Puppy Challenge | Getting Fixed | Part 1

According to the Humane Society of the United States:

In every community, in every state, there are homeless animals. In the U.S. as a whole, there are an estimated 6-8 million homeless animals entering animal shelters every year. About half of these animals are adopted, and tragically, the other half are euthanized. These are healthy, sweet pets who would have made great companions.

We can all help alleviate pet overpopulation, which contributes to animal homelessness and euthanasia, by spaying and neutering our pets. Andy wasn't neutered when we adopted him. The humane society we adopted him from doesn't believe in "pediatric neutering" - surgery before the age of 6 months. Because Andy was younger than 6 months at adoption we had to purchase a neuter certificate that we could redeem once he hit the minimum age. Apparently there's some debate amongst vets over the minimum age a dog should be before getting fixed. Some believe there are risks associated with "pediatric neutering" - anesthesia, stunted growth, urinary incontinence, etc. (For more information on this debate check out the ASPCA's article, Early Spay/Neuter). Others argue that it is perfectly safe and is added insurance against unwanted pregnancies.

Andy was neutered on June 22. Even though it was a routine procedure I was a little nervous. Anytime anesthesia's involved there are risks of complications. I've also always been a little squeamish about the post-surgery issues - What if he gets an infection? What if his sutures pop? What if I lift him the wrong way and cause him pain? We were told by the vet not to give him anything to eat after midnight the night before surgery. Food in the stomach + anesthesia = the potential for vomiting. Even if it was for his own good Andy was irked he didn't get any breakfast! We opted to pay extra and get pre-anesthesia blood work done. The tests checked Andy's kidney and liver functions to make sure he would do ok under anesthesia. Check-in was quick and everything was left in the good hands of the vet.