Reasons to spay or neuter your dog

Reasons to Spay or Neuter Your Dog

Spaying or neutering is a simple, relatively inexpensive, low-risk surgery whereby the uterus and ovaries of female animals or the testes of male animals are removed.  It can be performed on kittens or puppies as young as eight weeks of age, depending on the weight and health of the animal and the training or preferences of your veterinarian.  Many animal shelters like to see these surgeries performed before six months of age, since workers often see kittens arrive at the shelter pregnant as young as five months.  In the shelter’s eyes, early is better. 

According to the September, 2004 issue of Whole Dog Journal, while many experts say the benefits of spay/neuter outweigh the risks, there is some preliminary evidence of health problems linked to early spay/neuter.  There may be a higher risk of urinary incontinence in female dogs spayed before three months of age, for example.  Also, M. Christine Zink, DVM, PhD, a specialist in canine sports medicine, has raised concerns whether early spay/neuter is adversely affecting the growth and development of dogs’ bones.  She fears early spay/neuter might lead to an increase in hip dysplasia in dogs spayed or neutered at the age of 5.5 months or less, for example.  If in doubt, please ask your veterinarian to review the latest research and advise you before making any decisions regarding at what age it is best to sterilize your pet.  If you decide to delay sterilization, also ask what precautions you need to take to ensure that your dog will not add to your community’s pet overpopulation, and make sure you follow such advice to the letter.  You should plan to take full (lifetime) responsibility for any puppies accidentally produced, should your precautions fail.

 There are many good reasons to spay or neuter your pet. The main one is that there are more dogs and cats than there are good homes!  Each year millions of healthy dogs, cats, kittens, and puppies are put to death nationwide for lack of a loving family.  Others are abandoned to fend for themselves or neglected by being chained outside or left without appropriate food, water, shelter, medical care, or time and attention.  Spaying and neutering mean fewer litters and fewer animals in these deplorable situations.  It also means greater public safety, since wandering, unvaccinated, untrained, and potentially aggressive animals can cause scratches, bites, and rabies.  These animals pose a particular threat to children.  They also burden the general public with having to pay additional taxes for public health services and for animal control.

Spayed and neutered animals are healthier, better behaved, and more affectionate pets.  Neutered males are less likely to roam or get lost in an attempt to find a mate or to control and expand their territories.  They are less likely to get injured or killed in a fight.  They have a lower rate of health problems such as prostate trouble or testicular cancer.    Spayed females will never have annoying heat cycles or unwanted litters.  Females that have been spayed will not mark up your carpets and furniture with unsightly discharges during their heat cycles.  Nor will you have to worry about your female attracting roaming neighborhood males that will hang around your doors and mark all over your property with their urine in their hopes of attracting a mate.

Some families feel they cannot afford to spay or neuter their pets.  Please consider all your options.  Your local veterinarian may work with you on a payment plan.  Your local animal shelter or welfare group may offer special programs such as vouchers to assist with these costs. Spaying or neutering now can save a lot of money in veterinary bills over the course of your pet’s lifetime!  And your pet will probably live longer.

Some myths are circulating that sometimes prevent otherwise-responsible animal-lovers from spaying or neutering their pets.  Here are some common ones, adapted from the ASPCA and HSUS websites:

Myth — A female cat or dog should have a litter before she is spayed.

Fact—Spaying before the first heat cycle reduces the risk of mammary gland tumors by 99%.  And it will have completely eliminated the risk of ovarian and uterine cancer.  

Myth - Spaying or neutering (sterilization) will alter my pet's personality.

Fact—Behavior changes, if any, will be for the better. 

Myth - Companion animals will become fat and lazy if they are neutered.

Fact—an animal’s weight can easily be controlled with exercise and diet.  Your veterinarian can best advise you how to keep your pet healthy.  

Myth—But my dog is a purebred.

Fact—About 25% of animals in our country’s animal shelters are purebred, so there is no reason to breed just because the animal has papers.  Here are some general guidelines for those who are thinking about responsibly breeding purebred dogs. Breeding should only be done to improve the breed, not primarily for profit.  First, consider the source of your dog.  If you have obtained a dog from a pet store, an animal shelter, or as a stray, get your pet sterilized.  The dog you are considering breeding should have a pedigree that goes back three to five generations.  Within the past three generations there should be at least four titled dogs in events such as conformation, tracking, obedience, etc.  The dog should have a stable temperament, fit the breed standards, and be certified free of diseases including genetic ones (particularly of the eyes, hips, and anything else common to your particular breed).  As a breeder you should accept lifetime responsibility for any puppies produced and be willing and able to take back any unwanted offspring for the lifetime of the dogs.  You must be willing to keep any puppies you cannot place, nor will you will release puppies before they have had a first set of vaccinations and permanent identification such as a microchip.  In addition, you must have the means and the vigilance to prevent accidental breeding and a willingness to take full care and responsibility toward any mixed-breed (or other) litter your dog may inadvertently produce, since Nature, unfortunately, sometimes has its way despite an owner’s vigilance and best intentions.

