Neutering Your Dog: What You Need to Know

Is it time to neuter your dog? Here at Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital, we recommend you spay or neuter your pet at 6 months of age. Before you pick up the phone and make an appointment, here's what you need to know about neutering your puppy:

• Neutering is a common surgery that is totally safe. We perform blood work to make sure your pet is healthy enough for anesthesia and administer IV fluids throughout the surgery to help sustain body temperature, fluid and electrolyte levels. We also provide sedative and pain management medications as needed. Find out more about our spay and neuter process at our website.
  
• Your pet will be happier and healthier. Neutering your dog will eliminate the risk of testicular cancer and help reduce his risk for prostate cancer. Many pet parents also report improvement in roaming, marking and aggression.
  
• Neutering does not cause weight gain. This is a common myth that needs to be squashed! Dogs, like humans, will gain weight if they're given too much food or are not active enough. To prevent weight gain, be sure to walk your pooch often and provide healthy meals.
  
• Having your pup neutered will help control overpopulation. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) reports that approximately 3.9 million dogs enter U.S. animal shelters every year. Neuter your dog to prevent more homeless puppies!

To make an appointment or speak with one of our veterinarians about neutering your dog, give us a call today at 908-464-0023. Don't forget to find us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube!