Will Spaying or Neutering Really Calm Down your Pet?

You’ve probably heard that you should spay or neuter your dog because doing so can help to reduce the number of strays, but did you know that getting your pet “fixed” can make life a little easier on you too?

In addition to improved health benefits - fewer uterine infections and breast tumors in females and reduced testicular and prostate cancers in males - spaying or neutering your dog can improve his or her behavior. There is a common “old wives tale” that holds a “fixed pet” will be “calmer,” and many pet owners who are at their wits end with out-of-control canines have tried this approach. Through spaying and neutering won’t change your dog’s overall temperament, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), there is some science behind this widely held belief.

No More Heat or Running Away

Female dogs that aren’t spayed go into heat about twice a year. During this time, they will try to mate with male dogs, and may become pregnant, but even if your female dog isn’t around any males, heat can be frustrating from a behavioral standpoint. Your dog will urinate more (and have accidents) and may begin to act erratic throughout the entire cycle, which is typically around 18 days.
Male dogs who are unneutered are more likely to run away in search of a mate. Not only can this result in a puppy boom around the neighborhood, but your dog could become injured or ill while wandering free. Once you neuter your male dog, he’s less likely to try to escape from the home he knows and loves.

Less Urine and Aggression

Male dogs are often more aggressive when they are left unneutered, and they also tend to urinate more frequently in an attempt to mark their territory and scare away other males. Once you have neutered your male dog, you won’t have to worry as much about fights with other males and cleaning up the house.

Spaying and neutering is a good idea for many reasons, including decreasing the number of homeless dogs. However, if you spay or neuter your dog, you’ll probably also find that you get to enjoy more time playing with than scolding your dog. Spaying and neutering won’t completely change your pet’s personality, but it can improve his or her behavior.

If you have questions about spaying or neutering your pet, please give our Long Beach vet a call at Bixby Animal Clinic.