Responsible breeders make sure all puppies are as well-socialized to new places and people as medically advisable for their age.  They refuse to sell their puppies too young (so the pups are usually at least 8 weeks old).  They do not breed the mothers more often than is healthy.  Responsible breeders also make sure that any “pet-quality” pups from their litters are spayed or neutered as young as medically appropriate, and they often require the purchasers to sign a contract that ensures this happens.  They ask questions of the prospective owners before placing their pups.  They often take an active role in breed rescue for their breed as well.  A breeder following these guidelines is obviously looking out for the welfare of the dogs, not to make a profit!

Myth - I don't want my male dog to feel like less of a male.

Fact—He’ll never miss’em!  He will have no sexual identity crisis or emotional reaction when neutered.  

Myth - But my dog is so special, I want a puppy just like her.

Fact—There is no guarantee that your dog will pass along her good qualities to her offspring.  Professional breeders with decades of experience cannot even guarantee what a particular litter will bring.  The average pet-owner’s chances are even slimmer.  You could wind up with a litter with traits very different from your dog’s, possibly even a litter with all her worst characteristics.

Myth - I'll find good homes for all the puppies and kittens.

Fact—Even if this is true, each home you find deprives the dogs and cats in shelters the possibility of a good home.  Also, your dog’s babies may have their own litters in less than one year's time. Each litter adds even more dogs to the current overpopulation. The problem is created one litter at a time.

Myth - It's too expensive to have my pet spayed or neutered.

Fact—This is one-time cost is miniscule when weighed with the potential benefits over your dog’s lifetime.  In the words of the HSUS:

The cost of spaying or neutering depends on the sex, size, and age of the pet, your veterinarian's fees, and a number of other variables. But whatever the actual price, spay or neuter surgery is a one-time cost—a relatively small cost when compared to all the benefits. It's a bargain compared to the cost of having a litter and ensuring the health of the mother and litter; two months of pregnancy and another two months until the litter is weaned can add up to significant veterinary bills and food costs if complications develop. Most importantly, it's a very small price to pay for the health of your pet and the prevention of the births of more unwanted pets.

(http://www.hsus.org)

A Dangerous Myth – Children should witness the miracle of birth.

Fact—a litter for this purpose is actually teaching your children that it is acceptable to behave irresponsibly and to use or even discard animals as it suits your purpose.  Your dog is most likely to give birth secretly and in the middle of the night, so there is no guarantee your children will even see it. Use books or videos to teach your children, instead.  Some shelters have a program where your family can foster a pregnant dog or new litter and raise the pups until they are old enough for adoption.  Even purebred dogs with papers wind up in shelters, so there is no need to breed even purebred dogs for this purpose. 

Questions to consider before getting a dog

Should I Get a Dog?

The responsibility of ownership should be a commitment for the entire life of the dog.  Before obtaining any dog, here are some good questions to ask yourself:

Do I have time for a dog?  Dogs are social animals that require time.  You will need time to bathe, feed, clean up after, train, walk, groom, and just keep your dog company.  Dogs (of all sizes) do best indoors as part of the family.  You should plan to spend at least a couple of hours a day with your dog.  Very busy households might want to consider getting a second dog to keep the first one company (but remember that both dogs will need feeding, walking, training, etc.) 

Does everyone in my household want a dog?  Taking care of the dog should not be left to one person.  It is in the dog’s best interest if everyone wants the dog. All members of the family should be willing to participate in its training and care as a shared responsibility.  Children and even teenagers often beg for a dog, promise to take care of it, and then lose interest after a few weeks or months.  Parents should be realistic in their expectations.  They need to be willing to monitor and supervise the children’s efforts and to pitch in, or even to take over responsibility, as needed.  Speaking of children, the children should be old enough and mature enough to behave responsibly around a dog.  Some experts suggest your children be at least six years of age before introducing a dog to the household, but this is not a hard and fast rule.  The younger and less mature the children are, the more supervision and management will be required on the part of the parents to make the new living arrangements successful.

