When discussing dogs there are two methods called spay or neuter that are often performed by vets. If you are like me you have probably gotten the two mixed up for what procedure is male and which is female on occasion. When you spay your dog you are talking about a female dog that has had its reproductive organs removed, and when you talk about neutering you are talking about the male version of the surgery. There are many reasons why these two procedures may be performed. It is definitely your option as a dog owner when you purchase the dog from a pet shop or breeder. In many cases when you adopt a dog or other pet from the humane society they have already been fixed, i.e. undergone the surgery to remove the organs. The humane society usually fixes the dogs as soon as they come into the pound if they are lost or abandoned so that there cannot be any puppies born. Often the dogs are sharing kennels so this can become an issue. The other reason most humane societies spay or neuter is to prevent more dogs from coming into existence that they would have to euthanize if they are not adopted.

So if you don't want a sterilized dog you will want to seek a breeder or pet shop that buys from a breeder. Often this only matters if you are thinking about breeding two dogs. There are several reasons that spaying or neutering can be a good thing for your pet. First when you have the surgery for your pet you are actually increasing the length of life for them. If you remember in biology you were probably told that those who reproduce are actually shortening their life spans, especially females because of the toll it takes on the body. This is true for dogs as well. You will also find they can be healthier by being fixed.

There are certain health issues a dog can have when they have not been fixed. For instance there is canine prostate and uterine cancer that can form. These are usually very expensive to treat because of the surgery and other treatments that may be required. There are also other health issues that can crop up in a dog with their sexual organs, such as breast cancer in the females. So by having your dog fixed you could be saving them from having health issues later down the road.

For you there are also benefits. You will find that most often a dog that has been fixed is more affectionate because they don't go through the hormonal periods. Dogs tend to mark their territory more when they haven't been fixed and for female dogs you will eliminate the heat cycle they go through. For most dogs you will also find that they have more behavior and temperament issues when they have not been fixed, and they are less likely to bite. Overall you will find that your pet will save you in vet bills from having continuous litters once you have them fixed. Again it depends on whether you want the dog to breed or not.

When you adopt a dog you have to make sure you can handle the dog and the care required. If you have a busy life you probably don't have time for more than one or two dogs in the house and especially not a litter. So it is wise to consider where the proper care for your dog is actually spaying or neutering them.