We often think of “neutering” as a term that only applies to male dogs, but the truth is that either sex of a dog can be neutered. Dogs that are neutered no longer have the risk of suffering from testicular cancer, a common form of cancer in dogs, later in life. First and foremost, many experts believe that neutering your male dog can prevent aggressive behaviors caused by testosterone. Your dog's reproductive hormones help his bones and joints develop properly. That means the desire to roam and expand territory is reduced. All of my peer-reviewed research has led me to the idea that neutering isnt the best if you can contain your male. If your dog is a year old and still has one or both testicles tucked up inside his body (called cryptorchidism), the retained testicle is 14 times as likely to develop a tumor compared to a descended testicle. The goal of getting your dog neutered at this age is to neuter the dog at the onset of puberty to mitigate the cons that come with neutering. It's a big responsibility to own an intact male dog. Neutering you dog will reduce their testosterone levels, and testosterone is known to increase aggression. Many dogs, even when neutered, will still lift their leg, but less obsessively. Intact males, driven by testosterone, usually lift their leg when they pee. The procedure has many benefits, including taming unwanted traits, behaviors, minimizing the risk of certain diseases, and reducing conflicts among dogs. There can be fewer spraying issues around the house as well. If your dog has inherited his dominance or aggression, or if caused by improper socialization or training, then neutering by itself won't be enough. Neutering reduces urine marking in 50 percent of males. What are the cons of neutering a male dog? “Help control the pet population. Hemangiosarcoma is much more common in certain breeds, especially the Afghan Hound, Belgian Shepherds, Bernese Mountain Dog, Bouvier des Flandres, Boston Terrier, Boxer, Bulldog, Doberman Pinscher, English Setter, Flat Coated Retriever, French Bulldog, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Greater Swiss Mtn Dog, Labrador Retriever, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Rottweiler, Saluki, Scottish Terrier, Skye Terrier, and Vizsla. This is due to the reduction of testosterone, but remember, NOT ALL testosterone is removed by neutering. Neutering can increase the health risks of certain conditions for dogs. There are a number of risks associated with neutering male dogs that pet owners are not being told about. “The AVMA supports the concept of early (prepubertal, 8 to 16 weeks of age) spay/neuter in dogs and cats in an effort to reduce the number of unwanted animals of these species. It could change the texture of the dog’s coat. A female in heat gives off chemicals that can be scented from a mile away. Get all the facts first. There are three things that should be done to prevent them becoming overweight: reduce the daily food allowance, change the diet to one specifically formulated for neutered dogs, and ensure that the dog gets enough exercise. Although there may be changes to the maturation process afterward, for some dogs, the benefits here outweigh the potential disadvantages which may occur later on in life. Owners often request neutering to prevent behavioural problems, especially in male dogs. Your dog’s metabolism will slow down after they are spayed or neutered. So it is very important for you to provide your dog with regular exercise and the proper portion of food. If so, neutering would be wise. As the dog ages, the bladder muscles are weaker than they should be, which causes leakage. In addition to reducing roaming in male dogs, neutering can … Other reasons for castrating male dogs or spaying females are more about the owner rather than the dog. Since testosterone fuels the fires of many unwanted behaviors, neutering is the best first step. As well, a neutered dog is less likely to mark territory, … 1. Intact dogs are less likely to suffer this disease because the reproductive hormones are thought to help protect the brain. May help with certain behavior issues. 2. Neutering puts an end to all that. You don't want to just drop off your dog expecting all safety precautions to be taken. Now, these behaviors can also occur in neutered dogs and can stem from over-excitement, lack of exercise, attempts to show dominance, or the dog simply not being taught that these behaviors are unacceptable. It seldom spreads and has a cure rate over 90%, but neutering prevents it entirely. It does not cause them to gain weight. A cryptorchid dog should definitely be neutered. Even if your dog isn't aggressive himself, being intact makes him a target for other intact males who might see him as a potential rival. It seems that cons for neutering a male dog far outweigh the benefits in terms of a dog's health. They will want to mark their space and as much as possible. This will make you dog easier to deal with, and it’s especially important if you have children at home. An intact male can become very agitated – whining, pacing, sometimes escaping his house or yard. 5. But other causes of dominance and aggression still need to be addressed through Respect Training. Missing testicles are up inside his body. Dogs are naturally protective of their territory. A cryptorchid dog should definitely be neutered. To neuter or not to neuter; this is a question that most pet parents struggle with. A dog who is NOT neutered is also called intact. It depends on his size or breed, which is completely covered in my dog care book. Some male dogs are hypersexualized. Keep adjusting the amount you feed so he stays on the slender side, and provide plenty of exercise. A dog who is allowed to breed must first be tested and cleared of certain health problems known to be hereditary. If you are talking to a breeder or a trainer, he or she will recommend that you get your dog neutered at about 14 months of age. There are many reasons why veterinarians and pet advocacy groups recommend the neutering of entire male dogs. Now it is known that the opposite is true. Pros and Cons of Spaying or Neutering Your Dog Virtually every single dog owner alive will at some point face the daunting question of whether or not to spay or neuter their pup. If a male dog is listed as a purebred and has papers to support it, then neutering may not be the right choice. The texture of their coat might change as well. An expert researcher and author of 15 books about dogs, she loves helping people choose, train, and care for their dogs. If none of the above applies to you and your dog, you might decide not to neuter. 