Dog Neutering and Spaying – Why It's Important, Risks, and Recommendations

Whether you've recently adopted a dog, plan to do so, or have owned dogs your whole life, one of the most important decisions regarding your pet's health is related to spaying or neutering.

Below, we invite you to discover the recommendations of specialists, why this surgery is important for your dog's overall health, when such an intervention should be performed, and what it entails. Additionally, we've prepared a brief guide on how to care for your furry friend during the post-operative period to ensure a quick recovery.

• Differences between spaying and neutering dogs
• At what age is spaying or neutering recommended for dogs?
• How to prepare your pet for spaying or neutering
• Risks of not spaying/neutering dogs
• Impact of spaying/neutering on dog behavior
• Why is it important to control the dog population through sterilization?
• Importance of a vet visit before spaying/neutering
• Recommended diet for spayed/neutered dogs
• Recommended activities during the recovery period
• How to prevent complications and maintain dog health after spaying/neutering
• Legislation on dog sterilization in Romania
• Myths about spaying and neutering

Differences between spaying and neutering dogs

Spaying refers to the removal of reproductive organs in females, while neutering is the term for the procedure applied to males. Both operations involve a minimal hospitalization period, are performed under general anesthesia, and normally carry no risks. The only potential problems are related to the post-operative period, but if you follow the doctors' recommendations and care for your furry friend, you will help them recover quickly.

Neutering a dog

Neutering involves the removal of the testicles (and associated structures). This procedure, as with females, will make reproduction impossible and eliminate behavior associated with periods of intense hormonal activity. Remember, however, that it always depends on the age and specific characteristics of each individual, so post-operative manifestations are not the same for all dogs. There is also an alternative procedure, vasectomy, but it is not frequently practiced.

Spaying a female dog

Spaying is the surgical procedure by which the veterinarian removes the reproductive organs, so the female can no longer become pregnant and no longer goes into heat because she no longer has menstruation. Normally, the typical sexual behavior for each breed disappears, but this is not always the case. Like cat spaying, the procedure can be done in two ways, both operations being equally safe and effective:

• Ovariohysterectomy – removal of the uterus and ovaries;
• Ovariectomy – only the ovaries are removed.

At what age is spaying or neutering recommended for dogs?

The classic age for spaying or neutering a dog is between 4 and 6 months, but there are several factors that the veterinarian will consider, such as breed, when recommending such an intervention. Large breeds, such as the Presa Canario, tend to mature sexually later than smaller ones.

Also, the environment in which the animals grow is important. For example, consider a male and female who are siblings, the same age, and live in the same house. In this situation, the surgery should take place as early as possible, before the female enters heat for the first time. On the other hand, if there is only one puppy in the house, there is no rush.

Spaying and neutering are recommended primarily to reduce the number of unwanted puppies, but these interventions also bring many benefits for your furry friend's health and can reduce behavioral problems, according to specialists from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).

Spaying/neutering dogs does not change their personality or temperament; this is just a myth. Regardless of whether your furry friend undergoes an early or late spaying/neutering procedure, ensure harmonious development and robust health with the help of veterinary supplements; your doctor can provide detailed recommendations on the appropriate options for him!

At what age do female dogs have their first heat?

Most veterinarians recommend spaying before the female dog goes into heat for the first time. If you're wondering at what age female dogs have their cycle, the timing varies, but it usually happens between 5-10 months of age. Spaying dogs before their first heat reduces the risk of mammary cancer. Also, spaying can prevent the occurrence of pyometra, a serious uterine infection, frequently found in unspayed and unmated females.

At the same time, spaying female dogs is the most effective method to avoid unwanted pregnancies or false pregnancies, which can lead to behavioral problems and the development of medical conditions. For small dogs, such as those of the Shih Tzu breed, early intervention, around 5 months of age, is the best choice.

Male dogs in heat

There is no specific "heat period" for male dogs; they respond to signals transmitted by available females and can travel long distances to meet them. If we talk about a male dog in heat, the manifestations are not very clear and can vary greatly; most of them are agitated, try to run away from home in search of a female: once identified, they follow her and are willing to engage in conflicts with other males to win her over.

How to prepare your pet for spaying or neutering

Your pet will sense if you are agitated or worried. The first thing you should do before surgery is to remain calm and make them feel comfortable, confident that nothing bad will happen to them.

Then, at least 12 hours before the intervention, make sure your pet doesn't eat anything. They are allowed to drink, but not on the morning of the scheduled day. Also, the veterinarian will examine them before the surgery and will request blood tests and other medical examinations to ensure the animal is healthy and can tolerate the operation well, without risks.

Risks of not spaying/neutering dogs

Many owners ask questions about the recovery period after dog neutering or worry about the cost of neutering a dog, but too few of them consider the risks of not sterilizing their furry companion.

