Decoding what your vet and breeder are saying when it comes to spay and neutering
By: Dr. Shelly Zacharias
For new pet owners — and even for seasoned dog parents — there’s a lot of new information to take in. And there are so many resources available — in books, online, through breeders, through shelters, and through veterinarians. It can be a lot to unpack!
While it’s great that so many resources are available, it’s important to discern which information you get from where, and this can be especially true when consulting with your breeder and your veterinarian. We’ve broken down what information is best to gather from each source, so that you know you’re getting a good opinion.
Nutrition – Vet
Breeders know a lot about dogs, but when it comes to a specific breed and their diets, we recommend seeking a vet’s expert opinion. Veterinarians in the U.S. must undergo nutrition training in their curriculum and are encouraged to be well-versed in continued education regarding diet and nutrition. So many new products are constantly springing up on pet food shelves and there are endless options; it’s a vet’s job to stay up-to-date on these new products and their impact on animals. Because breeders aren’t required to have formal training in this area, we’d recommend sticking with a vet’s opinion.
Traits – Breeder
Reputable breeders have great intentions and usually go through a lot of vetting and due diligence from their customers. Ethical, seasoned breeders care deeply about their animals and should always be honest about a breed’s physical and temperamental traits. Because they work so closely with specific breeds, they’ll be well versed in that breed’s specific traits, littermates, and pedigree.
Medical Concerns – Vet
Veterinarians have years of formal education and training, which includes health considerations and differences in breeds. Practicing vets have a broad range of clinical experiences, academic-based knowledge, and have been trained to consider many different aspects in order to make the best decision for their furry patients. When it comes to the health of your individual animal — including pharmacology of drugs, metabolism, physiological and anatomical factors, hereditary factors, interaction of medicine, and research findings — stick with a vet’s pro diagnoses and recommendations.
New pet adjustment – Breeder
Congrats — you’ve purchased a new purebred dog for you and your family. Now it’s time to bring them home. A responsible and reputable breeder works closely with the animals they’re finding homes for; they’ll likely have good insight on how to help puppies adjust to their new homes and environments, such as how to puppy-proof areas of the house, how to help pups familiarize, and how to introduce a puppy to new humans and new rooms of the home.
Spay and Neutering – Vet
As we’ve mentioned in a previous post, spay and neutering your dog is an important part of their overall well-being. Veterinarians are trained professionals that keep your pet safe, healthy, and comfortable throughout the entire process — both pre and post op. They’re able to make informed decisions about when to spay and neuter and are aware of any complications that may arise given the animal’s health. Definitely stick with a veterinarian for any spay and neuter questions, concerns, and professional advice.
Genetic makeup – Breeder
Ethical breeders can be a very helpful source of information to families when it comes to teaching them about the genetic history of their puppy’s bloodline and behavioral characteristics. When breeding dogs, they carefully choose which dogs to breed based on many characteristics, including health, temperament, and desirable characteristics. This gives them great insight into where your new puppy came from, who its parents are, and any other inherited information.
Knowing which information is correct is important, but I understand it can get confusing. These simple guidelines will ensure that you’re getting the depth of knowledge you need, and we highly recommend sticking with veterinarians when making health decisions for your pet.
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