The Life Span Cycle Of Vet Care For Dogs

Why You Should Always De-Sex a New Puppy Litter

28 December 2022 by Leonard Wallace

You may be delighted with the new arrivals if your dog has just produced a litter. Still, you need to ensure that the mother has the available space and resources so that she can raise the litter in good health. However, unless any of these animals are intended for breeding, you should consider pet de-sexing. What do you need to know about this procedure, and when should it take place?

The Best Age 

According to the RSPCA, it is best to consult with your vet to find out the best age for de-sexing. This can vary according to the size of the animal and the breed. Before presenting to the vet, you may need to wait until the animals have had any early-stage injections to protect them against infection.

Health Benefits

When you put your puppies through this procedure, you may be contributing to their long-term health. Female dogs that have been spayed may have a lower risk of developing certain cancers, such as ovarian. Male puppies may also reduce the risk of getting prostate cancer or perianal tumours.

Potential Problems

Animals that have not been de-sexed may sometimes exhibit aggressive behaviour, especially when they are in season. They may undergo hormonal fluctuations associated with the heat cycle, and this could make them aggressive to other animals. They may also want to mark their territory and if you are keeping them indoors, this can certainly be a problem.

Other Risks of Inattention

If you don't de-sex your puppies and eventually pass them on to a new owner, the animals may contribute to a growing population issue. They may produce an unwanted litter of puppies for the new owner or in the wild if they are unfortunate enough to lose a caring home. As you may know, stray animals are an increasing problem in most towns and cities across the country, so for this reason alone, you should always ensure that you de-sex your litter as recommended by the vet.

What to Do Next

De-sexing is a relatively simple procedure that is conducted on the same day at your vet surgery and under general anaesthetic. You should ensure that your pets do not have access to food before the procedure and keep an eye on the animals for a day or so after they get out. Other than that, there's very little to worry about, but if you have any other questions, discuss them with your vet.

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