While the term 'spaying' is used to describe the ovariohysterectomy of a female animal, the term 'neutering' refers to the castration of a male animal. Spaying or neutering is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the reproductive organs of dogs and thus, makes them incapable of reproducing. This can be used to control the sexual urges and hyperactivity in dogs. Male dogs become sexually mature between 6-12 months and females between 6-9 months. If not neutered, unwanted pregnancies can lead to increase in the population of dogs. It also helps in curbing aggression in dogs. If your dog has not been neutered, he might exhibit aggressive behavior when in heat and you might find it very difficult to control him. If you are planning to get your dog spayed, here's some information on spaying and changes in dog behavior after spaying.

Spaying Your Dog

Spaying involves the removal of the uterus and the ovaries. Not only does spaying have a positive effect on the temperament of the female dogs, it also lowers their chances of contracting certain dog health problems. The hormone-related mood swings and aggressive sexual behavior disappears after spaying. Those female dogs that are spayed before their first heat cycle are less likely to develop mammary cancer. Due to the removal of uterus, spayed dogs cannot develop pyometra, a grave infection in the uterus that sometimes can even lead to death.

Changes in Dog Behavior after Neutering/Spaying

Have you noticed any changes in your pet's behavior after spaying? Neutering or spaying will make your dog more docile. The dogs that have not undergone this procedure are very difficult to control when they are in heat. Changes in the behavior of male dogs after neutering includes a decline in dominance tendencies and aggression due to decreased testosterone levels. A neutered dog is less likely to get into fights or wander around looking for females. Such dogs are less likely to indulge in excessive dog barking and will not spray and mark territory.

As far as female dogs are concerned, their heat cycle gets eliminated after spaying. The heat cycle of female dogs lasts for about 6-12 days, twice a year. Female dogs in heat have hormone-induced mood swings and display sexual behavior, but after spaying, the female will no longer have the urge to wander in search of a mate, and thus, the chances of unwanted pregnancies are eliminated. You wouldn't have to worry about those unwanted male dogs she would attract otherwise.

Since spaying surgery is more invasive, you must take proper care of your pet. Your dog will need at least 24 hours to recover from this surgery. Make sure that she gets proper rest. Since a dog that has been spayed will be somewhat disoriented due to the influence of anesthesia, you must keep her isolated from other pets. Make sure that you ask the veterinarian about all the precautions that need to be taken. Taking care of your dog after spaying is very essential. Let your dog get ample rest. Since the abdominal muscles need some time to heal, make sure that after the surgery, physical activity is minimized. Take your dog for short walks only, as exertion or heavy physical activity could lead to complications. Monitor the incisions and follow the advice of the veterinarian regarding dog care. After a week or so, take your dog to the veterinarian to check if your dog has recovered completely or not.

Spaying certainly reduces the chances of several dog illnesses and curbs the problem of aggression in dogs to a great extent. If you don't want your pet to conceive, spaying your dog before her first heat cycle would certainly help in tackling behavioral problems.