It’s as simple as this – unless you have a pedigree dog that you intend to breed, then your dog should be spayed or neutered at 5-6 months of age.
Spaying and neutering will prevent unwanted puppies…thousands of unwanted dogs are put to sleep every year in Reno and Washoe County…and will also prevent or reduce the risk of many serious diseases and cancers. It will also make your dog less prone to aggression and will make your life substantially easier.
In addition to saving lives, spaying and neutering can also drastically improve your dog’s health and life expectancy. The idea that pets become fat or lazy when they are spayed or neutered is a myth. Sterilized dogs lead healthier, longer lives. Spaying a female eliminates the possibility of uterine and ovarian cancer and greatly reduces the risk of breast cancer. Neutering a male reduces the risk of both prostate enlargement and prostate cancer. Neutering also will make your pet more affectionate and less likely to roam, get in fights, or become lost.
Having your dog neutered is basic responsible pet ownership and should be seen as a normal procedure for your pet to undergo. It’s good for your dog, you, and the community.
It’s Good for Your Dog
- Spayed and neutered dogs live longer, healthier lives.
- Spaying female dogs eliminates the possibility of uterine or ovarian cancer and greatly reduces the incidence of breast cancer.
- Neutering male dogs reduces the incidence of prostate cancer.
- Neutered dogs are less likely to roam and fight.
It’s Good for You
- Spayed and neutered dogs are better, more affectionate companions.
- Spaying a female dog eliminates its heat cycle, which can last twenty-one days, twice a year. Females in heat often whimper incessantly, show nervous behavior, and attract unwanted male animals.
- Spayed and neutered dogs are less likely to bite. Unaltered animals often exhibit more behavior and temperament problems than those that have been spayed or neutered.
It’s Good for the Community
- Quite a bit of money is spent in Reno and Washoe County to control and eliminate unwanted animals.
- Irresponsible breeding contributes to the problem of dog bites and attacks.
- Animal shelters are overburdened with surplus animals.
