To Have Your Dog Neutered Or Not?

It can be difficult to decide if you should have your dog neutered or not. There are many things to consider on both sides of the argument.

Neutering is the general term for both castration and spaying, however it is often used to imply castration. Lets look at all the available information on castration so that you can make a good decision for you and your pet.

On the negative side neutering or castration is the removal of the testicles. After the procedure your dog will not be able to reproduce, so if you are interested in breeding, do not neuter your dog.

Neutering affects behavior and temperament

Neutering will affect your dogs temperament to some degree, as he will no longer produce testosterone. The degree to which this affects the individual dog, varies from one dog to the next.

The age at which the dog is neutered also makes as difference, as if the dog has started to produce adult levels of hormones before castration, he will have also started to behave in adult ways.

Once this behavior has been established it is less likely to be affected by having your dog neutered.

Many people report that neutered dogs tend to be fat, while it is true that a neutered animal requires less food and may be inclined to be less active. It is the owners responsibility not to over feed the dog and to make sure that he gets plenty of exercise to keep him health and happy.

Click here for the ultimate guide to your dogs health

Neutering is 100% effective birth control

One of the biggest reasons to have your dog neutered is to prevent breeding. The humane society and other animal welfare groups who are daily faced with euthanizing large numbers of unwanted dogs would argue that a small amount of discomfort to your pet is the responsible choice and the only 100% effective method of birth control.

It can be difficult for even responsible owners of full male dogs to ensure that the dog does no randomly procreate.

The procedure should be done by a vet who will perform the operation under a general anesthetic so that there is no pain during the procedure and as little pain as possible following.

Other benefits of neutering

A neutered dog will not have the drive to wander off in search of a mate, so they are less likely to stray. Another benefit of having your dog neutered will be less aggressive behavior both to other dogs and to humans. He will be calmer and quieter which may be a good thing.

Besides preventing breeding castration can have other health benefits for your dog. They cannot get testicular cancer and the risk of prostrate cancer is significantly reduced.

A side benefit is that he will be less likely to mark his territory by urinating around the yard or your house.

Responsible dog ownership is the answer

In the end it is your decision to have your dog neutered or not, which ever way you go you will need to be a responsible dog owner. Responsible for you pets health and behavior

If you choose to have your dog neutered, you will be responsible for not over feeding him and making sure he gets plenty of exercise to keep healthy and happy.

If you choose not to neuter your dog, you will be responsible for making sure he does not randomly mate.

Even if it’s not your dog he mated with you will have been responsible for puppies that may not find a home and end up being put to sleep. You will be responsible for his behavior towards other dogs and other people.

Click here for the ultimate guide to your dogs health