The benefits to you
The obvious benefit of you and your family having your puppy spayed or neutered is that you'll never have to deal with unplanned litters. But there are other advantages too. Males neutered early in life are less aggressive, less distracted by females in heat, less likely to mark their territory with urine and less likely to mount the furniture or your leg.
Spaying a female puppy will stop stray males from camping in your garden and decrease her desire to roam and breed.
The benefits to society
Tragically, millions of dogs are euthanized in this country every year. Most of them are the result of accidental breeding by free-roaming, un-neutered dogs. By neutering your puppy, you will know that you won't be adding to this problem.
Tasty Tips
Worries you may have about spaying and neutering
Despite all the strong evidence in favor of spaying and neutering, you may have some concerns. Let's, tackle a few common ones.
Is the surgery safe?
Spaying and neutering are straightforward operations, and ones that your vet will have performed dozens of times before. It's natural to feel nervous, but you can also feel confident that you are doing the best thing for your puppy.
The procedure is straightforward when you are neutering a male (removing the testes). A female spay (removing the ovaries and uterus), is considered major surgery, but is a routine procedure and the risk is minimal.
Will my puppy gain weight?
There's absolutely no need for a neutered puppy to gain weight. Just remember to adjust how much you feed him according to his activity level. You may also consider switching to a lower calorie food such as Hill's Science Diet® Light dog food when he reaches one year old.
Will my puppy's personality change?
Maybe, but only for the better. A neutered male puppy may be less aggressive and less likely to wander.
What else should I know?
Your pet will be required to have a general anesthetic for this procedure, so your vet will ask you not to give your puppy anything to eat or drink for twelve hours before the operation.
You'll probably be able to bring your puppy home on the same day, although he may have to stay a little longer if he's very sleepy.
To discuss these concerns further, or if you have any additional worries, it is best to schedule an appointment with your vet.
Related products
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Hearty Vegetables & Salmon Stew Dog Food
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Savory Stew with Beef & Vegetables Dog Food
A delicious complement to the superior nutrition of Science Diet dry dog food
Hill's Science Diet Adult Small Bites Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
Supports lean muscle, for dogs who prefer smaller kibble
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Pollock Meal & Insect Recipe Dog Food
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin dry dog food is gentle on stomachs while nourishing skin & promoting a lustrous coat.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Light Large Breed Chicken Meal & Barley Recipe Dog Food
Fewer calories for less active large breed dogs
Hill's Science Diet Adult Savory Stew with Beef & Vegetables Dog Food
A delicious complement to the nutrition of Science Diet dry dog food
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Chicken Recipe Dog Food
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Small & Mini Chicken Recipe Dog Food
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Small & Mini dry dog food is tailored nutrition for Small & Mini dogs while being gentle on stomachs. Nourishes skin & promotes a lustrous coat.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
Supports lean muscle and beautiful coat for adult dogs
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Small Bites Chicken Meal, Barley & Rice Recipe Dog Food
Supports energy level & beautiful coat. Helps keep immune system, heart & kidneys healthy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Oral Care Small & Mini Chicken, Rice & Barley Recipe Dog Food
Clinically proven kibble technology to reduce plaque & tartar build-up, specially designed for small & mini dogs
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Chicken, Vegetable & Rice Stew Dog Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Hill's Science Diet Adult Small & Mini Beef & Barley Entrée Dog Food
Beef & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Small & Mini Chicken & Vegetables Entrée Dog Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Small Paws Chicken & Barley Entrée Dog Food
A delicious complement to the nutrition of Science Diet Small Paws 7+ dry dog food
Hill's Science Diet Adult Large Breed Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
Supports healthy joints, lean muscle, and beautiful coat for large breed dogs
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Small & Mini Chicken Meal & Rice Recipe Dog Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Chicken, Barley & Whole Oats Recipe Dog Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Small & Mini Chicken & Vegetable Stew Dog Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Adult Chicken & Beef Entrée Dog Food
Chicken & Beef recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy
Related articles
Why Do Dogs Howl?
Learn some possible reasons for your dog's howling, which breeds are most active howlers, and some training tips for getting them to stop.
Why Do Sirens Make a Dog Howl?
Dogs howling at sirens is common behavior, but why do they do it? Also, learn if sirens actually hurt dogs' ears and which dog breeds like to howl most.
Does My Dog Have a Food Allergy?
Learn facts about dog food allergies, such as common allergens and causes, and if hypoallergenic dog food can help once you've diagnosed his food allergy.
Helpful Ways to Keep Your Dog Safe Around the Holidays
Holidays can be a busy, frantic time of year that most dogs are accustomed to. Ensure your dog stays safe by following our quick tips.
Does My Dog Like to be Petted?
Does your dog really like to be petted? Learn the best spots to pet a dog, especially for new puppy owners, as well as areas to avoid when petting.
Urinary Issues in Dogs: What You Need to Know
Learn the underlying causes of urinary issues and incontinence in dogs, why he might be peeing in the house, as well what you can do to help.
Dogs & Holiday Sweets: Which Are Bad & What To Do if a Dog Eats Them
If you suspect that your dog has eaten holiday sweets or candy, find out which common treats might be dangerous for him and what you should do next.
Exercise Ideas for Your Large-Breed Dog
Discover creative ways you can provide your large breed dog with the exercise he needs to lead a healthy, active lifestyle.
Make a Homemade Dog Bed Your Pup Will Love
Learn how to make an inexpensive homemade dog bed your pup will love, using low-cost materials and items you may have around the house!
Frozen & Fun Dog Treats for Hot Summer Days
Learn how to make frozen dog treat recipes that can help keep your pup cool in the summer heat, including which ingredients work best to keep him hydrated.
Cataracts in Dogs: Symptoms, Appearance & Treatments
Learn everything you need to know about cataracts in dogs, including common symptoms of the condition, breeds most at risk, and how they can be treated.
Adopting Dogs for Seniors: Tips for Finding the Perfect Companion
Learn more about how dogs for seniors are loyal companions. They are pack animals who want nothing more than some attention, activity, and love.
What's My Dog Doing When I'm Not Home?
Who knows what dogs do when you're not home? Here are some of the most common activities your pet will take part in while you're away.
25 Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails & Tips for Hiking With Your Dog
Discover twenty-five dog-friendly hiking trails across the United States, and helpful tips for safe & fun hiking with dogs no matter where you two end up.
How to Train Your Dog to Use a Doggie Door
Learn training tips for getting your dog to use a doggie door, including how they might react at first and how you can encourage them to embrace it.
Tips for the First Few Weeks with Your New Puppy
Ensure that you're meeting all of your new puppy's needs by learning typical puppy behaviors in the home.
Is Soda Bad for My Dog?
Learn why soda is a treat to avoid giving your dog, including issues with caffeine & artificial sweeteners, as well as the best alternative for your pup.
Four Ways to Keep Your Adult Dog's Weight Ideal & Healthy
Obesity can cause serious canine health issues, but following these 4 steps to achieve and maintain a healthy weight for your adult dog can help.
Rehoming a Dog After the Loss of a Loved One
Rehoming a dog may seem overwhelming after the death of a loved one, but there are a few simple tips you can take to help make the adjustment.
Can Dogs Eat Quinoa? (and Is It Safe?)
Learn the pros & cons of feeding quinoa to your dog, including ingredients that are healthy for dogs, but also why you should be careful before feeding it.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.