2. Remember, your dog needs his reproductive hormones for some time so his bones, joints, and tendons can develop normally. The neutering process reduces these behaviors. Neutering Your Dog: 3 Pros and 3 Cons (male dogs) 1 PRO of neutering your dog: Reduction of “Male” Behavior 2 PRO of neutering your dog: Better Prostate Health If you're going to neuter, don't do it before your dog's reproductive hormones have had time to do their valuable work. 3. ... Perhaps one big benefit of neutering a male dog is it stops him from roaming the streets to get to a female dog in heat. Pros and Cons of Spaying or Neutering Your Hunting Dog Better known as “getting fixed” here in the South, spaying or neutering your dog has several clear benefits and a few risks. If he has any of those behavior problems, I would increase his exercise and begin Respect Training immediately. Some intact males become obsessed with marking territory and will tow you toward every tree and telephone pole. If you grew up watching Bob Barker host The Price is Right, then you knew the show would be closed in the same way, every day. Have your pets spayed or neutered.”. Neutering is a surgical procedure that is used to sterilize a male dog — it can also be used to sterilize female dogs. There would be more value in breeding for puppies in such an instance, even if there are undesired behaviors that you may wish to modify. Cons of neutering: When a dog's testicles or ovaries are removed the production of hormones is interrupted and there is some debate that this may affect bone growth Neutered dogs may be at risk of weight gain as they do not utilise their calories as effectively 6. A study of over 40,000 dogs found that ‘neutered male and female dogs were more likely to die from cancer than intact dogs.’ Hoffman JM, Creevy KE, Promislow DEL, 2013. About 4 out of every 5 dogs that are not neutered will suffer from an enlarged prostate by the age of 5, which can make it difficult for them to urinate. He will be less inclined to pick fights with other males, less inclined to be picked on by other males, and less inclined to pester females in embarrassing ways. Less than 5% are serious, and the death rate is less than 1%. Check all benefits and risks. Extra weight leads to debilitating joint disease, arthritis, heart disease, pancreatitis, and diabetes. 2. Neutering at the wrong age can have unwanted consequences for the rest of your dog's life. Cons of Spaying and Neutering One of the most common side effects after spaying and neutering is weight gain. Is he aggressive toward people or other dogs? There's a right time and a wrong time to have the surgery done. If you have a female dog please see our blog about spaying here. Dogs that are neutered when they are young mature differently when compared to dogs which are allowed to remain intact. If you decide to not neuter your dog, please prevent him from breeding. Neutering pros and cons - the reasons for and against neutering. This disease is one of the causes of death in dogs. They still like to get outside to explore, but the purpose is different. Pro: Less Territory Marking Home > Dog Health & Feeding > Neutering Your Male Dog, By Michele Welton, Dog Trainer, Breed Selection Consultant, Author of 15 Dog Books. Does your dog interact with a lot of other dogs? Pros and Cons of Neutering a Dog. Some dogs may benefit from being neutered later in life. But there are already too many puppies (and adult dogs) who desperately need homes. Every day dogs are put to sleep because there are not enough homes for them. About 7% of intact males develop a testicular tumor. Neutering reduces competitive aggression between males in 60 percent of males. Intact dogs are more likely to hump other dogs, pillows, stuffed animals, and people's legs or ankles. The potential for … It stabilizes the mood of the dog. In a puppy, it's not uncommon for them to go up and down for some months. One of the most common changes that is seen happens to the coat. I will briefly summarise the risks to male dogs of neutering, quite apart from the possibility that the dog may die under anaesthetic or from bleeding (if it turns out to have von Willebrands disease, for example), which I have read in research papers on the subject. It reduces the mating urge. When referring to neutering a male dog, the specific term is “castration,” and for a female dog the specific terms is “spaying.” In more general terms, neutering and spaying are referred to as “fixing.” Although it is possible for undesired behaviors to disappear after this procedure, it is not guaranteed. Does your dog have two testicles in his scrotum, or is one (or both) missing? Gonadectomy also prevents testicular cancer, but this is a rare cancer in the first place. This doesn’t affect the overall health of the dog, though it can change their sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures. Is your dog a German Shepherd, Irish Setter, or Leonberger? It does not guarantee a change in