If you’ve watched the iconic game show The Price is Right, you may have heard the host, Bob Barker, tell audiences at the end of each episode to have their pets spayed and neutered to help control the pet population. With 78% of dog owners spaying or neutering their pets, these procedures have become a routine practice. However, if you’ve recently brought a new puppy into your life, you may wonder when you should get this procedure done. The answer depends on their breed, size, gender, and other unique characteristics.
At Broadway Veterinary Hospital, we understand how much you want the best for your new puppy. With over 25 years of trusted care in Sacramento, we’ve guided countless pet owners in making important decisions like when to spay or neuter. By considering your puppy’s specific needs and our commitment to staying at the forefront of veterinary care, we’ll help you choose the timing that sets your furry family member up for a lifetime of good health.
When Should You Spay or Neuter Your Dog?
In the past, many dog owners and professionals assumed puppies should be spayed or neutered when they are anywhere from four to six months old, but now, the recommendation is tailored to each individual dog. Different breeds reach sexual maturity at various ages, with some toy breeds reaching this point as early as six months, whereas large breeds take 16 to 18 months.
At Broadway Veterinary Hospital, our UC Davis-educated veterinarians can help you understand the best age to spay or neuter your puppy and the details of the procedure, which include the following:
Spaying
Spaying is done on female dogs to remove their ovaries and uterus when they reach sexual maturity, preventing them from reproducing. Signs of sexual maturity in female dogs include vulva swelling, discharge, increased urination, and behavioral changes. They may also experience their first heat, which often involves bloody discharge, moodiness, and unwanted attention from male dogs. For most female dogs, this happens around nine to 10 months of age.
However, smaller breeds may show these signs as early as six months, while large and giant breeds can take closer to 12 or more months to experience their first heat. Therefore, the ideal age to spay your female dog is when they are close to or have reached sexual maturity, especially for larger breeds. Working closely with our experienced vets can help you better understand the best age to spay your pet based on their family history and specific traits.
Neutering
Neutering is a procedure that removes a male dog’s testicles to prevent him from reproducing. Like female dogs, we conduct this routine procedure when the puppy has reached sexual maturity. Signs of this development often include humping, lifting their leg to urine mark, and overprotectiveness. These behaviors can begin at an early age and continue through 12 months and beyond for larger breeds.
During this time of sexual maturity, your puppy is building muscle as their growth plates close. Allowing their systems to mature can help prevent orthopedic and other issues later in life, especially for larger breeds prone to these issues. Therefore, we may neuter large or giant breeds between nine and 18 months of age. We may perform the procedure between six and 12 months for smaller dogs with fewer orthopedic issues.
5 Benefits of Spaying or Neutering Your Dog at Broadway Veterinary Hospital
We understand it can be difficult to have your new puppy get surgery, but this practice provides many benefits for you and your pet, such as:
- Eliminated or reduced risks of cancers, including testicular, mammary, uterine, and ovarian cancers.
- Decreasing erratic behaviors in male dogs, such as marking their territory in your house, roaming for mates, and fighting with other male dogs.
- Preventing heat cycles in female dogs, eliminating bloody discharge, crying, and other behavioral changes.
- Helping tackle animal overpopulation.
- Saving money on costly surgeries later on.
With these various advantages, spaying and neutering at the right time can help your puppy live a longer, healthier life. However, every puppy is different, so discussing this with our knowledgeable and caring team at Broadway Veterinary Hospital is essential.
Learn More About Spaying or Neutering Your Puppy at Broadway Veterinary Hospital in Sacramento
Spaying or neutering your puppy might feel like a big decision, but it’s one of the best ways to keep them healthy and happy for years to come. At Broadway Veterinary Hospital, we’re here to help make the process as simple and stress-free as possible for you and your pup. With over 25 years of caring for Sacramento pets, we’ve seen how timing this procedure just right can make a world of difference.
Our friendly team takes the time to get to know you and your puppy, tailoring our recommendations to their breed, size, and personality. If you have questions or are ready to schedule, give us a call at (916) 446-6154 or fill out our contact form. We can’t wait to help your puppy grow into their best, happiest self!