Are you thinking of neutering your dog? (Pros and Cons of Neutering) (2023)

For the majority of dog owners who share their life with a female dog, neutering is one of the biggest decisions we will make regarding their health.

The decision to voluntarily present a healthy dog ​​for surgery that cannot be reversed is a big one.

The issue of neutering is also controversial with many different viewpoints as to when to do it, should it be done at all and what are the short and long term health benefits and disadvantages of spaying a bitch.

In this guide we will try to answer the most important questions about neutering. Such as:

• Should you do it?
• If yes, when should you?
• What are the effects?
• Are there any caveats?

Here are the most important things you need to know about neutering a female dog.

The castration controversy

There are obvious concerns about letting female dogs live without removing their internal reproductive organs.

From probable chances of various types of cancer to unwanted pregnancies, there are far too many factors to consider.

There was for exampleControlling reportsof the canine population to contain viruses such as rabies.

Considering how dogs tend to become quite carnivorously active in their early reproductive years, having your dog spayed becomes a safe bet.

Of course, there are also disadvantages to consider. Don't you really want your dog to have offspring?

Do you think that despiteMake planscaring for your pet, might it become difficult to manage as their numbers increase? Don't fret, those are fair reasons too.

Anyhow, here's a complete picture of what the pros and cons are and whether you end up neutering your pet - when it should be appropriate.

The potential benefits of neutering

Obviously there are many benefits to making sure your dog is neutered. Here are some of them.

Neutering eliminates the risk of pregnancy

Dr. Aileen Ruiz, a medical practitioner and hospital owner of The Big Easy Animal Hospital: “Dog overpopulation is already a serious problem. The health of the mother can also be at risk during childbirth.”

"Some new mothers can have serious complications giving birth to puppies and even develop health problems while breastfeeding."

Prevention of the oestrus cycle or reduction of the hot period

The study ofRyan Lleraet al.: “Most dogs come into heat twice a year, although the intervals can vary between breeds and from dog to dog. If you spay your bitch you will prevent her from being in heat.”

When a bitch is in heat, her genitals swell and she emits an odor that can be traced back a mile, drawing unwanted attention from male canines.

Neutering makes a dog calmer

Dr. Sue Hankerdfrom Auburn Animal Hospital: "Without the urge to mate, your dog may be calmer and not prone to an incessant urge to seek out a mate, and will no longer attract males."

"It's also easier to get along with neutered dogs. They tend to be gentler and more loving.”

Neutering makes a dog cleaner

Dogs do not have bloody discharge for several days when they are in heat. Without proper protective products, discharge can stain sofas, bedding, and carpets.

Neutering keeps your dog healthier

A study byA.K. Patnaik and P.G. Greenlee: Neutered dogs tend to have fewer health problems. Spaying is the removal of the ovaries and uterus. Without these organs, ovarian cysts, uterine infections, and cancer of the reproductive organs are no longer a problem.

Further studies have shown that dogs that are spayed before puberty have a significantly lower risk of developing breast cancer than dogs that are not spayed or dogs that are spayed later in life.

Neutering your dog is also very inexpensive

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, ASPCA, the first humanist society founded in North America: “The cost of neutering your pet is far less than thatcostto have and care for a litter.”

If you are caring for a pregnant pooch, you should expect your vet bills, dog food and grooming bills to increase. There is also a small risk of dying during childbirth or immediately afterward. Additionally, complications during your dog's pregnancy can result in even more vet bills and additional health risks for the newborn puppies. Although neutering your dog is inexpensive, it is best to insure your pet. Pet liability insurance offers you adequate financial protection in the event that your dog has serious illnesses. Thus, pet insurance helps you to avoid the financial burden in these times.

Neutering offers behavioral benefits

Research has also found that there are a number of behavioral benefits to having your dog neutered. These include less vocalization, reduced aggression, reduced tagging, and less desire to leave home.

Amy Blumen, DVMfrom WebMD: "They're also less likely to engage in turf markings like spraying urine around your home."

Spaying prevents deadly infections of the uterus

Emily Finn, DVMfrom The MSPCA-Angell: “One of the most common reproductive emergencies seen in a veterinary emergency room is a condition known asPyometra.“

Almost 1 in 4 intact women will develop this infection. The uterus swells with toxic pus and the only cure is emergency castration.

Surgery is dangerous when a middle-aged or elderly dog ​​already has the infection. If left untreated, this disease can very well kill your pet.

Another obvious benefit of neutering a dog is that ovarian disease and diseases dependent on sex steroids, including metropathy, no longer occur, as shown in the study conducted bySebastian Arlt, Axel Wehrend and Iris M Reichler.

Castration provides protection against breast tumors

Dr. Ruth Colwillfrom Colwill Lab: "Sparing your bitch before her first heat cycle will significantly reduce her chances of developing mammary tumors."

Mammary tumor is the canine equivalent of breast cancer. Early neutering reduces estrogen production, leading many veterinarians and scientists to cast estrogen in a negative light in relation to breast cancer.

Neutering prevents false pregnancy in dogs

Malcolm Weir, DVM, MSc, MPHfrom VCA Hospitals: "Signs of a false pregnancy usually begin four to nine weeks after the previous hot spell and mimic the signs of a real pregnancy."

