In this article
One of the biggest responsibilities of pet owners is taking care of their pet’s health and well-being. Part of taking care of your pet’s health—an aspect people don’t always consider in regard to the state of health—is getting your pet spayed or neutered. This procedure isn’t only for population control; it also can help your pet have a longer life (among other things)!
But when should you have your pet spayed or neutered? All animals are different, so it will depend on the type of pet you have. Today, though, we’re taking a look at Corgis. So, when you you spay or neuter a Corgi?
If you have a male Corgi, it’s recommended that you wait until after they’ve reached 6 months before being neutered. For female Corgis, delaying spay until they’re a year or older is recommended (or three months after they have their first heat, which typically occurs between 6 and 12 months).1 Keep reading for all you need to know about spaying or neutering your Corgi!
The Importance of Spaying or Neutering Your Corgi
Many people think that getting their dogs spayed or neutered is only to help prevent unwanted litters. However, that isn’t the only reason. As it were, castration provides several health benefits for your dog.
- Reduced aggression
- Reduced risk of prostate disease
- Reduced risk of diabetes
- Reduced risk of various cancers related to the mammary, uterine, and ovarian tissue
- Reduced risk of pyometra
- Eliminating heat cycles and unwanted behaviors that go along with them
So, by spaying or neutering your Corgi, you’re helping your dog to be healthier and live longer!
That doesn’t mean there aren’t any risks involved in spaying or neutering your Corgi, though. These risks are few, but you need to be aware of them.
- Problems with anesthesia (more likely to affect dogs with underlying medical conditions or those that are older)
- Obesity
- Post-operative pain
- Infection or inflammation of the incision site
When Should a Corgi Be Spayed or Neutered
When’s the best time to have your Corgi spayed or neutered? Well, it will vary by pup, but as we said earlier, it’s recommended that male Corgis aren’t neutered until 6 months of age or later. The reason for neutering at this age is to decrease the risk of intervertebral disc disease (IDD), as a study done in 2020 that looked at 240 Corgis suggested there is an increased risk of this disease if Corgis are neutered earlier than 6 months.
However, there were no suggested benefits of timing when it came to spaying female Corgis. But the general guideline here is to spay after a year of age (or to wait 3 months after the first heat cycle).
Whether you have a male or female, though, it’s always advisable to speak to your vet about when you should have your dog altered, as your vet will be able to offer the best recommendation for your pet.
If you need to speak with a vet but can't get to one, head over to PangoVet. It's our online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the advice you need for your dog — all at an affordable price!
How Much Does Spaying or Neutering a Corgi Cost?
How much spaying or neuturing your Corgi will cost will depend on several factors. One is your geographical location, as some regions offer services at different rates than others. Every hospital may have a different rate, and the size of your pup, anesthetic risk, and age may also factor into the cost.
Generally speaking, though, spaying a dog (which typically costs more than neutering because it’s a more complicated procedure) can cost anywhere from $40–$400. Neutering can range from $20–$250. (These prices don’t factor in any extra charges, such as vaccinations, heartworm tests, or preoperative blood tests, though.)
If you’re looking for ways to reduce vet costs, you should consider getting one. Only a few will reimburse you for costs specifically related to spaying or neutering, but overall, pet insurance can save you tons on vet bills.
Conclusion
It’s important to have your Corgi spayed or neutered not only to prevent unwanted puppies but to keep your dog in good health. That’s not to say there aren’t a few risks involved, and generally the benefits outweigh the risks. Spaying or neutering your pet can be a bit costly, and prices vary depending on several factors. You might consider looking into getting pet insurance to help you cover the cost of vet bills.
Featured Image Credit: fast-stock, Shutterstock
