Sterilized animals live longer, happier lives. Spaying eliminates the stress and discomfort that females endure during heat periods, eliminates the risk of uterine cancer, and greatly reduces the risk of mammary cancer.
The occurrence of lymphoma was found to be higher in spayed than intact females (5), as was the occurrence of mast cell tumors (6) and hemangiosarcoma (7). A study of over 40,000 dogs utilizing the Veterinary Medical Database found that neutered males and females were more likely to die of cancer than intact dogs (8).
Behavioural problems in most cases are reduced or have even disappeared after neutering (male dogs 74%, female dogs 59%). At best, hypersexuality and connected problems are changed as expected. 49 of 80 aggressive male dogs and 25 of 47 female dogs are more gentle after neutering.
– Irritability
Some females become irritable or anxious and others might feel pain. Because spayed dogs don't have to go through these hormonal changes, their behavior may be more consistent.
Many pet owners find their dogs and cats to be more affectionate after they are spayed or neutered. As a pet owner, you stand to benefit in many ways by spaying/neutering your dog or cat. Dogs and cats that have been spayed or neutered are generally happier.
However there have been some studies that say some females do become more aggressive after spaying. With the female dog, this could be due to a decrease of both oxytocin and estrogen, which are believed to have a calming effect.
Health & Safety Benefits
Reduces or eliminates the risk for mammary gland tumors, ovarian cancer and uterine cancer in females, especially if spayed before the first heat cycle. Eliminates risk of testicular cancer and reduces risk for prostate disease in males.
Spaying or neutering a female dog is not a small operation. So owners should think carefully about all the pros and cons before deciding.
Dog Spay and Neuter Aftercare
Dogs shouldn't be allowed off-leash walks or playtime until their incision is fully healed and cleared by your veterinarian (typically 10–14 days).
While spaying your female dog is more involved than neutering male dogs, these surgeries should take about the same amount of time to recover from. Any discomfort caused by having your dog fixed lasts for just a few days and should be completely gone after about a week.
Behavioral Changes in a Dog After Being Neutered
This results in a decrease in sexually driven behaviors in your dog: urine marking, escaping to seek female dogs, and aggression toward other male dogs. However, a decrease in this hormone may also have a role in how confident or fearful your dog is.
A dog may whine so much after surgery due to pain, reaction to anesthesia, or confusion. Some dogs may suffer from anxiety or experience a side effect of medication, causing them to whine longer.
Even though there won't be a change in your pet's energy level, the act of having a vet spay or neuter your pet will eliminate or reduce those behaviors that are attributed to their hormones. This includes heat cycles and the associated behaviors in female dogs.
My pet won't lay down or rest. Does this happen often? Your pet may be somewhat groggy, confused, uncomfortable, or not used to the e-collar, so being anxious is not uncommon. Provide your pet a comfortable place to lay down and try your best to not hover or push them into laying down.
Most pets will stay at the hospital the night after they are spayed or neutered for observation. However, some pets may be allowed to go home that evening. Remember, your pet had a major surgery with anesthetic and they may be drowsy or may try to hide. This is when the crate can be very handy.
We recommend they are closely observed during the first 12 hours after surgery. It is not necessary to stay up, or sleep next to your pet and you can leave your dog alone after surgery for short periods as long as they aren't likely to lick their stitches.
Contact the vet if your dog is not urinating or defecating regularly within 72 hours after surgery. Check if is blood present in your dog's urine. A small amount may be present in female dogs during the first 24 hours after surgery. If this continues or if your dog appears ill at any time, call the vet.
DOES SPAY/NEUTER CAUSE NEGATIVE BEHAVIOR CHANGES IN DOGS? Many guardians of spayed dogs report significant behavior changes (skittish, aggressive, anxious) after their dog fully recovers from the spay surgery.
After your dog's neuter surgery, your pet should be experiencing a minimal amount of pain, but we know that you will likely want to help them rest and remain as comfortable as possible.
The 10-14 days following surgery
Keep your pet quiet as quiet as possible during the first two weeks. Avoid running, jumping, and excessive playing.
Preparing a dog for surgery
Your veterinarian may ask you to withhold food and/or water the night before or morning of your dog's spay—it depends on the type of anesthesia that will be used during the surgery. (Your vet will go over the pre-spay requirements with you prior to the procedure.)
Will my dog live longer? On average dogs who are spayed or neutered live one and a half years longer than those who are not. Typically, dogs who are not fixed live to be about 8 years of age, where fixed dogs average about nine and a half years.
It's a common question among pet owners: will spaying or neutering change your pet's personality? The short answer is no. An animal's distinct, individual personality is the result of genetics and their environment.