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Puppy Basics: Spaying and Neutering
Puppy Basics: Spaying and Neutering

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What is Dog Neutering and Why is it Important?

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Population control is as essential for pets as it is for humans. Overpopulation by unwanted kindle of kittens or puppies is difficult to manage by caregivers. Many newborn young kittens and puppies are either put up for adoption or sent to an animal shelter. Besides, reproduction can be a tedious journey for your furry friend. Hence, it is better to get them spayed and neutered at the right time.
 

Spaying and neutering are medical procedures performed on dogs to stop their reproduction process. Dog neutering and spaying is one the essential medical procedures for providing care to your fur baby. There are many benefits of neutering and spaying your canine friend. To understand more about this helpful medical procedure, read the following.
 

What is the procedure for dog neutering and spaying?

A neutered or spayed dog cannot reproduce as their heat cycle is eliminated. Dog neutering is a medical procedure performed on male dogs while spaying is performed on female dogs. Veterinarian surgeons perform a surgical procedure to remove ovaries and uterus from female dogs. Besides population control, spaying also prevents uterine infections and breast cancer in female dogs. Whereas neutering is a similar procedure performed on male dogs. Neutered dogs undergo surgery for removing both testicles and associated structures. Male neutered dogs are generally believed to be more well-behaved and calmer. The surgery also stops their breeding acts such as humping and the urge to run away.
 

When are dogs neutered?

Getting your dog spayed and neutered is essential for their psychological and physical well-being and behaviour. Yet, when to spay a dog and when to neuter a puppy is a common query amongst pet caregivers. Well, it is best to get your pooch neutered or spayed at the earliest. It is best to get your fur baby neutered or spayed before it develops breeding instincts. Undergoing the procedure between 4 and 6 months is suggested. Most breeds of dogs reach redevelopment maturity around 6 months of age, yet some breeds can easily be neutered or spayed until 9 months or even after they turn over a year old. Hence, your pooch’s breed and size decide how soon it needs to be spayed or neutered.
 

Reasons to get your dog neutered

There are numerous reasons to opt for spaying and neutering for pets. By undergoing spaying and neutering procedures, pets can achieve better physical and psychological health. Neutered and spayed dogs are known to have better hormonal balance as their reproductive organs are removed which helps in neutralizing their breeding instincts. Mentioned below are a few more reasons why you should get your pets neutered and spayed.

  • Spaying and neutering help in controlling the pet population and overcrowding at animal shelters.
  • Both procedures are known to improve your pet’s health and behaviour.
  • Spaying also prevents potentially life-threatening illnesses like mammary cancer, pyometra, and other uterine infections.
  • Neutered dogs eliminate their risk of suffering from testicular cancer and prostatic cancer.
  • Spayed and neutered dogs are also believed to have better bone health.
  • Male dogs often tend to run away on reaching breeding maturity. Neutering helps prevent such breeding instincts. The procedure also helps in controlling their general aggression and behaviour.

How to prepare your pet before getting them neutered or spayed?

It is necessary to take some preventive measures to build trust and assurance before getting your pooch neutered or spayed. The following are a few things you should do to prepare your canine friend before getting it neutered/ spayed.

  • Get an appointment with their vet for a complete physical checkup. This checkup will primarily give you an idea about your pet’s health and if they are ready to undergo surgery.
  • Crate train your pooch so that it does not feel uncomfortable when kept in a crate at the vet’s clinic or after surgery for recovery.
  •  Keep the house puppy-proofed to ensure your pooch doesn’t harm itself post-surgery.
  • Restrict food and water intake the night before surgery. Please consult your vet to know the exact hours of fasting required for undergoing this surgery.
  • Stay calm to keep your pooch away from unwanted tension. Your pet’s mood often depends on your mood. Hence, it becomes curial for caregivers to stay calm and composed to ensure their canine friend is stress-free throughout the procedure.

How to ensure post-surgery recovery for neutered and spayed dogs?

Neutering or spaying can typically take anywhere between 20 to 90 minutes depending on the size, breed, and health of your pooch. As a pet parent, you need to ensure the best care and support for your fur baby to ensure its complete and stress-free recovery post-surgery. Puppies and dogs often take up to 10 to 14 days to recover after getting neutered or spayed. The following are a few things you should do to ensure your puppy recovers well after getting neutered or spayed.

  • Proper rest:

Your pooch needs to relax and rest well to get back to its bubbly mood as soon as possible. Resting is especially required for healing the surgery scars. It is suggested to avoid letting them run or jump right after surgery. You should also puppy-proof your house to limit any potential mishaps to protect them post-surgery.

