One of the first things to consider when adopting a dog is whether or not you are going to spay or neuter her or him. For many people, it is a no-brainer to neuter your dog, as you have no intention of breeding him. For others, the idea of spaying or neutering a new pup is more complicated. In order to make an informed decision about dog neutering and spaying, it is important that you understand the pros and cons of both sides.
With this in mind, today we are going to look at why failing to neuter or spay your dog can actually cause damage. We’ve all heard that spaying or neutering can help correct behavioral issues, but there are numerous other benefits many people may not be aware of.
It is our intention to ensure you are a well-informed dog owner, whether this is your first pet or one of many. If you have any questions about dog neutering or if this is the right move for your particular situation, we encourage you to contact us at Sykesville Veterinary Clinic today. It is our philosophy that the best dog owners are the most educated, and we are always here to field any questions you may have.
Pros and Cons of Dog Neutering or Spaying
Before we look at the pros and cons, it is important to understand what, exactly, it is and why it is such a common practice today. In a nutshell, neutering is used to “de-sex” an animal. It was first introduced as a way to control animal population growth, curb behavioral problems, reduce unwanted sexual actions, and even prevent certain diseases from presenting later in life.
Here is a look at a few of the pros of spaying or neutering your dog:
- It removes the risk of pregnancy and overpopulation.
- It helps correct behavioral problems, making your dog calmer and better-behaved.
- It keeps your dog healthier.
With those positives in mind, let’s look at a few of the cons of spaying or neutering your dog:
- It sterilizes your dog, which means he or she will no longer be able to reproduce.
- It may change his or her appearance.
- It may lead to weight gain.
Neuter Your Dog to Avoid Problems
There are good arguments for both sides of the spaying and neutering discussion, but it is generally believed that you should go ahead with the procedure, unless you plan on breeding your dog. Not only is overpopulation a major concern in the United States and across the globe, but also failing to have your dog neutered or spayed could heighten their risk of serious health problems later down the road.
Neutering your dog will help curb unwanted behaviors (sexual and otherwise) and it will also help reduce prostate problems. Research indicates that more than 80% of non-neutered male dog are faced with some sort of prostate problems. This issues can range from an enlarged prostate to prostate cysts and prostate infections.
Another problem associated with not neutering your dog is a skin disease called perianal fistula. This condition can develop around your pet’s anus and is quite difficult to treat, depending on the specific case. Finally, testicular cancer is another serious health problem that can be eliminated by neutering.
To learn more about dog neutering and why you should have your pet spayed or neutered when they are of the appropriate age, please contact us today.
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