Spay/Neuter?

If you do not intend to breed your dog, you should consider getting them spayed/neutered. There are many advantages for your pet including better health and behaviour. You would also be helping to alleviate the dog overpopulation problem. Many unwanted dogs have to be destroyed. The more pets spayed or neutered, the fewer dogs will have to be destroyed.

Spaying
A Female dog is Spayed by surgically removing her reproductive organs - the uterus (womb) and ovaries. Spaying is technically known as an "ovariohysterectomy". Most veterinarians recommend spaying around 6 months of age and before the first heat cycle. Evidence suggests that spaying your pet before her first heat cycle greatly reduces her chances of developing breast cancer and completely eliminates the threat of uterine and ovarian cancer and uterine infection.

Advantages of Spaying:Prevent unplanned puppies, and eliminates the medical risks associated with giving birth.You would be helping to alleviate the dog overpopulation problem. Many unwanted dogs are destroyed. The more pets spayed or neutered, the fewer dogs will have to be destroyed. No more messy heat cycle. During a heat cycle female dogs pass bloody fluid for about ten days, twice a year, constant care must be taken to avoid stains on carpets and furniture in homes. Spaying your dog eliminates this problem.Reduces the risk of breast cancer.Spaying means removing the uterus and ovaries this therefore means your dog cannot suffer from uterine and ovarian cancers, and a life-threatening uterus infection known as pyometra.Eliminates the problem of stray males camping in your yard and decreases her desire to roam and breed.

Neutering
A Male dog is Neutered by the surgical removal of the testicles. Neutering is technically known as a orchidectomy. Most veterinarians recommend spaying around 6 months of age. Evidence suggests that a dog who has been neutered young is much calmer in the house and outside.

Advantages of Neutering:Neutering your male dog involves removal of the testicles, therefore neutering prevents testicular cancer.and may prevent prostate problems. Lowers the risk from perianal cancers and hernias, and prostate cancer.He will be less aggressive towards other males without the male hormone testosterone.He will no longer driven to roam in search of a mate, reducing risk of being hit by a car.

Many Concerns about Spaying and NeuteringMy dog will become fat and lazy.
Spaying and neutering DOES NOT "make a pet fat and lazy". Neutering or spaying may lower your dogs overall activity level, natural tendency to wander, and hormonal balances, which all may influence appetite. Pets that become fat and lazy after being altered usually are overfed and do not get enough exercise. It is YOUR responsiblity to feed your dog the correct amount and for them to be given the opportunity for plenty of exercise.

Concerned about my dog undergoing anaesthesia.
Placing a pet under anaesthesia is a very common concern of owners. Although there is always a slight risk involved, the anaesthetics currently used by veterinarians are very safe. Many veterinarians use equipment that monitors heart and respiratory rates during surgery to ensure that their patients are doing well under anaesthesia. The medical benefits of having your pet spayed or neutered far outweigh the slight risk involved with undergoing anaesthesia. Consult your veterinarian if your are concerned about this aspect of the procedure.

Should my dog produce one litter first?
There are no medical, emotional or sociological reasons for a male or female dog to have "just one litter". You are misinformed or misguided if you believe that "having just one litter" is somehow good for the dog psychologically or medically.