Neutering or spaying your dog

Many dog owners are concerned that having their dog neutered will change the temperament of the animal. In fact some of the unwanted behaviors of unneutered dogs influenced by hormones will disappear after surgery. Some females may be grumpy or off their feed during a heat cycle. Males can display several behaviors such as mounting an object or person, marking territory by lifting a leg to urinate, aggression and roaming in search of a potential mate. A male dog can smell a female in heat from quite a distance and will go to great lengths to try and breed including through chain link!

While neutering actually refers to both genders, the more common term for a female is spaying. This procedure involves the removal of the uterus and the ovaries preventing any heat cycles. The male undergoes a procedure called castration where the testicles are removed preventing him from producing sperm or testosterone.

Why should you neuter?

1) Neutering and preventing medical conditions

Neutering your dog prevents your pet from getting certain medical conditions and diseases that can be fatal. Females can develop Pyometra, a serious infection of the uterus and are far less likely to develop mammary cancer especially if they are spayed before the first heat cycle. Males can suffer from testicular cancer and prostate cancer and other prostate conditions if they are not neutered.

2) Neutering is responsible

With so many unwanted dogs living in over crowded shelters across the country, neutering is the responsible choice. There is no benefit to the dog from sexual activity or letting the dog have one litter to experience motherhood. The dog will not know the difference. Dogs do not have the ability to control the urge to reproduce so it is up to us to act for them.

Neutering and weight gain

Neutering brings on metabolic changes (chemical changes with in the body) that can cause some dogs to gain weight. Like people, dogs become less active as they mature and that may be cause for weight gain. Keep a close eye on the quantity of food you feed and the type and adjust to a ‘less active formula’ if your pooch starts looking a little round.