What Age To Spay A Bitch - Best Age To Neuter Dog

Neutering Dogs refer to the surgical procedure that renders a male or female pet incapable of reproducing, although the term is commonly used in reference to male animals.

In male dogs, the surgery (orchiectomy, or castration) removes the testicles from the scrotal sac. The testicles produce sperm. The testicles are also a main source of the hormone testosterone, so neutering lowers the testosterone level, thus often has a somewhat calming effect on the animal�s behavior, since some behavior is influenced by sex drive.

In bitches, surgical sterilization (ovariohysterectomy, or spaying) involves an incision into the abdominal cavity to remove the ovaries and uterus. Ovaries produce eggs at each estrus or heat cycle and also produce the hormones estrogen and progesterone.

Dogs can become capable of reproduction as early as 6 months of age, so it is important to spay and neuter dogs by that age. Not only is there no evidence to support the old wives' tale about benefits of letting dogs go through a heat cycle or have a litter, there is a preponderance of evidence that it is healthier for your dogs to be spayed or neutered before the first heat cycle (estrus) and sexual maturity. Sterilization can safely be done before then, as endorsed by the AVMA and other major animal health and welfare organizations.

Research from the AVMA and other sources indicates that younger dogs heal faster and are lower surgical risks. However, older dogs can typically be spayed and neutered safely as well.

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