As dog owners, none of us want to see our furry friend go under the knife without a good reason. There always a small risk of something going wrong. It’s stressful to them and not to mention expensive for us. For this reason, lots of dog owners decide against neutering their pet. They leave them ‘as nature intended’. However, there are actually plenty of good reasons why this procedure is worth considering. Though it can seem a little brutal and unnecessary at first glance. Here’s what you need to know.
What Are The Benefits of Neutering Your Dog?
It can improve behavior
This is particularly true in male dogs. They can get boisterous, start scent marking and even get aggressive when they reach the human equivalent of the teenage years. Neutering won’t resolve all behavior issues. It’s important to be realistic and know what to expect if this is your sole reason for going forward with the operation. Any dog that has started developing behavioral issues will need to be worked with. Hiring a professional trainer is often best. He or she can give you the best advice based on your personal circumstances. But for some dogs, neutering can certainly make things a lot easier. Especially since a lot of problems can be driven by testosterone.
It reduces certain cancers
One of the main reasons dog owners decide to neuter their pet is to reduce the chances of developing certain kinds of cancers later on. Desexing female dogs involves removing the uterus and ovaries. This can greatly reduce the risk of breast and uterine cancer. In male dogs, it can prevent testicular cancer which is one of the most common forms of the disease. On top of this, it prevents prostate diseases and perineal hernias.
It prevents unwanted litters
Go to any shelter and you’ll see how it’s crammed with unwanted dogs. They live out their years in small pens and are often euthanized in the prime of their lives where there’s simply no space for them. These were once all cute puppies which had their whole lives in front of them. It’s the reality of where many will end up with unwanted litters. By neutering your pet, you can be absolutely sure that you’re not adding to the problem. Your dog might not be around other dogs that often. But accidents can happen so it’s just not worth it. If you’re already considering neutering for other reasons, this is an added bonus.
There are some risks to consider when neutering your pet. It’s important that you read up on all of the pros and cons. Have a chat with your vet and work out what the best course of action is for you and your furry companion. Whatever decision you take, be sure to go into things with your eyes open. Make sure you know the pros and cons either way.
Have you neutered your dog, or is this something you’d consider?
