Neutering & Spaying
If you own a Labrador, and do not wish to breed, it is important to consider having him or her neutered or spayed.
What is Neutering and Spaying?
Neutering or spaying refers to the removal of the reproductive organs on both male and female animals. In neutering
the male’s testicles are removed. Spaying a female animal involves removing the womb and ovaries.
Why Should I Get My Labrador Neutered or Spayed?
· Neutering reduces and eliminates the chances of particular cancers.
· Spaying eliminates the possibility of getting uterine and ovarian cancer. It also reduces the possibility of mammary cancer.
· Each year, millions of unwanted dogs are put to sleep at shelters across the country. Many of these are the result of accidental breeding by free-roaming unaltered dogs.
· By neutering a male dog early in life, it is said that they are less aggressive towards other males and are not distracted
by females in heat. Therefore, a neutered male will be less tempted to leave your side searching for a mate. Neutered males are also less likely to mark their territory.
· An unspayed female dog usually comes into season (heat) twice a year. Seasons typically last for about 3-4 weeks! Spaying will eliminate the problem of her desire to roam and breed.
Playfulness, friendliness, and socialization with people are not affected.
Risks
Your vet will give your dog a complete examination and decide when the best time would be to neuter or spay. Many people opt for a pre-anesthetic blood test to show your dog is in optimum health. Before going ahead with neutering or spaying your labrador, it is always best to discuss the pros and cons with your vet first.
When Should I Get My Labrador Neutered or Spayed?
It is important to neuter or spay your dog at a younger age. The average age is six months. You should consult your vet
as to the right time to schedule this procedure & the appropriate age. A lot of vets recommend that females are spayed at
6 months old to stop unwanted pregnancies. All vets have different practice policies and each dog is an individual case.
How Is Neutering or Spaying Done Surgically?
For males, an incision is made, generally just in front of the scrotum. The testicles are then removed through this incision. The blood vessels are tied off and cut. The skin incision will have either dissolvable stitches or non-dissolvable white nylon which will need removal in 10 days.
For females, a 2 to 3 inch incision is made in the abdomen, the entire uterus and the ovaries are then removed. The incision is then closed by stitching the various layers and finally the skin back together. Sometimes the incisions are
bigger – it depends on the vet operating.
Licensed veterinarians perform the spay or neuter operation while the pet is under anesthesia and your dog will usually
be back home with you by the end of the day.
How Will My Labrador Be After He/She is Discharged?
For the male dog, the scrotum is often swollen in the first few days after surgery. If the dog is immature at the time of neutering, the empty scrotum will flatten out as he grows. If he is mature at the time of neuter, the empty scrotum will remain as a flap of skin. Most male dogs are eager to play by the day after surgery but to keep the incision intact; it is
best to restrict the dog from boisterous activity. Your vet will advise you when your dog will go back to have a post-op check up.
For the female, it is crucial to rest her for 10 days and observe her carefully the first night after surgery. People do
under estimate the surgery involved – any unusual signs should be reported immediately to your vet.
*It is important that you do not feed or give your dog water for the first hour after getting home. Many
dogs are very excited on returning home and sometimes make themselves ill by eating or drinking too much right after they arrive home. Feed a bland meal such as chicken/rice/pasta and offer small drinks of water.
Confine your labrador to the house if possible, and take them out on leash walks only, for 10 days. No jumping up /running upstairs is allowed as this will put strain on the wound and healing muscles beneath and is very dangerous. Prevent her from licking and biting the stitches. Even a few licks can cause an infection so ask your vet how to prevent this. Finally, you will have to make an appointment for a post-op check which is generally a day or two after the surgery and then an appointment around 10 -14 days to have the stitches removed.
Recovery Times
Recovery times vary. Neutered males usually recover very quickly. Females that are spayed can take a couple of days & some act as though nothing has happened and are running around and getting into mischief as soon as they get home. The age of your dog makes a difference in recovery.
Will My Dog's Personality Change?
The change will be for the better.
I'm Concerned About The Anesthetic..
There is always a risk with any procedure that requires an anesthetic. Many vets use monitors to kept track of heart rate and respiration during surgery. Talk to you vet about your concerns. The medical benefits far outweigh the slight risk involved with spaying or neutering.
Is It Best To Let My Labrador Have One Litter First?
No! This is not a good reason for letting a dog produce a litter and the normal health risks associated with birth and pregnancy can sometimes be harmful.
