To spay or not to spay ( and neuter ) - Spaying, the term used for surgically removing the reproductive organs of the female (ovaries, uterus, and fallopian tubes) leaving no outward appearance except for a small almost unnoticeable scar on the belly. Neutering, the term for the surgical removal of the males reproductive glands ( testes) not including the scrotal sac. The outward appearance of the male after the proceudre depends on age done, although even when performed on an older dog the sac will shrink to next to nothing.
Spaying and neutering should be done before the animals becomes an "adult", preferably by 6 months of age with some veterinarians performing the surgery as young as 8 weeks. ( I prefer about 4 months ). Spaying can be performed on dogs in heat or pregnant although the surgery will take longer and therefore cost more. It is better to have it done before that is a consideration.
The first estrous ( heat ) cycle of the female can occur as young as 6 months to as late as 20 months with 8 to 10 months being the norm. The heat cycle duration is about 3 weeks. The heat cycle normally occurs twice a year at 6 month intervals, with the gestation (time between conception and delivering puppies) period having 63 days for an average. ( 9 weeks )
Some of the benefits of spaying include not having every whole (un-neutered) male in the neighborhood camping on your lawn in the hopes of a chance at your little girl; not having her 'spot' everywhere by the unpreventable dripping of some body fluids associated with the heat cycle; reduced incidence of breast cancer (the rate drops to near zero if done before the first heat cycle); eliminated chance of pyometra ( a potentially deadly infection of the uterus that is relatively common ); removal of hormone related mood swings ( p.m.s. in humans ); eliminated chance of uterine and ovarian cancers and infections.
Some benefits of neutering the male include: reduced desire to roam; eemoved risk of testicular cancer; decreased aggression (especially towards other males); decreased to nonexistent desire to mark his territory; decreased chance for prostate problems.
Spaying or neutering your pet will not make them fat and lazy - overfeeding and no exercise will. Your children will not be missing the chance to see the 'miracle' of birth as most animals will try to hide for privacy and most pups are born in the middle of the night. You will not miss having the expense, work, and responsibility of finding good life long homes for the lives you have become responsible for.
Don't let anyone tell you that you should keep your pet whole in case someone wants to use him for stud. Or that she is so pretty she would make wonderful puppies. There are plenty of breeders out there that have studs for use that are better prepared to deal with the health issues of a intact male in addition to being aware of and prepared to deal with any complications that may arise in having puppies. The mating of two dogs involves more than just tossing them together in the back yard and letting nature take its course. There is compatibility of specimens and many details to be aware of as well as being being aware of faults ( not reproducing very bad faults and not breeding two animals with the same fault ). You may not see or know to look for in your own beloved pet, and breeding or not breeding accordingly.
Help your pet live a longer, happier and healthier life by spaying or neutering the family pet.