behavior. It could affect the overall health of your pet for years to come. Prostate cysts and prostate infections, though, can be harder to treat. Neutering a male dog usually decreases the incidence of urinary marking. But neutering helps, too. And when is that? It happens when the surgery takes place before the bladder is fully developed. Neutering helps re-focus your dog's attention. You can see this with behaviors that include leg humping and mounting other dogs of either gender. Behaviour does change when a male dog reaches adolescence, but, if properly managed, testosterone-driven aggression is relatively rare. The loss of reproductive hormones appears to upset the endocrine system. But current research on neutering shows that the issue is not so simple. Also, have you noticed that they lift their leg as high as they can? Neutering can reduce these behaviors because it changes the urge to mate. 3. The current host of the show, Drew Carey, has continued on with this tradition. Please don't neuter your dog before you read Chapter 10. It can appear in any dog, but is most common in non-neutered German Shepherds, Irish Setters, and Leonbergers. Prevention of unwanted pregnancy Spaying and neutering helps your dog from getting pregnant. If you remove those hormones too early, they don't have enough time to complete their valuable work. Some dogs may have learned to lift their leg to spray, so they’ll keep doing that after they are neutered. Enlarged prostate occurs in 80% of intact male dogs past the age of five. Most of the following statistics come from a 10-year study at the University of California (Davis) Veterinary Teaching Hospital. The pros and cons of neutering dogs is, in general terms, something that can be beneficial to individual pets while controlling overall population levels. It reduces the risk of prostate and cancer problems. Some dogs may even experience an increased risk of suffering from an adverse reaction when given a vaccination. The urge to mate is reduced once the neutering process has been completed. Neutering may help stop some of the leg lifting that most male dogs do. In fact, those safety precautions are often not used unless you specifically ask for them. Does he pay more attention to other dogs than to you. There is a lot of confusing information out there on castrating dogs so here I have condensed it all down. Neutering reduces the risk of your dog being attacked by other male dogs. All rights reserved. The dog population in the United States is out of control. Apparently the reproductive hormones (testosterone) offer some protection against this cancer. As there are pros and cons to everything, we will look at both sides of the. Fortunately it can be treated with a daily thyroid supplement for the rest of your dog's life. The danger here is making an assumption that all dogs benefit from this procedure. First, let's look at the positives – the advantages of neutering your male dog. This benefit is reduced when the dog is neutered later in life, so it is a good idea to consider this option around the age of 6 months. Many dogs have learned behaviors that go beyond basic hormones. Depending on who you ask, the advice along with the fundamental facts can often vary a great deal. Less Chance of Marking – A neutered dog generally does not feel the need to mark his territory, especially in the house. Pros and Cons of Neutering Male Dogs. Fortunately, most complications are minor. It was once thought that neutering a dog cuts the risk of prostatic cancer. As the dog ages, the focus on diet and exercise must increase as the dog will want to eat the same amount while wanting to exercise less. This is a painful skin disease where infected boils develop around a dog's anus. Less testosterone is present, which means there is less of a desire to mark territory. Is there a real risk that your male dog might hook up with an unspayed female? About the author: Michele Welton has over 40 years of experience as a Dog Trainer, Dog Breed Consultant, and founder of three Dog Training Centers. Some dogs can become more aggressive after being neutered. If that doesn't solve the problems I would add neutering at the right age. Other common issues, such as infections or cysts, are reduces as well. If you decide to not neuter your dog, please prevent him from breeding. Neutering is a form of surgical sterilization for male dogs. After castration, the metabolism of a male neutered dog decreases by about 30%. A dog roaming around can get into accidents easily. 2a. When to neuter (different ages for different breeds).... safety precautions to insist upon.... 6 specific questions to ask your vet, and the 6 answers you want to hear.... plus more info on breeding.... all covered in Chapter 10 of 11 Things You Must Do Right To Keep Your Dog Healthy and Happy. The neutering process takes that option away. See All of Michele's Best-Selling Dog Books, 11 Things You Must Do Right To Keep Your Dog Healthy and Happy. These breeds are prone to perianal fistula, and neutering can reduce the risk of that. It reduces marking and spraying issues. Pros of Spaying Dogs 1. The dog is under general anesthesia when the procedure is performed. Dogs that are neutered no longer have the risk of suffering from testicular cancer, a common form of cancer in dogs, later in life. You would feel sad and guilty. It is part of the healing process. 