Spaying/Neutering my Maltipoo
If you’ve just welcomed a new puppy into your life, you may have a lot of questions about the when’s and why’s about spaying or neutering. I can answer a few of those questions for you now.
What is the difference between spay and neuter?
Spaying or ovariohysterectomy, is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the female dog’s uterus and both ovaries through an incision made in the abdomen.
Neutering or castration, is the surgical removal of a male dog’s testes. It is a much simpler surgery than a spay. An incision is made near the front of the scrotum, then the testicles are removed through that incision.
Why spay and neuter?
There are some health benefits to getting your Maltipoo spayed or neutered. Spaying your female will eliminate the chance of getting uterine infections (pyometra) and mammary tumors. Neutering your male dog prevents testicular cancer and will reduce the risk of problems such as prostate disease.
Getting the surgery done will also help with some behavioral issues. It helps reduce the undesirable behaviors like leg lifting, mounting and roaming. Neutering your male may also help decrease aggressive behavior.
When you get a female dog spayed, this will prevent unwanted litters. Once she goes into heat, her scent becomes very alluring to male dogs. This will cause you to have some unwanted visitors in your yard. Surgery can help reduce roaming in both male and female dogs.
When to spay or neuter
Many people say that it is best to get your dog spayed or neutered before the dog becomes sexually mature. Some females come into their first heat as early as 5 months old. It could be best if you do not want to deal with the vaginal discharge or the behavioral changes. However, there have been studies and increasing evidence that this is too young and the dog has not been allowed to fully develop and grow. There may be some health implications that come with getting your dog spayed or neutered too young.
The recommended age for getting your puppy spayed or neutered is 6 months old or later. We suggest you also talk with your veterinarian to determine the most appropriate age for this surgical procedure.
Caring for your Maltipoo after surgery
After spay surgery, your Maltipoo may be a little bit dazed and woozy until the anesthesia wears off. Some clinics will keep your dog overnight, while others will let her go home on the same day. This will depend on how well your Maltipoo does with the surgery. Your Maltipoo may have some discomfort after the surgery and your veterinarian will most likely send some pain medication home with you. You should limit your puppy’s activity for the next 7-10 days. Be sure to watch for swelling and redness around the surgery site during the recovery period. Your clinic may require a post-surgery check-up after about a week to make sure the incision is healing and to remove stitches.
After neuter surgery, if there are no complications or other health issues, male dogs can usually go home on the same day of the procedure. Your Maltipoo may have some discomfort after the surgery and your veterinarian will most likely send some pain medication as well as a protective collar home with you. You should limit your puppy’s activity for the next 7-10 days. Your clinic may require a post-surgery check-up after about a week to make sure the incision is healing and to remove stitches.
Be sure to talk to your veterinarian about the best time to complete the surgery. Smaller breeds like the Maltipoo may need to wait a bit longer than larger breeds to get the surgery done.