            Can I afford a dog?   Routine costs for a dog, like food and vaccinations, can run $500 or more the first year.  This does not including the costs of treats, toys, a bed, professional training classes, etc.  You should price out the monthly costs of heartworm preventatives, flea and tick preventatives, etc., before you make a commitment.  If searching for a purebred, you should research illnesses and genetic defects common to the breed, and feel you can afford to treat these if necessary.

            Do I have space for a dog?  If you are renting, does your landlord allow pets?  Be sure to get permission in writing before making any commitments to an animal.  There may be limitations due to size, weight, breed, or type of pet.  Those who live in condominiums or certain planned developments may also face contractual restrictions regarding their pets.

            If you are a homeowner, check to see if your homeowner’s insurance restricts the breeds of dogs it will cover. Unfortunately, there are liability considerations should your dog ever bite someone, and you will want your insurance to cover them. 

            If you have a fenced-in yard, great!  If not, and you can afford one, you should consider fencing in a sizeable portion of your yard for your dog.  A sturdy, 6-foot privacy fence may be your best bet, especially if you live close to a high-traffic area.  A privacy fence reduces the dog’s ability to see the sights and sounds outside the yard and can reduce unwanted behavior like barking or growling.  Consider extending your fence underground; this will cost more money, but some dogs are inveterate diggers, and the money spent now could save you hassles and heartache later. 

There are homeowners who use underground electric fencing systems, but these are neither safe nor humane.  These fences confine your dog by delivering electrical shocks whenever he approaches the (unfenced) boundaries of your property.  One problem with them is that any training methods that cause intimidation or pain my lead to unwanted fear or aggression problems.  Another problem is that even if they are effective at containing your dog on your property, they do not keep out humans or animals that may mean your pet harm.  A traditional fence may cost more but is well worth the extra expense. 

            Do I realize dogs should never be left for long periods tethered (tied up) outside?  They will be miserable and can also easily become territorial and aggressive.  Chaining or tethering a dog for long periods of time is illegal in some communities, and for good reason.  I recently met a Rottweiler-mix, for example, that killed and ate a Chihuahua that had wandered into the part of the yard where she was chained up.  The owners surrendered her because they have become afraid that their own children might be next. Chaining a dog is a recipe for disaster. A trolley-arrangement, where the dog can run back and forth between two objects on his tether, is preferable to a stationery arrangement, but barely.  If you must keep the dog outside for some reason, such as allergies, and you cannot afford a full fence, a smaller, fenced-in, appropriately-sized kennel run or pen with adequate food, water, cleaning, attention, exercise/walks, training, and shade provided is preferable to life on a chain or tether.  You also need to provide a properly-sized dog-house (and plan to stuff it with clean hay or straw in the winter as well as a flap to keep out the elements).  The best, safest, most humane place for a dog is as a beloved family member that spends much of his time indoors with the family. They are pack and den animals and want to spend their time with you! If you need help bringing an outside animal inside, enlist the help of a professional trainer with a good reputation.

Remember:  A dog-house does not provide shade!  It becomes dangerously hot in full sun.

Do I have realistic expectations regarding dog behavior?  Dogs in real life are not like Lassie or other dogs you see on television.  They are animals:  left to their own devices they will chew up the house, bark and growl, beg, go potty on your nice carpet, shed, knock down young children or frail seniors, tip the trash, and even bite.  They have needs, including the need for attention, training, toys, and exercise.  These needs must be met for any canine to fit into a human household and to be well-adjusted and happy.  Good details about the differences between canine and human thinking can be read in an excellent book called The Culture Clash by Jean Donaldson. 

Am I willing to train and walk a dog?  Dogs are intelligent animals.  If you do not train your dog, you will see more of the negative behaviors listed above.  Training a dog using the methods on this website need not be time-consuming.  It will even be fun for you and your dog.  But you should set aside time (at least 15 minutes twice a day) for training.  You should also walk your dog daily even if you have a fenced-in yard.  Dogs like and need the new sights and smells they encounter during walks and other outings, and the exercise will be good for you, too!  Those who are very pressed for time can incorporate training into the daily walk, particularly on the way home when the dog is less excited and more likely to be attentive.

Do I have health or other considerations?  Heartbreaking as it is, animals are often surrendered at shelters due to allergies or even moving.  If anyone in your family suffers from allergies, it might be a good idea to spend some time in the homes of various friends who have dogs to make sure that they do not trigger sneezing, wheezing, or other symptoms.  Keep animals out of the bedrooms if you are allergic, as well.  Consult with your allergist before bringing home a pet.  If your job or other circumstances force you to move frequently, carefully consider how your pet figures into your plans.  There is a special section about moving at the end of this book as well as references to online resources.