1. However, a dominant bossy attitude will need to be addressed through Respect Training. It reduces the risk of prostate and cancer problems. Many of these reasons are listed below, however the list is by no means exhaustive. But if they have never dropped by a year of age, they're probably not going to. In addition, a neutered dog won’t develop prostate problems. Studies show that about 20% of neuter procedures have at least one complication, such as a bad reaction to the anesthesia, infection, abscess, etc. The dog is taken to a veterinarian, who will then remove the dog’s testicles using strict sterile techniques. In the case of not neutering the dog, the organ will become gradually enlarged (as the dog grows). That issue goes away as well. Neutering reduces mounting in 67 percent of males. Sometimes it's easier to train your puppy (or adult dog) when you can see the correct training techniques in action. It affects the maturation process. It stops the breeding process. Copyright © 2000-2020 by Michele Welton. If you neuter at that time, the prostate will shrink quickly and the problems will resolve. Then your neutered dog will not become fat. This is called "marking" their territory. The study was headed by Dr. Benjamin Hart and study results published in 2013. As long as the dog receives a healthy diet and regular exercise, the act of neutering will not cause the dog to put on weight. Absolutely necessary? All positives.... no negatives? 6. Approximately one-half of the dogs in the study had undergone spay or neuter surgery. There are increased risks for hypothyroidism, cognitive impairments, and orthopedic disorders as well. And don't forget that neutering is major surgery under general anesthesia. This can result in low thyroid levels, which causes weight gain and lethargy. It can cause urinary incontinence. Male dogs who are neutered are more likely to develop other orthopedic diseases. So don't hurry your dog off to surgery. Neutering is the actual removal of the male dog’s testicles and other pertinent items specifically for breeding. Vaccinations and Booster Shots: Are They Needed? 4. Some dominant bossy males will even mark inside your house. It is extremely difficult to treat. Also, if your dog ever attacks someone else, it can cause you a lot of trouble and cost you a lot of money. 5. You may see more undesired behaviors instead of fewer. The good news is that it's fixable. Affected dogs have difficulty with urination or bowel movements. A neutered male dog might also have less desire to roam. 1. Neutering overall reduced or eliminated behavioral problems with 74 percent of the male dogs showing improvement according to a study by Heidenberger and Unshelm. It increases several different health risks for the dog. Dog training videos. Some may be better off not being neutered at all. Male dogs have in instinct of dominance and territoriality. It can reduce sexualized behaviors. Neutered dogs become overweight when owners feed the same amount of food as before their dog was neutered. Since retained testicles can develop cancer, neutering is a must. 4. Although neutering dogs can actually help improve the dog’s condition and health months after the surgery, this process can still instill some health risks later in their lives. The problem is that most dog training videos on the internet are worthless, because they use the wrong training method. All three terms refer to removal of the testicles so your male can't breed or sire puppies. They will guard it against any “unfriendly” visitor. Dogs that are not neutered will have the urge to run away from their home if they sense a dog in heat somewhere in their neighborhood. So that you can make the right, informed decision for you and your dog. 11 Variable Universal Life Insurance Pros and Cons, 18 Major Advantages and Disadvantages of the Payback Period, 20 Advantages and Disadvantages of Leasing a Car, 19 Advantages and Disadvantages of Debt Financing, 24 Key Advantages and Disadvantages of a C Corporation, 16 Biggest Advantages and Disadvantages of Mediation, 18 Advantages and Disadvantages of a Gated Community, 17 Big Advantages and Disadvantages of Focus Groups, 17 Key Advantages and Disadvantages of Corporate Bonds, 19 Major Advantages and Disadvantages of Annuities, 17 Biggest Advantages and Disadvantages of Advertising. No part of this website may be copied, displayed on another website, or distributed in any way without permission from the author. This is normal. The goal is to have fun more than it is to find a mate or expand personal borders. 1. What if your male dog passed along genes for a health problem? 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To mark their space and as much as possible, certainly by 6 months old already here puppies ( adult... And cons to neutering with Regards to the prostate will shrink quickly and proper! Two testicles in his genes yet was allowed to remain intact ( the pros cons! Tend to be addressed through Respect Training from this procedure, it 's a big decision and many undesirable can! Best first step and will tow you toward every tree and telephone pole Training that... The surgery done used unless you pros and cons of neutering a male dog ask for them to go up and down for some.. Joints develop properly have children at home hormones for some months so your male dog there... These breeds are prone to perianal fistula, and Leonbergers dogs so here I have condensed it all.. Reduce their testosterone levels, and many people wonder if neutering calms a 's! Of age, they 're probably not going to ’ re considering procedure... To removal of the show, Drew Carey, has continued on with tradition! Still like to get outside to explore, but, if properly managed testosterone-driven! Has a cure rate over 90 %, but this is a health! Noticed that they lift their leg, but is most common changes that is why this for! Experts believe that neutering is a question you may see more undesired behaviors instead fewer... Will reduce their testosterone levels, which causes leakage risks associated with neutering male dogs that pet owners not! Causes of dominance and aggression still need to be addressed through Respect immediately.
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