Unlike cats, which have a breeding season, dogs tend to come into season around every 6 months. Each time, their cycles lasts approximately 3 weeks and then it will stop, regardless on if they have mated.
Why Should I Have My Dog Neutered?
It is important to neuter (spay) female dogs before the bitches’ first heat (or season), to prevent pregnancy and unwanted litters. Neutering, sometimes referred to as desexing, also eliminates phantom pregnancies and reduces the risk of health problems such as cancer of the ovaries, uterus or breasts. It also prevents the hassle of neighborhood dogs hanging and trying to get into your backyard, or barking noisily.
In male dogs, neutering (castration) tends to curb the need for roaming and fighting and reduces the risk of unwanted behaviour. Behaviour learnt by male dogs at puberty, such as leg cocking, will often remain after surgery, but desexing can reduce some aggression in dogs, as the main source of testosterone is gone.
If your dog is aggressive, it may have a behavioural problem , which is a separate issue. Having your dog neutered, also reduces the risk of cancer of the testicles and prostate disease.
When Should I Have My Dog Neutered?
Desexing operations are usually performed from 4-6months of age, although animal shelters will often neuter dogs earlier then this. You should check with your veterinarian as different clinics can vary, but the aim is to do it before the dog reaches puberty. Neutering female dogs after they have had a season or a litter is more difficult, because the uterus is enlarged and there is more blood flow to the area. It is also easier for the dog to recover from surgery if she is young and the operation wasn’t complicated.
Although neutering male dogs is less invasive, it is still best performed around 4-6 months of age, thus reducing their need to roam, fight and before they develop unwanted behaviours.
There is no reason not to have your pet desexed (unless you are a breeder). There are myths associated with neutering dogs. For example, some people believe that if they allow their dog to have one litter, they’ll grow up to be nicer dogs, or that by having their male dog neutered, they are taking away his manhood. There is no evidence to suggest a dog would be nicer after having a litter, and a neutered male dog makes a much better pet and less likely to show aggressive tendencies.
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