When male dogs are neutered, the veterinarian protects your friend from accidents caused by running away from home, fights with other male dogs, and the stress and agitation generated by perceiving a female in heat. Early sterilization also protects the male dog against sexually transmitted infections, penile tumors, and prostate cancer.

Spaying female dogs has the primary and obvious advantage of stopping unwanted reproduction of mixed-breed dogs. But spaying females also has other advantages related to their health and longevity: after spaying, females no longer have a cycle, so they no longer soil the house; the risk of pyometra is completely eliminated if an ovariohysterectomy is performed on female dogs. In addition, spaying female puppies before their first heat cycle is associated with a drastic reduction in the risk of mammary cancer.

Ignoring these benefits of owning a spayed dog means exposing your furry friend to the risk of cancer, fatal infections, or dangerous accidents.

Impact of spaying/neutering on dog behavior

Photo source: Shutterstock

Among the most frequent questions owners ask before deciding in favor of dog neutering surgery is this: what does dog neutering mean from the perspective of their behavior? At what age are dogs sterilized so that the surgery has no impact on their behavior?

At what age dogs are neutered has no importance from a behavioral point of view; some specialists believe that juvenile neutering in males improves social relations between them and other dogs, but this hypothesis is not always confirmed. Neutering should not be seen as a remedy for aggression; it must be controlled through training.

A neutered dog is just as cheerful and playful as an unneutered one. At what age male dogs are neutered will not influence their tendency to guard property or their responsiveness to training. Spaying/neutering animals does not alter their personality in any way.

The only change that can be observed when a female dog is spayed or a male dog is neutered is a lack of interest in reproductive activities. The animals no longer tend to run away from home, are no longer distracted by the pheromones of other dogs in heat, and exhibit less agitation related to sexual behaviors.

Why is it important to control the dog population through sterilization?

Owners often worry about infections after dog sterilization, are concerned about the recovery period after spaying a female dog, or about possible adverse reactions to dog anesthesia. All these risks are minimal in the office of a competent veterinarian, however, the major benefit of spaying/neutering (dog population control) cannot be achieved by any other method.

A female dog can give birth to between 4 and 8 or even 12 puppies in one litter and can have two litters per year. In turn, her puppies can start having their own puppies at just 8 months old. A quick calculation shows that the rate at which the dog population grows is much higher than the actual possibilities for adoption, which means that more and more stray dogs end up on the streets, exposed to cold, hunger, disease, and accidents.

In this context, what does dog sterilization mean? It is synonymous with giving existing dogs a chance for adoption and reducing the number of stray dogs, a common desire for both animal lovers and those less fond of animals.

Importance of a vet visit before spaying/neutering

Complications after dog sterilization can often be avoided with the help of a pre-operative medical consultation. Before neutering male or female dogs, it is advisable to schedule a complete medical evaluation of your pet. During this consultation, the veterinarian will be able to assess the dog's clinical health, request more information about its medical history, and collect a small blood sample to evaluate kidney and liver function, to ensure there are no problems related to anesthesia.

Also, during this consultation, the doctor will have time to answer any questions you may have - for example, how long it takes for a dog to recover after anesthesia, how long after giving birth a female dog can be sterilized, when a female dog is sterilized depending on age or heat cycle, how much it costs to sterilize a dog, how long spaying takes for female dogs, and so on.

The information provided by the doctor will attempt to describe as realistically as possible what to expect when female or male dogs are neutered, what caring for the dog after surgery entails, what the behavior of dogs after anesthesia is, depending on its type, so that you are not taken by surprise by certain absolutely normal reactions.

Recommended diet for spayed/neutered dogs

The dog's food after sterilization is a very important aspect when we refer to its long-term health. The veterinarian will provide you with complete and personalized information regarding this aspect.

In the first few days after the intervention, it is advisable for the convalescing pet to receive wet food or a combination of wet and dry food, to increase hydration and prevent constipation. Subsequently, food specifically designed for sterilized animals and the age range to which the dog belongs is the best solution for adequate nutritional intake.

The dog's diet after sterilization should be discussed with the veterinarian. Discover our range of veterinary diets designed for specific situations, health problems, physiological states, and even dog breeds. The doctor who best knows the particularities and history of your furry friend can make a personalized recommendation and monitor his progress with the proposed diet; keep in close contact with him!

Recommended activities during the recovery period

A dog's recovery after spaying/neutering surgery is rapid. However, in the first few days after the operation, it is desirable for the pet to engage in activities that do not involve a high level of physical exertion. You can go for walks, play attention and concentration games, repeat basic training commands, but avoid jumping, running, or off-leash walking in areas where maintaining wound hygiene is difficult, such as forests.