  • Distant from other animals:

Puppies and dogs tend to fight for socialising. However, post-surgery recovery requires your fur baby to relax and recover. Mingling with other animals increases their chances of getting into minor accidents which can potentially increase their recovery time. Hence, it is best to limit your pet’s interaction with other animals until it has fully recovered.

  • Avoid bathing:

Do not bathe your pooch for at least 10 days post-surgery. This is to prevent their wound from getting wet and infected. It is also necessary to change the wound’s dressing to keep it clean and hygienic post-surgery.

  • Check-ups:

You need to keep a close tab on the pooch’s recovery. Arrange for a vet’s appointment for conducting regular checkups and dressing changes. You should also check for redness, swelling, discharge, odor, and uneasiness to prevent infections and allergies.

  • Stay alert:

Make sure the pet eats well and is in stable condition once it is back home. Get in touch with your vet immediately if you notice the pooch vomiting, not eating well, or if it suffers from diarrhea. You should also look out for signs of lethargy and discomfort during the recovery period.
 

Managing the population is essential for strays as well as pets. When you get your pets neutered and spayed, you eliminate their chances of contributing to the overpopulation of dogs. Besides, spaying and neutering also help in managing your pooch’s aggression and urge to run away by controlling their hormones and making them calmer. Neutering and spaying also save your pooch from falling prey to infections and fatal illnesses like cancer. Hence, it is best to get your canine friend neutered or spayed at the earliest by consulting a vet.

Frequently asked questions

  1. When to spay a puppy?
  2. Female puppies can be spayed once they turn 6 months old. In general, it is best to spay your pooch before its first heat. However, you can choose to get it spayed even after they start experiencing heat cycles.

  3. Why is spaying or neutering your dog important?
  4. Spaying and neutering help in controlling the pet population as well as improving the pet’s overall behaviour and health.

  5. What is the best age to neuter a male dog?
  6. It is best to neuter a male dog between the ages of 6 to 9 months. Caregivers should consult a vet to know the ideal age suitable for their fur baby’s size, breed, and health.

  7. Is spaying or neutering painful for dogs?
  8. Your pooch will feel no pain during the neutering/ spaying surgery as they are put under anesthesia. However, some pets may feel little discomfort during the post-surgery recovery period.

  9. Are there any side effects of spaying or neutering dogs?
  10. Minor anxiety, aggression, clinginess, and depression are a few short-term side effects of neutering and spaying. Please consult a vet at the earliest if these signs do not subside within 10 to 14 days after the surgery.

  • What to Know When You Bring Your Puppy Home
    What to Know When You Bring Your Puppy Home
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    Puppy Essential for Welcoming Home a New Puppy

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    Bringing home a new puppy is a fun and exciting event for a first-time dog parent. Congratulations! If you have recently brought a cute little puppy home. We know the joy that comes with welcoming a tiny furry pup into your family; however, with a newborn pet comes new responsibilities. And the most important responsibility as a dog parent is being prepared with the right puppy essentials. These essentials will help you ensure that your four-legged angel feels comfortable in its new home. 
     

    However, if this is your first time being a pet guardian, you might be nervous about getting the right items for your floof. You might even get overwhelmed with the items that you need to buy for the health and safety of your fur baby. Therefore, you must be prepared with all the essentials well in advance. Since this is your first time, you must also learn basic skills like how to pick up a puppy. After all, you don’t want to make your pooch uncomfortable.
     

    How to pick up a puppy?

    Puppies are cute and cuddly, which makes it impossible for new pet parents to not have the urge to pick and hold them at every instance. But before you rush to pick up the cuddly fur baby, you need to know how to pick a puppy in the correct way. Since its body is still developing, you must know how to hold your pooch without hurting its body. Given below are a few steps to follow for picking up a new puppy after bringing a puppy home.

    1. Step 1: Puppy’s body is fragile, so gently place one hand under the puppy’s rump, and the other hand under its chest.
    2. Step 2: Lift the pup with both arms. You can use this technique to lift small dogs. For larger dogs, wrap both arms around its legs, draw it to your chest, and lift.

