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Dog Neutering (Dog Castration and Spaying)Dog neutering is an issue that some dog parents find it difficult to face.
Dog Neutering ... Dog Castration ... Dog Spaying
Dog Neutering is the surgical removal of reproductive organs in dogs to render them sterile ("Neuter" is not gender specific).
For male dogs, neutering is castration - removal of the testicles, and for female dogs, neutering is often referred to as spaying - removing of the ovaries and uterus.
An intact dog is a dog that has not undergone neuter operation and is therefore capable of producing offspring.
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Pros and Cons of Dog Neutering
Like anything else, there are both pros and cons when it comes to neutering your dog. However, as you will see, there are many pros and only one or two cons of dog
neutering, so the decision of whether to have your dog neutered should actually be a rather simple, straightforward one.
The pros of neutering are:
Dog Neutering Prevents Animal Overpopulation
If there is no "birth control" among dogs and other domesticated pets, there will be too many unwanted, homeless dogs and other pets, putting a lot of burden on animal
shelters and resulting in the euthanasia of unwanted pets. It is estimated that in the USA alone, 5 to 12 million unwanted animals are euthanized every year in animal
shelters.
Dog Castration Eliminates Unwanted Behaviors in Male Dogs
Perhaps one big pro for neutering a male dog is it prevents him from roaming the streets to get to a female dog in heat. Roaming can very often result in accidents, e.g. being
hit by a car, getting in fights with other male dogs, etc. As well, a neutered dog is less likely to mark territory, mount or hump other dogs (or the fire hydrant).
Neutering Reduces Some Health Problems
Some health problems are often seen in the reproductive systems of intact, nonbreeding dogs. Dog neutering, therefore, can prevent some such health problems in our dogs.
For example, dog castration can prevent certain prostate problems from arising when the dog gets older, such as
prostate enlargement. Certain types of hernias, testicle and anus tumors can also be prevented
by neutering.
For female dogs, spaying can reduce the incidence of reproductive system cancers (e.g.
breast cancer) and uterine infections.
As well, in intact dogs, when the hormonal drives cannot be satisfied, they may become aggressive, or may experience mental stress, which in turn can cause health
problems in the long run.
The cons of dog neutering are:
Surgical Complications
Although very rare, there is a possibility that a dog may react badly to anesthesia. The dog may also experience complications during surgery or recovery. For example,
some dogs may react negatively to the suture material used, and incisions do not heal properly leading to infections.
Costs
Some dog parents are also concerned about the costs involved. However, if that is your concern, try contacting your local humane society. They may be able to recommend
some city-run low-cost clinics that routinely perform dog neuter operations.
When Should a Dog be Neutered?Most veterinarians suggest neutering a dog before their first heat. This means about six months for females and eight months for males. Recently, some dogs are being neutered at an early age (six to eight weeks) - especially those dogs at animal shelters. However, the operation can easily cause the puppies to become quite ill because the stress is simply too great on the dogs, so neutering at such an early age is not advisable. TopIs the Neuter Operation Risky?
Some dog parents are reluctant to put their dogs through the neuter operation because they think that it is painful and risky.
In fact, neutering is done under general anesthesia and so the dog does not feel any pain.
Of course, all medical procedures can pose a certain degree of risk to the patients, but
as mentioned above, apart from some rare cases, neutering is generally a simple, low-risk procedure, especially when done on young dogs.
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Dog Neutering - Natural Remedies to Relieve Stress and PainThere are quite a few homeopathic remedies and natural supplements that can be used to help relieve surgery-related stress and post-surgical pain. One to two weeks before the neuter operation, and one to two weeks after the operation, give your dog extra vitamins A, C, and E:
References D. Hamilton, Homeopathic Care for Cats and Dogs (North Atlantic Books, 1999). Pitcairn and Pitcairn, Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats (Rodale, 2005). TOP of Dog Neutering |
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