False pregnancy, pseudopregnancy, pseudopregnancy, or pseudocyesis are all terms that refer to a display of maternal behavior associated with the physical signs of pregnancy after estrus in an un-neutered bitch who is in fact not pregnant.

The possible disadvantages of neutering

To be fair, there seem to be more downsides to neutering than the benefits above. In fairness, you should be aware of what happens when your dog isspayed or neutered- including the following disadvantages.

Neutering means sterilization and fewer unwanted dogs

Neutering will result in spaying your bitch and she will no longer have the ability to conceive.

Dr. Jon Callananof the Callanan Veterinary Group: "The overpopulation of unwanted animals leads to the extermination of over 13 million dogs and cats each year."

Spaying can cause hypothyroidism and obesity

Ernst Ward, DVM, an award-winning veterinarian practitioner and speaker: “Some pets may gain weight after spaying because your dog's endocrine system is compromised. One of the more well-known side effects is the risk of hypothyroidism.”

Low thyroid levels in a bitch will lead to weight gain and obesity, which is difficult to combat even with proper nutrition.

Your dog may also become lethargic, tired, more prone to skin and ear infections, high blood cholesterol, slow heartbeat and hair loss.

Neutering can increase the risk of other diseases

DR. Benjamin L. Hartand team at the University of California: "Spanning your dog was observed in the study to increase the risk of deadly canine cancers, including lymphoma and hemangiosarcoma."

"Hemangiosarcoma disease in particular affects the dog's spleen and heart, which would normally be protected by your dog's reproductive organs."

Michel Welton, a dog trainer and dog breed consultant: “Early neutering triples the risk of bone cancer, a deadly cancer that occurs primarily in large and giant dogs. It can also cause urinary incontinence in up to 20% of castrated women.”

If your dog is spayed before his bladder is fully developed, weak bladder muscles may begin to leak in middle age.

Lynette Hart, professor at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine: “If spaying is performed at the wrong age, the risk of hip dysplasia and ruptured ligaments increases. Early neutering causes leg bones to grow unevenly.”

The reproductive hormones help your dog's bones, joints and internal organs to develop properly. If you remove these reproductive hormones too soon, they won't have enough time to do their valuable work.

Clinical Team ofvet: "Early castration can affect the size and shape of a woman's 'private areas'."

“An early neutered dog's vulva remains small and may even be sunken into their body instead of protruding as it should. An abnormal vulva has skin folds that can trap bacteria, leading to recurrent infections.”

The risks and their complications

Dr. Elizabeth Lynch, employed veterinarian at the MSPCA at Nevins Farm: "Older animals, particularly those with additional health conditions, are at higher risk and more likely to have complications."

veterinary team ofMadison Animal Care Hospital: "All surgery carries risks and although neutering is considered very safe, it is no exception."

Your veterinarian will thoroughly assess the risk to your dog before approving this procedure for him. However, you should still be prepared for the risk of complications either during the procedure or while your dog is recovering.

American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF): “The risks are not related to the surgery itself, but to pre-existing medical conditions your pet may have. So we have to make sure your pet is healthy before surgery.”

"Complications can occur during the procedure, but this is also the case with any other type of surgery and is relatively rare."

The easier way to find out would be to ask your vet directly. While your vet will have what is best for your dog in mind and provide you with a list of pros and cons, they will also provide appropriate windows in which to neuter your dog.

You must consider all of the above cons of neutering before committing to anything specific. Keep in mind that while you can spay your dog as early as eight weeks, there are obvious downsides and hormonal imbalances that can occur.

Older dogs are more difficult to neuter. You must make valid and detailed assessments of biochemical profiles and make valid recommendations as to when it is okay to neuter your dog.

Preparing for surgery

After you neuter your dog, there are a few things you need to do before the surgery is complete - starting with the blood work.

Yes, you must ensure that all blood tests are intact and that all measurable values ​​are within the healthy range. Also, make sure you create a valid profile for things like jaundice or any other medical condition that might be a hindrance in the post-operative period.

Also, your dog should be fasted 8-9 hours prior to the surgical procedure. This may be difficult to explain, but you must do what is necessary.

expectations after the operation

Your homework is only partially done. There are a variety of post-surgical elements that you need to deal with. This is what the picture looks like.

• Painkillers are usually provided on an SOS basis. Be sure before giving it to your dog and consult your vet first.
• Nausea is a fairly expected phenomenon after surgery. Your dog may not want to eat for a few days, so bear with it.
• The stitches are removed about a week and a half after the operation. Be sure to revisit the clinic and keep appointments as your vet sees fit.
• You need to monitor her so she doesn't come into contact with her bites. If she gets really restless and starts licking the stitches, you need to put her on the proverbial "shame cone."
• Always check for any type of abscess or leakage from the stitches. Make sure your pet's vital signs are intact - body temperature, blood pressure, etc.

Final word on the decision to neuter your bitch

Whether or not you see castration as a solution is your choice. We're sure you have what's best for your pet in mind - ergo you'll thoroughly understand the pros and cons before making that call.

The aim of this guide to neutering your dog is to give you a balanced view of the pros and cons of this very common but not to be taken lightly veterinary procedure.