    Puppy essentials to get before your dog comes home

    Before you bring home your dog, make sure you have all the things needed for the puppy at home. Welcome your little one by keeping the new puppy checklist ready:

    1. Premium pet food: Puppies need food that is specially formulated for their needs. Since these little angels need more calcium, phosphorous, fat, and protein, their foods contain more calories per bite. With IAMS™, you can rest assured that your little pooch receives right nutrients in right quantities for healthy growth and development. Moreover, our range of dog food is made with highest-quality ingredients for better digestibility.
    2. Treats: There are two kinds of treats – healthy treats and training treats. Healthy treats include chews and dental snacks. Training treats are commonly used for teaching puppies to accept commands.
    3. Bedding: Every dog deserves comfortable bedding to snuggle in after a long session of being cute and adorable. Consider the size of your dog when buying a bedding. Also, get cushions and a blanket to keep it cosy and well-rested.
    4. Bowls: Food and water bowls are an important part of the list. Get at least one set of each according to the pup’s size and eating style. Use stainless steel bowls as they neither break easily nor absorb odour.
    5. Puppy crates: Handy crates are great options while travelling or driving with your pup. Get a crate according to the size of your dog. Buying airline-approved crates is better as it makes travelling easy. Its scent in the crate will provide comfort and a sense of security during stressful times.
    6. Clothing: Select the best pair of clothing for the puppy’s first day in its new home. Get a fit jumper to prevent the dog from getting cold. You can get protective clothing for long-haired dogs to keep them dry and clean during winter. Make sure the clothing does not irritate the dog.
    7. Collar and leash: Choose the right collar and leash to help your pup move around freely without any discomfort. Pick an adjustable 'breakaway' collar made with plastic clips that will unsnap in case your puppy gets stuck up on something. Select collars with two fingers of adjustable space to the growing size of your dog. A nylon leash of 6-feet that is around ½ to ¾ inch wide should work well.
    8. Toys: To keep your puppy entertained for long hours, get chew toys, snuggle toys, and puzzle toys. These toys will also keep them mentally active and fresh. Do not get small toys that pose a risk of swallowing or harm.
    9. Poop bags and holder: You wouldn’t want your puppy to take all the blame for roadside poo, right? Using a poop bag and holder for cleaning after the dog has pooped in a public place is a civil duty of every pet parent. Hence, you should get a poop bag and holder to pick up its excrement.
    10. Grooming equipment: Put together a little grooming bag for your dog. Include items like dog shampoo, brushes and combs, nail clippers, dog toothpaste and toothbrush, stain remover etc. for cleaning.
    11. Identification tag: Make cute IDs for your pup that attach to their collar with your information. Mention your pup’s name, your name, your phone number, and your veterinarian’s phone number.
    12. Fencing: Another element that makes to the list of puppy essentials is fences and gates. After all, you don’t want the dog to run or be disturbed. There are several types of fences – privacy fencing, chain link, kennels etc. If you have little children, make sure you get the fencing done to safeguard them from each other.

    Things needed for the puppy to feel cosy in the new place

    You need to arrange for a few things as your puppy is cosying up at the new place. The following are a few things you can do to make your puppy feel at home in its new abode:

    1. Step 1: On the puppy’s first day at home, make a designated potty area for it. Installing a peeing pad is suggested. If the puppy pees in the right spot, make sure to offer a treat to it. Follow the same steps for potty training.
    2. Step 2: Keep the puppy’s crate and bedding in one specific place. If possible, create this area away from the usual commotion so that the puppy gets to rest in peace without getting distressed at least during the initial days.
    3. Step 3: Allow the fur baby to explore its new home and get familiar with its surroundings. Puppy-proof the house to avoid any possible accidents around sharp corners and slippery floors.
    4. Step 4: Introduce everyone to the new member on the puppy’s first day. Invite it to play without annoying or stressing it. Puppies are ideally very excited and will try to mingle with everyone around. However, if it tries to hide, then allow it some alone time. Offer treats and pet it to try and ease the new fur baby in its new home.

    Cozying up new puppy to children

    Ideally, take your kids along when adopting a puppy. This way, the children will feel more connected to the newest addition to the family. Once you get the puppy home, it is natural that your kids will want to play with the new family member. However, don't let them play together for longer durations as both puppies and babies need a lot of rest. Limit puppy-children play sessions to a maximum of 15 to 30 minutes twice or thrice a day. However, you should constantly observe them as both kids and puppies need constant guidance for safety.
     

    Introducing new puppy to other pets

    Puppies are curious and clueless. They need constant observation to avoid accidents and clashes. You need to be vigilant and alert when introducing your new puppy to other pets. It is best to introduce the puppy to other pets once they have settled in the new place. Take the puppy to the senior dogs and allow them to mingle. Do not worry if they sniff or lick each other as it’s a normal way of greeting. However, you might need to intervene if they start biting or barking at each other.
     

    Although bringing a puppy home is a joyous occasion, do not forget to get all the puppy essentials to welcome it to its new home. Make a new puppy checklist consisting of all the essential items that you need to get for the fur baby. Food, grooming kit, bedding, and treats are some of the most essential things you need to arrange for the new fur baby. However, along with arranging for materialistic things, you also need to create a safe, secure, and nurturing environment for your dog to grow in.

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