Having a household pet is a joy in life, both for children and adults, alike. There is a void that can be filled in the home when there is a happy dog waiting to greet you when the family returns home at the end of the day, they can bring smiles even in the midst of suffering, and act as playmates for your children. The benefits of animals in the house, particularly dogs, can be overwhelming and wonderful. So, what if you are so in love with having an animal in your home that you are now contemplating whether or not you should let your dog breed? Perhaps you have a female dog that is now in heat and you are wondering whether you want to have puppies on your own or if you should get her neutered.

While breeding can seem like a glamorous process when watching a movie or television show, it is actually a risky procedure that can get expensive very quickly. Believe it or not, there are many pets around that are not meant to be breed due to different genetic defects, etc. for this reason, it is important for you to do your research as well as find a local veterinarian in order to discuss your wishes. If you current dog has specific genetic issues, by choosing to breed them that could lead to future health problems for their offspring if you try to breed them. Dog breeders often do so for a living, therefore spending a lot of time with a certain breed in order to make sure the process is done properly and effectively. Many people who attempt to breed on their own may discovered quickly that they are not equipped to handle the upcoming tasks of caring for the litter.

If you decide that the only reason you want to breed your animal is because it sounds exciting, you may be getting in over your head; and could be actually placing your animal in great danger. This is a very serious decision to make and should not be taken lightly. What often happens with people who choose to breed their animals because they think it will be fun is that they realize they can't actually care for their new animals and the dogs will end up in shelters.

There are numerous reasons for people to not breed their dogs, one of being your dog's physical health. As strange as it sounds, male dogs that have not been neutered are actually a health risk to themselves because they are more sensitive to finding a fertile female dog to be with. This means that they will run across streets and risk the chance of getting hit by cars in order to find their mate. By having them neutered the urge they experience is significantly reduced along with physical health issues like testicular cancer and prostatic diseases.

Choosing to breed your female dogs is also dangerous, and getting them spayed also helps greatly increase their future life expectancy. By doing so her chances of breast cancer will decrease and also the chance of her getting infections in the bladder as well as cancer can be decreased. If you choose to have her spayed even before she goes into heat, you will be able to avoid the mess that it can cause at home.

Overall, before making the decision to breed your house dog; discuss the situation with your vet who knows your animal well. Don't make a rash decision, and remember breeding is a huge commitment. If you can't follow through and offer them the care they need, it is likely that the litter will end up in the pound like many other dogs around today.