| $ $ Neutering Male Dogs: $40 - $300 | $ $ $ Spaying Female Dogs: $55 - $550 |
Neutering is a term generally used for male dogs, but it’s a term that can also be applied to female dogs.
Neutering a male dog means that its testicles are surgically removed to stop the possibility of reproduction.
Spaying is the procedure done on female dogs, also known as an ovariohysterectomy.
The veterinarian removes the ovaries and uterus of the dog, therefore sterilizing it.
This will prevent reproduction and heat or estrus in the female dog.
Despite this practice being so common, there’s still a debate on if it’s a good idea to sterilize your dog.
Some people believe that it might lead to orthopedic injuries and hip dysplasia in larger dogs that had been sterilized.
Let’s discuss next the benefits of sterilizing your dog, when you should do it and how much it can cost.
Table of Contents
Should I Sterilize My Dog?
Although it’s a personal choice, experts always recommend sterilizing your dog.
If you’re planning on adopting a dog from a shelter, likely, the dog has already been sterilized.
Besides vaccination and health checkups, most shelters also spay or neuter the dogs they have before putting them for adoption.
But if you want to get a dog from a breeder, your puppy will probably be intact, since it’ll be too young for the procedure.
So, what are the benefits of sterilizing a dog?
Reduces Stray Dog Population
Decades ago, there was a real crisis in shelters and dog pounds.
They were constantly having to euthanize stray dogs and the population was still growing.
Sterilizing a dog prevents overpopulation, unwanted, and stray dogs that would only suffer throughout their lives.
Prevents Serious Diseases
Sterilizing a dog is proven to reduce the risk of certain tumors like mammary, ovarian, and uterine cancers in the female, or testicular cancer and prostate disease in male dogs.
Dogs that have been sterilized tend to live longer and healthier lives.
No More Sexual Behaviors
Your male dog won’t feel the need to leave home to find female dogs in heat, therefore preventing fights with other dogs, as well as catching diseases or parasites from them.
Your female dog won’t have that urge to leave home either, and any other aspect of being in heat will stop, like frequently urinating to attract male dogs, false pregnancy, and bloody vaginal discharge.
When Should I Sterilize My Dog?
This will vary according to the breed of your dog and your veterinarian’s advice.
Some experts believe that if a puppy is healthy, it can be sterilized as young as eight weeks old.
But given the concern that in some breeds sterilization might lead to orthopedic or bone issues, others believe that it’s better to wait for a few months before sterilization.
For small-breed dogs, between 5 to 6 months, and for large-breed dogs, between 9 and 15 months.
This will help their bodies develop and grow properly, preventing health issues later in their life.
How Much Does It Cost?
The cost of sterilizing your dog will depend on the size of your dog, the city or town where you live, as well as the medical facility you use.
The price for neutering a male dog will usually be from $40 to $300.
Because spaying a female dog is a much more complicated and time-consuming procedure, it tends to be more expensive.
It can cost between $55 to $550.
Low-Cost Sterilization Programs
There are other options available for sterilizing your dog.
Non-profit organizations, community associations, and even your local pet shelter might be places where you’ll find sterilization procedures at lower costs than a regular veterinary clinic.
These places could be a good option if you’re on a tight budget.
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