So, you've decided you're ready to bring a new puppy home and into your life?

That's so exciting! Sometimes the decision to adopt a puppy is months or even years in the making. This might even be a lifelong dream of yours. In the excitement of getting the puppy home, you might forget some important details. One of those is that you need to decide whether or not you'll spay or neuter your dog and all that goes into that. Here we'll talk about common questions and discuss options.

What is Spaying or Neutering?

Spaying and neutering refer to the surgical sterilization of your pets. Your vet removes certain reproductive organs so that your pet will no longer be able to reproduce. Spaying is the process for female pets where her uterus and her fallopian tubes are removed. Neutering is the process for male pets where their testes are removed.

Why Would I Spay or Neuter My Dog?

This is a personal decision of course, but the main reason it's recommended is to control the unwanted pet population. Yes, you might be able to find homes of the whole litter but that isn't always the case. Neutering also helps with behavioral issues in male dogs and makes them less territorial. Spaying prevents your female dog from going into heat and attracting the attention of male dogs. Even if you feel like you have your female locked up safe and tight, accidents happen and pets in heat will do anything to find a way to reproduce.

Who Does the Dog Neuter or Spay Procedure?

The dog neuter or spay procedure is done by a licensed veterinarian and is very routine.

When Do I Spay or Neuter My Dog?

It's generally recommended that you spay your female pup between 4 and 6 months of age. That is when her female reproductive organs are developed but she hasn't gone through her first heat yet. When to neuter is more of a personal choice. Dogs as young as 8 weeks old can be neutered as long as they're healthy. However, many people choose to wait because they do want their dog to have some male tendencies. Traditionally speaking, most male dogs are neutered between 6 and 9 months.

What Does the Dog Neuter or Spay Procedure Look Like?

Each animal hospital is slightly different but typically you will bring your puppy first thing in the morning and drop them off. At some point in the day your veterinarian will perform the surgery in which your pup will be put under anesthesia and an incision will be made. After your puppy is done with surgery and sewed shut, she or he will be placed in the vet's recovery area while coming out of the anesthesia. Once you get there to pick your puppy up, she or he will likely be very groggy and will be wearing a cone.

How Long Does Dog Neuter or Spay Recovery Take?

For most dogs, it takes about 14 days to fully recover. The anesthesia will wear off a few hours after bringing your pup home. After that, you need to make sure to keep your pup from messing with the incision. Make sure your dog stays isolated for those 14 days and is resting properly. You'll want to check the incision each day to make sure there's no discharge or pus and that it's healing properly. If you notice anything wrong, call your vet.

Where Can I Get My Dog Spayed or Neutered in La Porte, TX?

When you're looking for somewhere to schedule your dog's neuter or spay appointment, you can go to an animal hospital. For many dog owners, it makes sense to use your regular vet since you're in there a lot the first 6 months getting shots and having check-ups.

What Does Dog Neutering or Spaying Cost?

You are looking at around $30-$145 depending on your vet and the size of your dog. A lot of the cost has to do with the anesthesia, so a bigger dog would require more and thus be more expensive. You can ask your veterinarian when you call and schedule the appointment so that you aren't surprised.

At the end of the day, whether or not you spay or neuter your dog in La Porte, TX is your choice. If you have additional questions, call (281) 471-6834 to talk with the veterinarians at Bay-Porte Animal Hospital and they can help. Your vet will be your best resource with your new puppy.