Basics of Dog Sterilization
Sterilizing a dog is a necessity more than a choice as there are multiple ways in which your pet can benefit from it. It is a common and extremely safe procedure that ensures the optimal health of your dog for a long time. In this article, we would be discussing the basics of dog sterilization and why it is important for your dog.
What is Dog Sterilization?
Sterilization is a surgery that makes a dog unable to produce offspring. One should know about three major terms when it comes to dog sterilization:
- Spaying: This is the process of sterilization of a female pet. It is done by removing the ovaries of the pet.
- Castration: The process of sterilizing the male pet by removing its testicles is known as castration.
- Neuter: Neuter is a synonym for sterilization. This applies to both male as well as female pets.
Benefits of Dog Sterilization
Sterilization leads to a healthier life for the dog and keeps it calm and composed. Dog sterilization has the following benefits:
- Controls Population of Stray Dogs: Dogs have been known to chase their mating interest, leaving no scope for you to control. Mating with stray dogs can not only cause infections but also lead to an increase in the stray population. Sterilization is an effective way to control the stray dog population.
- Curbs any Sense of Pseudo-Pregnancy: This is a condition in which a dog feels ‘like’ she is pregnant, even when she is not. Pseudo-pregnancy mostly prevails during the breeding season. The dog may feel discomfort during a pseudo-pregnancy. This can be easily avoided if the dog has been spayed.
- Reduces Risk of Contact with Other Dogs: An unsterilized dog is mostly prone to a rush of hormones in the body. This can result in sexual arousal, causing the dog to chase other dogs for mating. This can result in infections or some cases, injuries.
- Prevents Tumors and Cancers: Both males, as well as female dogs, are susceptible to tumors and cancers, some of which might even be fatal for the dog. Such a scenario can be easily avoided by sterilizing the dog.
- Calms Down Aggressive Behavior: Dog sterilization also soothes aggressive pets. Unsterilized dogs often display extreme territorial behavior through different acts, such as urinating around the house, etc. Although dogs are territorial by nature, however, any extreme behavior by a dog is always a major concern.
How to Sterilize a Dog?
The best person to get your dog sterilized from is a qualified vet. Depending on the medical condition of the dog, the vet can decide the best procedure to sterilize your dog. It is important to get a complete medical check-up of the dog before going in for sterilization. This would remove any jeopardy while giving anesthesia to the dog for surgery.
When to Sterilize a Dog?
It is particularly important to get a female dog sterilized, especially before the first heat. However, regardless of the gender of the dog, it is best to get the dog sterilized at the age of 5 or 6 months. This is considered the best time for sterilization by many vets.
Conclusion
The above article was an introduction to dog sterilization, its benefits, and the best time to get a dog sterilized. Make sure that you get your dog sterilized today as it ensures a healthy and happy life for your dog.
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