WHY MALE DOGS SHOULD BE NEUTERED
What Are the Health Benefits to the Dog?
There are several
health benefits to neutering. One of the most important concerns the
prostate gland, which under the influence of testosterone will gradually
enlarge over the course of the dog’s life. In age, it is likely to
become uncomfortable, possibly being large enough to interfere
with defecation. The prostate under the influence of testosterone is
also predisposed to infection which is almost impossible to clear up
without neutering. Neutering causes the prostate to shrink into
insignificance thus preventing both prostatitis as well as the
uncomfortable benign hyperplasia (enlargement) that occurs with aging.
It is often erroneously held that neutering prevents prostate cancer but
this is not true.
Other health benefits
of neutering include the prevention of certain types of hernias and tumors
of the testicles and anus. Excessive preputial discharge is also
reduced by neutering.
What Behavioral Changes Can Be Expected After Neutering?
The only behavior
changes that are observed after neutering relate to behaviors influenced
by male hormones. Playfulness, friendliness, and socialization with humans
are not changed. The behaviors that change are far less desirable.
The interest in roaming is eliminated in 90% of neutered dogs. Aggressive
behavior against other male dogs is eliminated in 60% of neutered dogs.
Urine marking is eliminated in 50% of neutered male dogs. Inappropriate
mounting is eliminated in 70% of neutered dogs.
At What Age Can Neutering Be Performed?
Neutering can be
performed at any age over age 8 weeks. Dogs neutered before puberty
(generally age 6 months) tend to grow a bit bigger than dogs neutered
after puberty (testosterone is involved in the causing bones to stop
growing so without testosterone the bones stop growing later). Neutering
can also be performed in the geriatric patient should the prostate gland
become enlarged and the best medical decision be to shrink it. In
this event, preanesthetic bloodwork and other diagnostics relevant to
anesthetizing an older patient would be recommended.
The traditional age
for neutering is around 6 months of age and many veterinarians still
recommend neutering at this age.
The benefits of
neutering (both health and behavioral) can still be obtained regardless of
the age at which neutering is performed.
Will He Become Over-Weight or Lethargic?
Activity level and
appetite do not change with neutering. A male dog should not gain
weight or become less interested in activity post neuter.
Will He Still Be Interested In Females?
His interest will be
reduced but if he is around a female dog in heat, he will become aroused
by her. Mounting behavior often has roots in the expression of
dominance and may be expressed by a neutered male in a variety of
circumstances that are not motivated by sexuality.
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