Before we dive into the importance of getting a dog fixed, let me explain this terminology that’s common at the vet’s office but still may be mysterious for new pet parents.

“Spaying” is the term used for female pets which means removing the uterus and ovaries of a female dog so that they cannot produce offspring.

“Neutering” is the term used for male pets which involves removing the testicles that produce sperm and testosterone so that the dog cannot produce offspring.

An animal that is not spayed or neutered is considered “Intact.” Choosing to get your dog “fixed” is a big decision and there are several reasons that pet parents choose to spay and neuter their dogs or to keep them intact.

Let’s explore the pros and cons...
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Reasons for spaying and neutering:

Reason One
Pet parents of female dogs want to avoid the dog period known as “heat,” where the dog bleeds for up to a full month about every 6 months. The main reason a pet parent would neuter male dogs is to avoid serious behavioral issues related to testosterone such as excessive urination around the house also known as marking, humping, running away from home to seek out female dogs, and aggressiveness with other male dogs.

Reason Two
The second reason to spay and neuter is to avoid health issues. Female dogs that are not spayed have a higher chance of developing bladder cancer, ovarian cancer, uterine infections, and mammary tumors which can be malignant or benign. Male dogs that are not neutered also have a high chance of developing bladder cancer, prostate tumors, and testicular cancer early in life. Some benign tumors can be treated by spaying and neutering the dog and taking away the estrogen and testosterone hormones that created the tumors in the first place.

Reason Three
One of the other reasons parents opt to spay and neuter their dogs is that there are too many homeless dogs in shelters, and they want to avoid any chance that their dog could breed and create more dogs that would then need homes.

Reasons to keep your pets intact:
Reason One
The main reason for opting against spaying and neutering is that people do not want to take away their pets’ natural hormones: estrogen, and testosterone. When the sex organs (ovaries and testicles) are removed, the pet has lower levels of hormones which research has shown can potentially impact their health. The first health issue in fixed dogs is that they can gain weight without changes to diet and exercise. Without their sex hormones, dogs can become calmer, lazier, and have an increased appetite which all can lead to weight gain. Owners need to know this and simply increase their pet's daily exercise routine and healthy diet to avoid this.

Reason Two
The second documented issue associated with early spaying and neutering of dogs is that removing the sex hormones can decrease dogs muscle mass and tendon and ligament strength. This can lead to higher rates of joint disorders such as hip dysplasia and cranial cruciate ligament tears in the knees of dogs that are spayed and neutered early in life.

What are the risks (if any)?
There are very minimal risks of spaying or neutering a dog. There are always risks of any patient undergoing anesthesia for a surgical procedure. But don’t be too scared. Spaying and neutering a dog is the most routine procedure that your veterinarian performs on a daily basis and there are very minimal complications that can happen.

How can pet parents help their dog heal after surgery?After your dog has been spayed or neutered they will have a surgical site with stitches and they will be in a small amount of pain at the surgery site. The healing process usually takes about two weeks. Your veterinarian may provide pain medication and antibiotics to help prevent healing complications and to make sure they are comfortable after surgery.

Make sure to get an Elizabethan Collar or “Cone of shame” to take home with you for your dog to wear so that they cannot lick, bite, or scratch out their sutures. When you take your dog home, keep them in a quiet isolated place from other pets for at least 1 week to heal.

The second week, you may let them roam more around the house but keep them under strict supervision and have the cone on at times you cannot watch them and make sure they aren’t disturbing the sutures.

Exercise restrictions are a must and this means only 2-3 short walks a day to use the bathroom, and no swimming, running, or jumping onto furniture. Avoid giving your dog baths for at least 10 days. Follow the vet’s instructions for follow-up care. Don’t forget to give them extra love!

Usually at about two weeks your veterinarian will ask you to schedule a recheck to remove the sutures. If at any time you notice your dog is lethargic or stops eating bring your dog to the veterinarian immediately to be checked.

Can a dog still get pregnant after being spayed? No, dogs that have been spayed cannot get pregnant. They do not have ovaries to ovulate, and they do not have a uterus in which embryos can attach in and grow.

What behavioral changes can pet parents see after their dog is spayed or neutered?Female dogs that have been spayed may be hungrier, relaxed, and calm after their hormones are taken away. They also may feel less anxious and protective and be less aggressive if this was an issue to begin with.

The same is true for male dogs. If a male dog is neutered too old in life, their behavior of peeing in the house or “marking” their territory may never be fixed. However, taking away their testosterone and will to run away and seek out female mates may decrease, and they may stay closer to home.

At what age should a dog be spayed or neutered? Can a dog be too young/old?Most veterinarians will recommend spaying and neutering at 6 to 9 months old. Female dogs usually come into heat around 6 months old and can be spayed earlier around 5 months old to avoid their first heat cycle or after their first heat cycle at 9 months old. The first heat cycle may be so light that owners sometimes don’t notice it. Puppies as young as 8 weeks old can be neutered in shelters as long as they are healthy. However, most female puppies in shelters are not spayed until they are around 12 weeks old.

No dog is too old to be spayed or neutered as long as they are healthy enough to undergo anesthesia.

