Spaying or neutering your
dog involves an operation that is performed under a general anesthesia. Spaying or neutering your dog is a common medical procedure. Spaying in female dogs is the surgical removal of the female reproductive organs (ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus) and neutering in male dogs is the surgical removal of the testicles. After the surgery, there may be some discomfort, but this is part of the normal healing process and can be controlled with
medication. Generally, your dog will stay at the office for a few hours with a full recovery in a few days or weeks. It may be necessary to prevent the dog
from licking or chewing
at the site of the incision while it heals.
Spaying or neutering is a one-time cost but has a lifetime of benefits. Spaying or neutering your dog helps curb pet overpopulation. Millions of healthy dogs and cats are euthanized each year because there are not enough homes for them. Curbing the pet population will help alleviate overcrowding at animal shelters and the number of stray dogs on the streets. The overcrowding of animal shelters is not limited to mutts and mix breeds. Pure bred dogs that are pets rather than show and breed stock should also be altered.
Spaying and neutering also reduces your pet's risk of contracting other
health problems. Spaying eliminates the chance for uterine or ovarian cancer and greatly reduces the incidence of breast cancer in females. It will also prevent uterine infections and false pregnancies. Neutering eliminates testicular cancer and decreases the incidence of prostate disease in males. Altering of your pet will increase their live span on average of 1 to 3 years. Contrary to popular belief, spaying and neutering your 
dog will not make a pet fat or lazy – only too much food and lack of exercise can lead to overweight pets. The operation has no effect on intelligence, the ability of the dog to be trained or to participate in family activities or canine sports.
Neutering makes male dogs less likely to roam in search of a mate. Neutering will also make males less likely to mark their territory - in or out of the house. Spaying and neutering can make pets more affectionate, become less interested in other animals and spend more time with the family.
The size, age, sex and health of your pet affect the cost of the spaying or neutering operation. Generally it is less expensive to spay and neuter at a younger age. Spaying and neutering your dog can now generally be performed at an earlier age rather than waiting until your dog is 5-7 months old. If you need assistance with the cost, many veterinarians and your local animal shelter may operate a local clinic or know of one that offers subsidized spraying or neutering services. Local animal shelters may also offer vouchers to have your pet spayed or neutered at a lower cost. Keep in mind that the cost of having a litter is often more than the cost of spaying or neutering your dog.
