You may have a lot of questions about having your Chihuahua neutered or spayed. Many dog owners do not understand exactly what happens during these procedures or why this is even done!
What Exactly is Neutering?
When a male Chihuahua is neutered, this will be a procedure in which their testicles are removed. The sac that holds the testicles will remain; the "insides" of the sac will be removed. There is usually swelling when this is first done, so a dog owner may not see much of a difference, as the sacs are swollen and still look full. As time goes by, this swelling will decrease and just small areas of skin will remain at the base of the Chihuahua's penis. Your dog will be given anesthetics to sleep while this is done and stitches will be put on the area in which the cuts are made.
How Old Should a Male Chihuahua Be When Neutered?
You should wait until your Chihuahua is at least 6 months old. This will ensure that your dog has grown enough to be able to handle the anesthesia and the operation as a whole.
What is Spaying?
When you have your Chihuahua spayed, this is equivalent to a female woman having a hysterectomy. The ovaries and uterus will be removed from her. This will be done after she is given anesthesia. To have this procedure, her fur must be shaved in the area in which the surgeon will be doing the operation.
Is Recovery Hard?
Not usually. Your Chihuahua will be sore afterwards for a while and should not run around. Keeping the stitches clean is the most important element. If you see any redness or swelling around the stitches, this should be reported to your dog's veterinarian right away, as it may point to the beginning of an infection.
Why Should I Neuter My Male Chihuahua?
There are good and valid reasons to neuter a male dog. While some people will say that this is a cruel thing to do, it is quite the opposite. Dogs do not mate for reasons of pleasure; therefore you are not denying your Chihuahua any future pleasure. Mating is a pure natural instinct and very often leads to unwanted puppies that no one is able to take care of. There are far many more dogs in the world than there are people to care for them. This is the reason that so many dogs are killed; they have no homes.
It is a fact that a neutered male Chihuahua will be a more calm and relaxed dog. Having the procedure done to your canine will help with any current or future aggression issues.
Why Should I Have My Female Chihuahua Spayed?
There are excellent reasons to have your female Chihuahua spayed; the most important being the prevention of cancer! A female Chihuahua should be spayed before she enters heat. This age can vary greatly; it can begin as early as 5 month or as late as 1 and 1/2 years old. However, after a female Chihuahua goes through her 2nd heat, the chances of getting cancer increase dramatically. Therefore, it is for the best health of your dog that you have this done.
The secondary reason will be to stop the unwanted breeding. A Chihuahua pregnant is a Chihuahua at risk. Most females will need to have a Cesarean when giving birth and this of course, puts the mother dog at risk. Unless you are seriously planning on breeding your dog, you should not hesitate to have your female spayed.
How Much Will This Cost?
The prices will vary; however spaying is more expensive than neutering because it is a much more complicated surgery. There are many clinics that will offer payment plans or low cost plans since any reputable veterinarian understands the important health reasons to have this done.
