Chances are you’ve heard about the importance of spaying or neutering your dog. But what does it mean to spay your dog? What does it mean to neuter your dog? What’s the difference between these two terms? Keep reading to learn about the difference between spaying and neutering. We’ll tell you everything you need to know.
Spay vs. Neuter – What’s the Difference?
The difference between spay and neutering is based on the sex of the dog. Simply put, females are spayed. Male dogs are neutered.
The Spaying Process
When a female dog gets spayed, her reproductive organs get surgically removed. Generally, a female dog’s ovaries and uterus are removed via an abdominal incision. This all happens while your dog is under anesthesia.
The Neutering Process
The male neutering procedure is less invasive than the spaying process. When a male dog is neutered, his testicles are removed but the outer scrotal sac is left in place. Unlike spaying a female, a neutered male dog is not immediately considered sterile. Because of this, male dogs who are neutered should still be kept away from female dogs in heat for at least six weeks.
Is the Spaying and Neutering Process Painful?
Luckily, both spaying and neutering are not considered painful or complicated procedures. Your dog will be under anesthesia, and the procedure will only take about 30 minutes. Your pup can usually go home the same day as their surgery.
What does the Recovery Process Look Like?
Whether your dog is spayed or neutered, the recovery process is between 10-and 14 days. During the recovery period, your dogs need to relax. Limit your dog’s exercise to short, slow walks. And be sure that they don’t jump. Perhaps most important is to keep the spay or neuter incision clean. This means you’ll need to make sure your dog isn’t able to chew or lick its wound.
Oftentimes, dog owners will choose to use a cone collar to prevent their dog from licking the incision. After 10 days or so, you can take the cone off your dog and slowly introduce them to exercise.
How Much Does This Procedure Cost?
How much does it cost to spay or neuter a dog? The average cost to neuter/spay a dog is between $250 – and $300. However, the price depends on several factors, including:
- Your geographic location
- If pain medication is provided
- IV catheter
- Screening blood work
- Age and size of dog (i.e. older, larger dogs tend to cost more)
- Low-cost spay clinic vs veterinarian office
When Should You Spay / Neuter Your Dog?
The timing of the spaying or neutering procedure depends on your dog’s size. Doodles weighing less than 45 lbs should be neutered around age 5-6 months. For females, it’s safe to have them spayed before they experience their first heat (which generally takes place around 5-6 months).
The best age to neuter a larger breed doodle dog is approximately 9-15 months (or whenever he has stopped growing). Your vet will be able to determine the appropriate time for this surgery. If you’ve adopted an older doodle, you may wonder whether it’s too late to neuter him. Generally, it’s not too late to spay or neuter a mature dog if he’s in good health and the vet has cleared his blood work.
Benefits of Spaying and Neutering Your Dog
In addition to controlling the overpopulation of homeless pets, spaying/neutering is beneficial to your doodle’s physical and behavioral health. Spaying a female dog eliminates the stresses of going into heat.
Additionally, research indicates that spaying and neutering also reduce the following:
- Cancer risk
- Prostate problems
- Uterine infections
- Aggressive and territorial behaviors
At the end of the day, the spay/neuter procedure comes with an easy recovery time. There are low-cost, subsidized clinics available to assist with a variety of financial situations. Ultimately, research shows that neutered/spayed dogs live longer than their “intact” counterparts. As a loving doodle owner, what could be more convincing than that?