Benefits of Spaying and Neutering
We recently purchased a Labrador Retriever puppy as our family pet. My children chose a black female and we have named her Lady. We took her for her first puppy shots and our veterinarian told us we should have her spayed so that she lives longer. Is that true, and if so, why?
We are glad to hear that you are taking such good care of your puppy by taking her to your veterinarian for a check-up and vaccinations. It is the general recommendation of veterinarians to spay or neuter pets that are not intended for breeding. I do think that Although spaying your puppy is in her best interest, there is no guarantee that it will make her live longer. We do the best we can by using the best preventative medicine that is available.
There are many reasons you should consider having your pet spayed or neutered. First, there are many health benefits for your pet. Spayed females are not at risk for developing ovarian tumors or a pyometra (an infected uterus). In addition, having females spayed before the first heat cycle dramatically reduces the incidence of mammary tumors (breast cancer) which can be life-threatening. Neutered males are not at risk for developing testicular tumors and have less incidence of prostate disease.
Behavior-wise, males and females make better pets if they are neutered and spayed by six months. They are less likely to develop behaviors such as aggressiveness, marking or roaming. It is also your responsibility to help control the pet population. There is a constant overabundance of animals that need homes in our shelters.
Good luck with your new puppy, and we hope you have many, many happy years together!
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