Spaying and neutering is a standard operation, but it does have risks. To help you make a decision:

1. Talk to your vet to discuss reasons to or not to get have the operation

2. Decide if you or your dog need the surgery

3. Figure out timing

Risks (ask your vet for additional risks)

• Complications do occur, such as reactions to hemorrhage, inflammation, and infection

• Can increase chances of illnesses such as bone cancer, obesity, and more. See this article for more information.

So, do you need it?

• Obvious question, but, do you want to breed your dog? If so, then do not have the operation.

• Do you plan on boarding or putting your dog in daycare? Oftentimes, they require your dog to be spayed or neutered.

• Nervous your dog will get sick? Spaying (female) can help prevent uterine infections and breast tumors. Neutering (male) can help prevent testicular cancer and reduces the risk of other problems, such as prostate disease.

• Is your dog very territorial (barking a ton, marking everything)? If so, ask your vet if it might help your dog.

• Worried about dog population? If so, this could be a good option.

Timing (if you choose to)

• Females should be spayed prior to the first heat (five to six months)

• Males are typically neutered between 6 and 9 months, but after 9 months is ok too!

• Our vet prefers to not do any operations prior to all adult teeth coming in (or on the way). It is more risky to put your dog under twice - once for spay/neuter, and a second time for dental surgery, if needed. It is also costly.

• We (and our vet) recommend microchipping during surgical operation to reduce pain

Taking Care of your Dog Post-Surgery

After surgery, your dog may be a little bit groggy from the anesthesia. It takes roughly 7-14 days for your dog to fully recover from the operation.

• Log photos of the incision to track the healing day by day

• Watch and hold them as this may relieve stress and anxiety

• Find a dim and comfortable spot for your dog - loud kids and other animals may aggravate your dog

• Avoid long walks because your dog just had a surgical operation

• Limit playing activity - your dog should not be zipping and running around as this may open the wound

• Keep your dog dry from baths, rain (if possible), beaches, and sprinklers

• Do not allow dog to lick the wound - take a look at the e-collars and onesies below

E-Collars

While sometimes free, vets can charge up to $50 for e-collars (Elizabethan Collar) depending on size, The quality is not great - usually made of hard plastic so your dog cannot even put their head on the ground!

There are two main methods to prevent this - Brioche loved both.