*If there is anything you are unsure of, we recommend that you contact your vet for further advice.
What is Neutering and Spaying?
Neutering or spaying refers to the removal of the reproductive organs on both male and female animals. In neutering
the male’s testicles are removed. Spaying a female animal involves removing the womb and ovaries.
Why Should I Get My Labrador Neutered or Spayed?
· Neutering reduces and eliminates the chances of particular cancers.
· Spaying eliminates the possibility of getting uterine and ovarian cancer. It also reduces the possibility of mammary cancer.
· Each year, millions of unwanted dogs are put to sleep at shelters across the country. Many of these are the result of accidental breeding by free-roaming unaltered dogs.
· By neutering a male dog early in life, it is said that they are less aggressive towards other males and are not distracted
by females in heat. Therefore, a neutered male will be less tempted to leave your side searching for a mate. Neutered males are also less likely to mark their territory.
· An unspayed female dog usually comes into season (heat) twice a year. Seasons typically last for about 3-4 weeks! Spaying will eliminate the problem of her desire to roam and breed.
Playfulness, friendliness, and socialization with people are not affected.
Risks
Your vet will give your dog a complete examination and decide when the best time would be to neuter or spay. Many people opt for a pre-anesthetic blood test to show your dog is in optimum health. Before going ahead with neutering or spaying your labrador, it is always best to discuss the pros and cons with your vet first.
When Should I Get My Labrador Neutered or Spayed?
It is important to neuter or spay your dog at a younger age. The average age is six months. You should consult your vet
as to the right time to schedule this procedure & the appropriate age. A lot of vets recommend that females are spayed at
6 months old to stop unwanted pregnancies. All vets have different practice policies and each dog is an individual case.
How Is Neutering or Spaying Done Surgically?
For males, an incision is made, generally just in front of the scrotum. The testicles are then removed through this incision. The blood vessels are tied off and cut. The skin incision will have either dissolvable stitches or non-dissolvable white nylon which will need removal in 10 days.
For females, a 2 to 3 inch incision is made in the abdomen, the entire uterus and the ovaries are then removed. The incision is then closed by stitching the various layers and finally the skin back together. Sometimes the incisions are
bigger – it depends on the vet operating.
Licensed veterinarians perform the spay or neuter operation while the pet is under anesthesia and your dog will usually
be back home with you by the end of the day.
How Will My Labrador Be After He/She is Discharged?
For the male dog, the scrotum is often swollen in the first few days after surgery. If the dog is immature at the time of neutering, the empty scrotum will flatten out as he grows. If he is mature at the time of neuter, the empty scrotum will remain as a flap of skin. Most male dogs are eager to play by the day after surgery but to keep the incision intact; it is
best to restrict the dog from boisterous activity. Your vet will advise you when your dog will go back to have a post-op check up.
For the female, it is crucial to rest her for 10 days and observe her carefully the first night after surgery. People do
under estimate the surgery involved – any unusual signs should be reported immediately to your vet.
*It is important that you do not feed or give your dog water for the first hour after getting home. Many
dogs are very excited on returning home and sometimes make themselves ill by eating or drinking too much right after they arrive home. Feed a bland meal such as chicken/rice/pasta and offer small drinks of water.
Confine your labrador to the house if possible, and take them out on leash walks only, for 10 days. No jumping up /running upstairs is allowed as this will put strain on the wound and healing muscles beneath and is very dangerous. Prevent her from licking and biting the stitches. Even a few licks can cause an infection so ask your vet how to prevent this. Finally, you will have to make an appointment for a post-op check which is generally a day or two after the surgery and then an appointment around 10 -14 days to have the stitches removed.
Recovery Times
Recovery times vary. Neutered males usually recover very quickly. Females that are spayed can take a couple of days & some act as though nothing has happened and are running around and getting into mischief as soon as they get home. The age of your dog makes a difference in recovery.
Will My Dog's Personality Change?
The change will be for the better.
I'm Concerned About The Anesthetic..
There is always a risk with any procedure that requires an anesthetic. Many vets use monitors to kept track of heart rate and respiration during surgery. Talk to you vet about your concerns. The medical benefits far outweigh the slight risk involved with spaying or neutering.
Is It Best To Let My Labrador Have One Litter First?
No! This is not a good reason for letting a dog produce a litter and the normal health risks associated with birth and pregnancy can sometimes be harmful.
*If there is anything you are unsure of, we recommend that you contact your vet for further advice.