Do I know the dog laws in my community?  Some communities require special tags or licenses.  Others restrict certain breeds or limit the number of dogs any household can have.  There may be leash laws or even laws that prevent chaining or tethering your dog outside.  Get to know the local laws and plan to follow them to the letter (if there are unfair breed restrictions, contact a major organization for that breed to find out what can be done about it).  Your local public animal shelter, animal control officers, or sheriff’s/ police department should be able to provide this sort of information.

Purebred or mix? And how to research purebred dogs

Purebred or a Mix?

My own dogs have mostly been mutts.  I prefer to save a life, and it is generally harder for the local shelter to place mixes than purebred dogs.  On the other hand, I can well understand why some of my friends desire purebred dogs.  They want a carefully-bred dog that is likely to have a particular temperament, for example, or they want a dog that can easily be trained to perform a particular kind of work.  I have learned through experience that a ball-crazy border collie can be much more easily trained for Flyball than many other dogs.  If I wanted a retriever for duck-hunting, I would probably try to find a well-bred Labrador from strong hunting lines.  It is also easier to get an idea of the adult size of a purebred puppy than a mix.  On the other hand, I love my mutts! I have enjoyed working with them to find out what their individual strengths are and what each likes to do, and I wouldn’t trade them for any other dog in the world!   

The Purebred Dog

If you decide to adopt or purchase a purebred dog, you should first research the various breeds to find out more about the various dogs’ temperament, needs, typical health issues, etc.  Breed research is even helpful if you plan to get a mixed-breed, in case you can find out (or make an educated guess) regarding the mutt’s parentage.  There are many books and numerous websites to explore for this purpose.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) and United Kennel Club (UKC) websites have detailed information about most breeds.

 Once you have narrowed down your search, you will also find it a very useful technique to research the national breed club websites and any available breed rescue sites before making a final decision.   I find the better breed-rescue sites provide a wealth of honest information about temperament and health issues common to the breed.  Some strains of Italian Greyhounds, for example, break their legs easily and unexpectedly when young.  Australian Cattle Dogs (also known as Blue Heelers, Red Heelers, and Queensland Heelers) tend to be active, intelligent dogs that are suspicious of strangers and protective of their property and family.  Chows can be aloof and independent.  Many of the bull breeds, and particularly Pit Bulls, become dog-aggressive as they reach maturity, even when trained, socialized with other dogs as puppies, and otherwise loved and “raised right.”  Responsible owners will keep pits out of dog parks after the age of nine months (or even earlier if they show any signs of dog aggression).  I learned all of these facts about these types of dogs from their respective breed-club or breed-rescue sites. 

Many purebreds tend to have particular needs regarding exercise and grooming. Be sure to be committed to meeting these needs in terms of time and money.  My own rescue, Elvis, is a pure-bred Walker Hound rescued from our local shelter, which takes in many hounds and beagles. I knew before I brought him home that young Walkers have extremely high energy levels. They can make good house pets if given off-leash running or miles of walking every day. He burns off lots of energy playing with our other dogs, but he still begs for walks and gets into mischief when he does not get enough walking, even now that he’s approaching middle age. He steals items from our kitchen or den, for example, and races with them through the dog-door to pile them up in our backyard, where our rescued beagle chews them up. Luckily, I did my research first and have been prepared to meet Elvis’ needs. When he acts up, I realize his behavior is normal, and I blame myself rather than my dog. Time for a walk, and to put items out of his reach.

One site with good information about breeds that commonly wind up in animal shelters is available through the Petfinder.com online library.  There are also some free online quizzes such as at SelectSmart.com that can help you find appropriate breeds of dogs for you. Once you have narrowed down your breed(s), by all means, attend some dog shows and make connections with some breeders to learn some of the finer points about pedigrees and what to look for.

Beware of any site that recommends “rare breeds.”  Many rare breed registries are disreputable and try to make money off of an unsuspecting public.  Also beware of breeders who advertise “rare colors” in your breed.  Any markings or discolorations that do not appear in the official breed standards make the dog less valuable, not more.  You might like the mis-markings in a pet-quality dog, but you should certainly not pay more for them!  Certain colors are associated with health problems, such as deafness, in various breeds, and are unacceptable by breed standards for this very reason.  White American Bulldogs and German Shepherds are prone to being deaf, for example. Doing your homework now can save you frustration later.