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Dog Neutering (Dog Castration and Spaying)

Dog neutering is an issue that some dog parents find it difficult to face.

If you are considering adopting a puppy, or if you have an intact dog (a dog that and are wondering if you should have your dog neutered, read on ...

This page looks at the following issues related to neutering:

Dog Neutering ... Dog Castration ... Dog Spaying

Dog Neutering

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

Dog Castration

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.

De-Mything Dog Neutering

Neutering can Cause Obesity

There is no evidence that neutering causes obesity. Many dogs (including mine!) remain slim after the operation. Dog obesity is caused by over-eating and a lack of exercise.

Neutering can Cause Personality Change in Dogs

Some people believe that neutering can cause a personality change in a dog - he may not be as friendly and playful as before. This is another myth which has no scientific basis. A dog's personality is shaped by genetics and to some extent the environment in which he grows up and the training he receives. If anything, a neutered male dog, without the surging homones during his "teenage" years, usually becomes less aggressive and more relaxed and therefore makes a much better pet.

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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.

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Is the Neuter Operation Risky?

Dog Spaying

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 Pain

There 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:

  • Vitamin A - 75-100 UI/pound of body weight/day.
  • Vitamin C - 10 mg/pound, twice a day.
  • Vitamin E - 5-10 mg/pound/day.

These vitamins are antioxidants and help detoxify anesthetics and drugs.

On the day of the surgery, give your dog Bach Flower Essences Rescue Remedy and the homeopathic remedy Arnica 30C.

These two remedies can be combined in a small dropper bottle. Put 5 drops of Rescue Remedy and a few pellets of Arnica into the bottle. Fill the bottle with water and give several drops of the mixture to the dog by mouth before the surgery. This will calm the dog and relieve his stress. Give another few drops immediately after the surgery if possible, and every hour or two thereafter for the first day. Continue for several days, gradually lengthening the interval between doses. This will greatly help with pain and surgical stress.

There are other homeopathic remedies for post-surgery support.

If your dog is slow to wake up from anesthesia, or if he has post-surgical bleeding, use Phosphorus.

If the surgical wound shows any red irritation, or there is a discharge of fluid or pus around the wound, use Apis mellifica.

Calendula gel can be used topically to ease incision pain and to speed healing.



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).

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