Owning a dog is a fantastic experience that can help bring the whole family together, but it’s also a big responsibility. One common question people have regarding their pets is when to have them spayed or neutered. As it turns out, the answer depends on a variety of factors.

Why Is Having a Pet Spayed or Neutered Important?

For most people, raising an entire litter of puppies is just not feasible. By having your pet spayed or neutered, you can avoid this issue entirely. It also helps to keep unwanted pets out of the already overcrowded animal shelters across the country.

For female dogs, being spayed reduces the chances of developing mammary cancer, prevents infections, and eliminates potentially annoying heat cycles. Meanwhile, having the males neutered protects them from testicular cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia, and it may help curb some aggressive behavioral issues. 

When Should I Do the Procedure?

Female dogs should ideally be spayed before their first heat cycle. That typically means when they’re around 6 months old, but larger dogs can cycle much later, so you may have to wait closer to a year. 

You can have male dogs neutered as young as eight weeks old, but the traditional recommendation is to wait until they are six to nine months old. We encourage responsible pet stewardship and know that you have your pup’s best interest at heart. Spay/neuter is a crucial part of keeping your dog happy and healthy.

 

Whether you have a dog or cat, it’s always important to have them spayed or neutered at the right time, and when that time comes, we here at Nutmeg Spay/Neuter Clinic can help. Located in Stratford, CT, we’ve performed more than 32,000 inexpensive spay and neuter surgeries. We also offer vaccines to help you ensure your pet complies with state law. Schedule an appointment by calling (203) 690-1550 or learn more by visiting us online today.