If you decide to have your dog spayed or neutered, it is usually done between six and nine months of age. While some medical procedures, such as vaccinating your puppy, should be considered mandatory, spaying or neutering is only sometimes the preferred choice for some dog owners.
If you’re unsure what’s best for you, consult your veterinarian, who can help you make an informed decision.
If you decide to have your puppy or dog spayed or neutered, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure a smooth process.
When should a puppy be sterilized?
It’s important to know when your dog should be spayed or neutered. Depending on their size and breed, male and female puppies reach sexual maturity between 6 and 18 months. Therefore, if you wish to have them spayed or neutered to avoid future litters, you should do so while your puppy is still young. Consult your veterinarian to determine the best time to spay or neuter your puppy.
In some cases, your veterinarian may suggest that you wait. Delaying spaying is most often used for large breeds, which generally need more time to mature. While there is still some debate about when a puppy should be spayed or neutered, your veterinarian can advise you on what is best for your dog.
What should I expect if my puppy is neutered?
When you schedule your puppy for spaying, your veterinarian will perform a pre-anesthetic exam a day or two before, which will usually include a thorough physical exam and blood work.
Your veterinarian will probably advise you not to feed your puppy the night before to avoid possible complications from the anesthesia.
The procedure does not require an overnight stay, so you can bring your puppy in the morning and pick him up in the afternoon.
Recovery time for spaying a dog
A dog’s recovery time after spraying is about 7 to 10 days. Males usually recover faster, as the procedure is less invasive than females.
During this time, your dog must wear a surgical cap while the incision heals and before the wires are removed if they do not come out on their own.
Tips for Recovery
Stay close to your puppy the first night after surgery.
Your puppy may whine or complain as he recovers from the procedure. This may be because he’s a little disoriented from the anesthesia, or it may be a sign of pain. Ask your veterinarian for advice.
Puppies can sometimes suffer from an upset stomach as a side effect of the anesthesia. Your veterinarian may recommend a diet for the postoperative period. You should use this diet for the first few meals after surgery to settle the puppy’s stomach.
Give any medications your veterinarian has prescribed for postoperative treatment, as directed.
Your veterinarian may schedule follow-up visits a few days after surgery to monitor your pet’s recovery.
Your puppy may be discharged the day after surgery, but keep him on a leash until he is fully recovered and cleared after postoperative examinations.
To prevent your puppy from licking or scratching at the site of the surgery, he may need to wear a dressing over the wound for up to ten days after surgery.
You should check the wound regularly to ensure it is clean and healing well.
Prevent your dog from jumping by keeping him on a leash until your veterinarian allows you to do so. This will protect the stitches and give them time to heal. If your veterinarian uses non-dissolving stitches, they will provide a date for removing them, usually about 7-10 days after the procedure. Male dogs that are castrated at a slightly older age and are overly active after castration is particularly susceptible to testicular hematoma.
Castration of dogs and its effect on feeding
Sometimes castration can cause weight gain due to hormonal changes afterward.
A spayed or neutered dog needs about 30 percent fewer calories. You can keep your dog in shape by exercising regularly and changing the amount of food he eats. Consult your veterinarian for a recommendation specific to your dog.