The rapid and proper recovery of your furry friend after spaying or neutering surgery depends heavily on how you care for them. In this regard, specialists from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) have some recommendations for you:

• Keep your dog away from other animals – during the recovery period, it is best to keep your dog indoors and avoid contact with other animals;
• Make sure your pet doesn't exert itself – for at least two weeks, or as recommended by your veterinarian, do not let your dog run or jump on or off the couch, armchairs, or floor;
• Ensure they cannot lick the incision site – it is very important that the surgical site remains sterile to prevent infection; put an Elizabethan collar on them or use other methods indicated by your veterinarian to prevent your pet from licking the area;
• Check the incision site daily – to ensure healing is progressing normally, check the incision site every day; if you notice redness, swelling, discharge, or an unpleasant odor, take your dog to the vet immediately;
• Do not bathe them – for at least 10 days after surgery, it is not recommended to bathe your dog, because contact with water can lead to infections;
• Watch for certain manifestations – if you see that your pet is not feeling well, is lethargic, has no appetite, is vomiting, or has diarrhea, contact the veterinarian;
• Painkillers, only on the vet's recommendation – painkillers may or may not be necessary, so it is best to establish a treatment plan with your veterinarian;
• Observe signs that your pet is well – if you see that they are lively and eating normally, most likely your dog is fine; however, do not let them become too agitated until recovery is complete;

offer special food – especially for females, it is important to offer the puppy food that is easier to digest (neutering is less invasive than spaying); therefore, provide them with wet food or pureed food.

How to prevent complications and maintain dog health after neutering?

Spaying or neutering are common surgeries and generally do not involve major risks. Complications can, however, arise due to other pre-existing conditions or due to general anesthesia.

Therefore, before the surgery, make sure your pet undergoes thorough medical examinations, from blood tests to tests for allergies to certain substances contained in the serum used for anesthesia. All these are important to see if the general state of health is suitable for the intervention. If certain liver, kidney, or heart problems are detected, it is recommended that these be resolved first and only then proceed with the surgery.

Also, research the clinic where the procedure will be performed, the operating doctors, and inform yourself about the postoperative period, so you know exactly what to expect and how to act correctly.

Legislation regarding dog sterilization in Romania

In Romania, legislation regarding dog sterilization has been subject to several changes and updates over time, in an attempt to manage the problem of stray dog overpopulation and reduce the number of abandoned animals. Here is an overview of the relevant legislation:

• Law no. 9/2008 on animal protection: This law establishes the obligation to sterilize stray animals but does not provide specific details on how this should be implemented.
• Emergency Ordinance no. 155/2001: This ordinance regulates how local authorities can manage the stray dog population, including through sterilization and other measures.
• Emergency Ordinance no. 155/2001, amended and supplemented by Law no. 258/2013: These normative acts bring amendments and clarifications regarding the responsibilities of local authorities concerning the management of stray dogs and companion animals in general.
• Government Decision no. 1559/2003 regarding the approval of the methodological norms for the application of Government Emergency Ordinance no. 155/2001: This government decision provides practical details on how local authorities should manage the problem of stray dogs, including through sterilization.

In addition, some municipalities and counties have adopted specific local regulations, which may include provisions regarding dog sterilization and the management of the stray animal population.

Myths about neutering and spaying

There are several myths about spaying or neutering dogs, which you should be aware of so as not to be influenced by them. The safest way to find correct information is to consult your veterinarian. If you want to delve deeper into the subject, you can even ask them for recommendations for specialized reading and then ask questions if you have any doubts. Here are some of these myths:

• the dog will gain weight – this is one of the most common pieces of information that specialists say is not true; as long as you offer the right food in the appropriate quantity, the dog has no reason to gain weight; remember that after the surgery, the dog will need 20% less food than before the intervention; at the same time, if it exercises regularly, it can maintain excellent physical shape; therefore, everything depends on how you care for it, not on the spaying or neutering surgery;
• the surgery will change its personality – the only thing that happens after spaying or neutering surgery is that the pet will no longer mark its territory all over the house and will no longer try to run away from home in search of a partner; otherwise, your friend's personality will not change at all, it will not become more apathetic or more aggressive;
• spaying or neutering is not healthy – specialists say there is no valid reason to believe this; no scientific study has yet demonstrated that it is absolutely necessary for a female to have at least one litter of puppies to be healthy or that a dog will feel less masculine, especially since it is not aware of its sexual identity or ego.

Neutering or spaying is one of the most important decisions you will have to make, primarily for your dog's health and then to avoid certain behavioral problems related to hormonal changes that occur in the pet's life. Remember that it is a simple procedure that does not involve risks, that it is essential to follow the specialists' recommendations and not be influenced by what you hear, read, or see left and right.

Photo sources: Shutterstock, Shutterstock.

Bibliography:

1. https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/spaying-and-neutering
2. https://animalleaguewellness.org/responsible-pet-ownership-spayneuter-pet/#:~:text=Both%20terms%20refer%20to%20the,and%20helps%20reduce%20pet%20overpopulation.
3. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/spayneuter-your-pet
4. https://www.petmd.com/dog/care/spay-and-neutering-dogs-101-everything-you-need-know
5. https://www.aaha.org/your-pet/pet-owner-education/ask-aaha/spay-or-neuter/

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