The decision to spay and neuter your pet is complicated, and with the high rate of homeless dogs in shelters, it is important to talk to your local veterinarian about the pros and the cons and what is best for your pet.

Chances are you’ve heard about the many benefits of adding healthy fish to your own diet. Protein-rich salmon, herring, and tuna are all great sources of Omega-3 fatty acids, which can support brain and heart health, immune function, and help reduce inflammation. But did you know that fish oil is also good for your four-legged friends? That’s right; a pet-specific fish oil supplement can offer your fur babies some of the very same health benefits.
Before you consider a fish oil supplement for Sparky, let’s investigate its origins, benefits, various forms, and recommended dosing.

What is Fish Oil?
Simply put, this oil is found in the tissues of fish, which is often extracted for human and animal use. It comes from fish naturally high in oils such as herring, tuna, mackerel, and salmon. Sometimes these oils can be produced in the liver of certain fish, such as cod liver oil. The most common fish oils are used not for their oil specifically but for the fatty acid component.

The Skinny on Fat
Both you and your pet need fats to survive. There are four main types of fats, including trans fats, saturated fats, unsaturated fats, and polyunsaturated fats.
Omega fatty acids are found in polyunsaturated fatty acids and help regulate hormones, blood flow, and general inflammatory pathways. These are not naturally made in the body, so we have to rely on our diet for these. This concept is true for both you and your pets.
The two types of omega fatty acids that we hear about most are Omega-3 and Omega-6. Omega-3 fatty acids are typically found in cold-water fish and help balance out the Omega-6 fatty acids, which are found in processed foods and grains.
The main Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil (particularly Salomon Oil) are EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and DPA (docosapentaenoic acid). Collectively, these acids are called “long-chain,” meaning that they contain 20 or more carbon atoms.

Is Salmon Oil Good for Dogs and Cats?
The short answer is YES! And it’s no wonder that the most common fish oil utilized in the veterinary industry (my office included!) is Salmon Oil.
Google Salmon Oil for dogs and cats, and you'll likely find pages and pages of potential health benefits. However, the top benefits include support for heart function, joint health, coat and skin health, and immune function.
Salmon oil’s awesome attributes are due to those hardworking Omega-3 acids. Long-chain fatty acids may provide anti-inflammatory benefits and help support your dog’s or cat’s coat and skin. Omega-3s can potentially decrease the development of skin allergies and help aid in the healing of wounds.
And the cherry on top? Salmon Oil offers brainy benefits, too. That’s because the DHA component in Omega-3 helps with cognitive function and brain health. In puppies, just like human babies, DHA helps with healthy brain and eye development.

Which Fish Oil is Best for Pets?
When searching for a fish oil to give your furry friend, it's essential to know that not all fish oils are created equal. There are three common types of fish oils on the market, including natural triglyceride oil, ethyl ester oil, and synthetic triglyceride oil.

Natural Triglyceride Oil
As the name says, natural triglyceride oil is the most natural and most readily absorbed. However, because it is natural, it has not been purified and may contain impurities.

Ethyl Ester Oils
Ethyl ester oils are a semi-natural product. They are a concentrated form of the oil that has been distilled so impurities have been minimized.

Vet’s Professional Opinion
Based on my professional veterinary experience, I would recommend ethyl ester oils because they have excellent absorption. Plus, they are safer since they do not contain as many impurities. Above all, I opt for a high-quality fish oil that is sustainably sourced and regularly tested by third-party labs.

Fish Oil Dosing Advice
Let’s face it: gel caps can be mighty hard to give to a reluctant pet. That’s why I recommend a liquid salmon oil that can be added to your mutt’s favorite meal.
Importantly, this method provides a delicious direct source of the salmon oil nutrients. Plus, that tasty fish oil entices picky pets to gobble down their kibble!

My vote goes to the liquid method as it’s extremely easy to use and a wonderful way to give fish oil to pets. Fortunately, many supplements come in a bottle with a convenient pump. You just squirt the allotted dosage on the food, and voila!

So how much fish oil should you give dogs, puppies, and cats? Dosing is based on body weight and will vary for the individual. You should consult with your veterinarian for a specific dosage.

Salmon Oil for the Win!
As I mentioned before, the most common fish oil utilized in the veterinary industry is Salmon Oil.

One of my favorite products is the Salmon Oil from Zesty Paws because it is wild-caught and sustainably sourced. It’s especially handy because it's Salmon Oil for dogs and cats alike! This minimizes the need to buy separate products in your pet-populated household.

Now, the smell can be a little potent if you are not a fan of seafood, but it's worth the effort for your devoted four-legged friends. After all, Salmon Oil can benefit their overall health, from their furry heads to muddy paws.

Why I Recommend Zesty Paws Salmon Oil
I have also used and am familiar with two veterinary strength varieties of omega fatty acids. I find that Zesty Paws is very comparable in price and quality.
Fish oils have many benefits and are safe for dogs and cats. However, it's wise to consult with your veterinarian about specific issues, health concerns, uses, and dosages before giving to your beloved fur-ball.