The Importance of Neutering your Dog in Wrigleyville, Chicago

If you have a male dog in Wrigleyville, you might wonder whether or not it’s all that necessary to have him neutered. If you keep him indoors all the time and don’t have a female dog, do you even have to worry about it? The short answer is yes—but there’s more to consider than just this.

In the article below, you’ll find more information about the importance of neutering your dog in Wrigleyville. Read through this list of essential reasons to help you understand just how necessary it truly is to make sure your dog is neutered.

 

Neutered dogs don’t contribute to the overpopulation of pets in Wrigleyville

There is a serious problem with pet overpopulation throughout Chicago and the United States as well. There are always more puppies born than those who can find homes, and they must sadly be put down often because of this.

By having your dog neutered, you can reduce your impact on the overpopulation of pets. You’ll be a responsible pet owner and can feel confident knowing that your dog is not going to add anything to this major problem. Plus your dog will be happier and more content at home, too, when he doesn’t feel lie he constantly needs to mate.

 

Neutered dogs don’t roam or try to escape.

Dogs who are intact want to find females to mate with. If there is an intact female in Wrigleyville—whether she is a stray or is the pet of another family nearby—your intact male dog is probably going to want to find her and mate with her.

Dogs who are driven by the urge to mate often roam or try to escape from the home or yard. They may get away even if you think you’ve done everything you can to stop them. Having your dog neutered can often prevent this problem altogether.

Neutered dogs don’t get into fights as often.

Many intact dogs are prone to getting into fights because they want to mate with intact females in the area. If your intact dog is getting into fights with other males, this is probably the reason why. When you have him neutered, he will be much less likely to fight other male dogs.

Of course, some dogs are prone to picking fights with others regardless. You should not expect neutering to automatically fix this problem, but keep in mind that it often helps significantly. Speak to your vet for more information about helping your dog stay out of fights.

 

Neutered dogs are often less aggressive.

Although neutering should never be the only method you try to help an aggressive dog calm down, it is often enough for many dogs. Many dogs who are aggressive and territorial lose this instinctive drive within a few months of being neutered and become much easier for the whole family to get along with.

Having your dog neutered will decrease his drive to find a mate, which also decreases his desire for territory. You may find him easier to approach and easier to play with, too, after you have him neutered. This is especially important if you have young children in your family.

Neutered dogs don’t have as many health problems as intact dogs.

After your dog is neutered, his risk of various cancers will decrease or disappear altogether. He will no longer be at risk for testicular cancer, and he will be much less likely to develop prostate cancer as well.

Additionally, dogs who are neutered are less likely to suffer from other health problems too. Your dog’s life may be extended through the simple process of neutering, especially when you have him neutered at the right age. Be sure to talk to your vet for recommendations about the best time to neuter.

Neutering is a safe procedure for almost all dogs.

Almost every dog in Wrigleyville can safely be neutered with no cause for concern. If there any reasons your dog shouldn’t be neutered, your vet in Wrigleyville will be sure to let you know about this ahead of time. Otherwise, however, you can usually have your dog back home with you the same day as his procedure with no worries.

When Should My Dog be Neutered in Wrigleyville?

The American Animal Hospital Association recommends that small breed dogs (those 45 lbs and under) be neutered around 6 months old. Large breed dogs (those over 45 lbs) should be neutered between 9 and 15 months old, or when they have stopped growing. Neutering a large breed dog too early can interfere with their growth.

Above all, every dog is different, and whether or not to neuter and when requires a conversation with your vet. For some pets, neutering may pose more of a health risk than not neutering. The important thing is to go over any and all possible risks and figure out which option–to neuter, or not to neuter–is best for your dog in particular. The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends a case-by-case approach and the careful weighing of all potential risks and benefits.

Schedule an Pet Neutering Appointment in Wrigleyville Today

Do you feel like you’ve learned something useful about why you should have your dog neutered? This information should help you get a better understanding of the importance of this routine procedure for your male dog and should make it easier for you to choose to have your dog neutered, too.

If you have any other questions or concerns, be sure to speak to our vet for more information. Our vets in Wrigleyville can tell you whether or not there’s any medical reason for your dog to remain intact, and the vet can help you choose the right time to safely neuter your dog as well. If you are ready to schedule an neutering procedure at our state-of-the-art facilities in Wrigleyville, please give us a call at (773) 698-7525 or Request an Appointment.