If you’re wondering, “Should I spay or neuter my dog?”
The short answer is: Absolutely, yes.
It’s totally normal to feel nervous about your pup having surgery, but understanding why the procedure matters can make the decision much easier. Spaying or neutering isn’t just about preventing puppies — it’s about protecting your dog’s long-term health and well-being.
Spaying vs. Neutering: What’s the Difference?
It’s simple:
- Spaying = surgery for female dogs
- Neutering = surgery for male dogs
Both procedures prevent dogs from reproducing, which helps reduce pet overpopulation — but they offer major health benefits, too.
The Life-Saving Benefits
1. It can literally save your dog’s life.
For female dogs, spaying prevents pyometra, a painful and potentially deadly uterine infection. About 25% of unspayed females develop it by age 10 — and emergency treatment is risky and expensive.
Spaying also:
- Virtually eliminates uterine and ovarian cancers
- Greatly reduces the risk of breast cancer
Neutering males eliminates the risk of testicular cancer and reduces several other hormone-driven health issues.
It Can Improve Your Dog’s Behavior
Unneutered dogs often have stronger hormonal urges that can lead to:
- Aggression or dominance behaviors
- Excessive barking
- Mounting other dogs
- Wandering or running away to find a mate
Neutering helps reduce these tendencies and can make training easier — and your dog safer.
It Helps Other Animals, Too
Millions of dogs enter shelters each year, and far too many never find homes.
By fixing your dog, you’re helping reduce accidental litters and easing the strain on shelters — making room for more dogs who need families.
Being a dog parent isn’t just about caring for your own pup — it’s about contributing to a healthier, more responsible dog community.
Still Have Questions?
Your veterinarian can walk you through the procedure, timing, recovery and any concerns you may have. Making an informed decision is part of being a responsible, loving dog parent — and spaying or neutering is one of the most impactful choices you can make for your pup’s health and happiness.
