What is spaying or neutering?

Let’s start with the basics! Spaying and neutering dogs – what is it? And what are the differences? The main difference comes down to the biological sex of your dog.

Spaying a dog involves the removal of the dog’s female reproductive organs. Neutering a dog refers to the same process, but instead with the removal of a male’s reproductive organs.

When a female dog is spayed, her ovaries and uterus are typically removed which prevents her from reproducing and eliminates the heat cycle.

When a dog is neutered, both the testicles and structures with that are removed. Neutering also prevents a male dog from being able to reproduce and stops breeding-related behaviour. Though this is typically what happens after a dog has been neutered, this is not always the case.

Should I spay or neuter my dog?

Spaying or neutering your dog has always been a big debate in the dog world - it all comes down to your personal preference as a pet parent.

Some owners would prefer to spay or neuter dogs to help reduce the rising numbers of unwanted or abandoned pets. It has also been suggested that spaying or neutering can reduce risk of prostate disease, reduce behavioural issues and reduce the risk of some cancers. Others believe it is an unnatural process that can cause pain, complications, weight gain (due to the impact on hormone production) and can affect a dog’s quality of life.

Poppy, Slipper and Gaby are not spayed but Katie is as she used to live with Michael’s mum before and that was her decision to make at that point in time. We wouldn’t personally recommend spaying or neutering dogs but this is a very personal decision that you would need to make yourself as a pet parent.

We would suggest all pet parents explore their options and carry out thorough research first about the procedures -  don’t just go with the first recommendation that is given to you. Being fully educated on if and when to neuter a dog is the only way to come to your own conclusion.

Do not let anyone sway you if you are not completely comfortable with your choice! At the end of the day, you know your own dog better than anyone else and would only want the best for them.