Spaying, if you were wondering, is the veterinary procedure where the ovaries and uterus of a female dog are removed. Neutering is done to remove a male dog’s testicles surgically.
If you have a Jack Russel or are planning to get one, and are wondering about when and how to conduct these procedures, we got you covered! Continue reading to find out all you need to know about spaying and neutering your dog.
Benefits of spaying or neutering your dog
Both of these procedures offer lifelong health benefits, and majorly improve your pet’s behavior. Most importantly, it will make your Jack Russell more tolerant towards other people or dogs.
Spaying prevents a female Russell Terrier from accidental breeding and also helps avoid any kind of uterine infection or tumors in their reproductive system. Additionally, if they are being spayed before the first heat, the risk of breast tumors in them is practically erased with a higher probability.
Neutered male Jack Russells will grow tolerable and have a decreased temptation to get distracted or stray away from home. This process also saves them from developing testicular cancer.
How much does it cost to spay a Jack Russell Terrier?
The average cost to spay a dog is around £170. The cost of a keyhole spay (where only the ovaries will be removed) is around £350. If you have an older dog or a dog with an infection in the womb, the spaying procedure can cost up to £1,000.
A keyhole procedure is usually less painful and heals quickly, with your dog only getting three small incisions. Overall, the cost should cover the pre and post-operation check-ups, the painkillers, and a cone of shame.
When to spay a Jack Russell Terrier?
As Jack Russells are smaller breeds, they mature faster than their larger cousins. The safest time to spay your dog should be before they hit puberty, which is around 6 to 9 months. You can consult your vet about the best time for your pet to be spayed.
You must avoid spaying them before the age of 3 months as they could develop certain health complications later on. After the operation, your dog is prone to weight gain due to her metabolism rate changing significantly. So proper exercise and activities are essential for your dog’s well-being.
When to neuter a Jack Russell Terrier?
Generally, a male Jack Russell Terrier is castrated as early as between 5 to 16 months. It is always safe to consult your veterinarian to know precisely when it is the safest and most convenient for you and your dog.
Neutering your Jack Russell in his early stages can positively impact your dog and improve his health. Neutering completely reduces the hostile nature of a Jack Russell and reduces the risk of them running away.
However, if you neuter your dog, it also affects their hyperactive tendency and can make them gain a lot of weight. So, you must prepare a special diet for them before you take them for the procedure.
Is it safe to spay and neuter a Jack Russell Terrier?
It is entirely safe to spay or neuter your pet, provided a certified vet does it. Most vets are used to performing this procedure and consider it quite normal. After the procedure, your pet can lead a longer and healthier life because of the reduced risk of reproductive infections and cancer.
This procedure is performed under anesthesia and won’t hurt your dog. Moreover, the
benefits of spaying or neutering your dog exceed the temporary discomfort caused. Spaying can also benefit a female terrier from not going into heat and making a mess all over the house.
To sum up
Neutering and spaying your Jack Russell Terrier can make its and your life more comfortable in a lot of ways. But doing it at the right time counts, so always visit your vet first and then go ahead with it.
While it is understandable for you to worry about your dog’s safety concerning this procedure, it is important to note that it is very common to get a dog spayed/ neutered. All you have to do is take your Jack Russell to a good vet and take good care of your buddy after the procedure.
