The importance of sterilizing your dog

You’ve just welcomed a brand-new puppy into your home and you’re wondering: should I sterilize them? Did you know there are a number of benefits to sterilization that will result in a longer companionship and fewer health problems for your pet? Below are a few important factors to consider when it comes to sterilizing your dog.

Why is sterilization so important?

Here are the most important reasons why you should sterilize your new four-legged baby. You’ll notice, it benefits your pet in so many ways!

Prevents overpopulation

• Helps reduce abandonments resulting in unjustified euthanizing.
• Maintains genetic heritage of the breed and decreases certain congenital diseases.

Prevents unwanted behavior

• Diminishes aggressiveness against other dogs and reduces territoriality.
• Reduces the likelihood of running away which means fewer accidents and injuries.
• Reduces the marking of their territory in inappropriate places.

Prevents health problems associated with the secretion of sex hormones

• Prevents problems related to the prostate such as hyperplasia, prostatitis and cysts, as well as testicular issues such as tumors (for male dogs).
• For the female, it prevents the appearance of tumors on the mammary gland among females if performed before they’re in heat. It also prevents pyometra, metritis and mastitis (an infection of the uterus or mammary gland), pseudo gestation (nervous lactation), tumors in the ovaries and uterus, blood loss in the house when in heat and accidental gestation.

How it works

For females, the procedure is called an ovariohysterectomy. It involves an incision to the abdomen to allow for the ovaries and uterus to be removed. When it comes to males, castration involves removing the two testicles via a small incision beneath the scrotum.

Some pointers

• Set aside a starting budget for basic vaccinations (to be done about two weeks after your dog's arrival), microchipping and spaying/neutering your new puppy. Many municipalities have made spaying and neutering pets mandatory. However, you should know that many shelters and some cities have spay/neuter programs at a lower cost. Check it out!
• The general recommendation is to do the surgery at roughly six months to reduce the risk of surgical complications as much as possible. Doing so also reduces the risk of unwanted behaviour or diseases related to the presence of sex hormones. In any case, be sure to talk to your veterinarian to know when is the best time to sterilize your pet, according to their size, breed or other factor.
• Once your pet has been sterilized, be sure to adapt their food portion according to their metabolic needs. Keep a close eye on them and make sure they maintain a healthy weight.

There you have it: all the reasons why you should sterilize your dog. Contact your veterinarian to schedule the procedure!