The Benefits and What To Expect When Neutering Your Dog in Stevenson Ranch, CA

The decision to have your dog neutered in Stevenson Ranch, CA is an important one, and unless you intend to breed your dog, there are many reasons why neutering is recommended by veterinarians.

Benefits of Dog Neutering in Stevenson Ranch, CA

The benefits of neutering your dog include the following:

Reduced Urge to Roam

Dog neutering decreases the chance that your best friend will wander away from home in search of a mate, and it will reduce the chances of your pet getting lost, hit by a car, or get into a fight with another dog. Also, neutered dogs tend to be more attached to their human caretakers, and are less likely to seek animal friends outside of the home.

Increased Lifespan

Dogs who are spayed and neutered in reality live longer than unaltered pets. According to one report, neutered male dogs live 18% longer than intact male dogs. The study suggested that part of the reduced lifespan of unaltered dogs is because of the tendency to roam, exposing them to predators, and getting stuck by cars.

Reduction in Homelessness

Animal shelters across the United States house thousands of animals who have been abandoned or homeless. Nationwide, 2.7 million adoptable cats and dogs are euthanized in shelters each year because they are homeless or abandoned. Neutering is the only permanent solution to this issue.

Reduction in Marking or Spraying

Another benefit of dog neutering in Stevenson Ranch, CA is that it helps decrease the urge to mark. Intact male dogs tend to be more prone to urine-marking inside and outside the home, but luckily, this behavior can be improved by neutering.

Reduction in Behavioral Problems

As mentioned above, unaltered dogs tend to mark their territory by marking urine all over the house, and this instinctual behavior can be changed with neutering since neutered pets focus their attention on their human families, rather than on competing with other animals. Dog neutering at an earlier age may also help avoid aggression problems and embarrassing behaviors including inappropriate urination on bedding and clothing, as well as mounting furniture and the legs of visiting guests.

Reduction in Certain Types of Cancers

One of the other benefits of neutering dogs is that it can help prevent the development of prostate cancers later on in life. Studies have shown that in unaltered dogs, the chances of prostate cancer increase with age since the prostate gland naturally enlarges over time (this is known as benign prostate hyperplasia) because testosterone production predisposes the prostate gland to infection and inflammation. An enlarged and infected prostate can be very painful and sometimes can be life-threatening for your dog. Testicular cancer, prostate cancer, inguinal hernias, and perianal tumors are also more common in intact male dogs. Surgery and chemotherapy for such cancers can be expensive and can take a heavy toll on your dog’s quality of life.

Neutering Keeps Other Pets and the Community Safe

Dog neutering in Stevenson Ranch, CA also reduces the spread of infectious diseases by decreasing the number of stray animals that roam about. It also helps prevents putting your pet at risk of contracting infectious diseases from other animals and wildlife. Stray animals typically don’t receive regular care or vaccinations, leaving them vulnerable to contagious diseases.

Reduction in Overpopulation

Every year, hundreds of thousands of pets end up homeless in shelters, and unfortunately, there are not enough homes to place them all. Some pets that end up in shelters are foundlings from the streets, rescues or surrenders, and many perfectly adoptable dogs sadly never make it to shelters, and never find good homes. Neutering is the most effective and humane way to reduce overpopulation in our communities and to prevent the euthanasia of animals who are not adopted.

Dog Neutering is Cost-Effective

Neutering your dog costs less in the long-run in. As mentioned above, many unaltered pets are at risk of certain cancers, and the costs of treating cancer can be ten times more than a neuter procedure. Also, unaltered males can be more destructive and more high-strung around other dogs, especially males, and an emergency room visit after a dog fight can be expensive. Finally, many communities and counties require licenses for all pets, and they may charge you extra to keep an unneutered dog.

What to Expect When Neutering Your Dog in Stevenson Ranch, CA

Dog neutering is considered a drop-off procedure for most dogs, where the owner will drop off first thing in the morning, and pick up later that same day. Here is an idea of what to expect:

Before Your Dog’s Neuter

Most animal hospitals and shelters will give preparatory instructions such as no food after 10pm the night before, but water is fine (so basically Fido does not get breakfast). The reason owners are asked to withhold food is that veterinarians want to minimize the possibility of aspiration during the surgery because your dog will be intubated and placed under general anesthesia.

After dropping off your dog, the veterinarian and staff will conduct a full physical exam, maybe do some bloodwork, get a weight, and if all your dog’s vitals are good, the veterinarian or anesthetist will administer a pre-anesthetic to your dog. Then when he is ready and sedated, he will be inducted into a sleep state, the area will be shaved and prepped for surgery, the veterinarian will remove the testicles, and suture the incision site closed.

After Your Dog’s Neuter

After surgery, your dog will awake, and the veterinary staff will monitor his recovery post-op. Many animal hospitals may call you when your best friend is ready to go home, or they will assign you a pick-up time. When you pick up your dog, the staff or vet will go over discharge instructions and home care. Post-op medications may be provided. It is important to follow all post-surgical instructions and to prevent your dog from running or jumping for 7-10 days afterward. Your dog may be quite sedated or tired the evening of the procedure, but he should be back to normal, with a normal appetite the following morning.

Talk to Your Vet About Dog Neutering in Stevenson Ranch CA

If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to call (661) 799-0655 and talk with your veterinarian at Stevenson Ranch Veterinary Center.