Staying Healthy

To Neuter or Not: The Pros & Cons of Sterilization

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Sterilization basically involves taking away the prime source of hormones that monitor reproduction as well as determine the unique physical and behavioral qualities that differentiate males and females. In dogs, this procedure is often carried out by surgical removal of the testicles in males, also known as neutering, and the ovaries in females, also called spaying.

The main purpose of spaying or neutering pets is to prevent them from reproducing. However, like any other medical intervention, this particular procedure also has various effects, both positive and negative. To help you decide whether or not to have your pooch sterilized, it is important that you compare the benefits and the potential risks depending on your pet’s disposition and the circumstances in which he lives.

Know Why Neutering is Beneficial

· It reduces some unwanted canine behaviors. Neutering a dog can help in preventing him from drifting around only to get to a female pooch in heat. Remember that a dog wandering the streets can get into accidents very easily. Besides, a neutered canine has fewer tendencies to mark his territory or mount and hump other dogs.

· It lessens the risk of some health concerns. Because some health complications in intact and non-breeding dogs are normally seen in their reproductive systems, neutering, in effect, can help in preventing some of these health problems to occur. For instance, while dog castration can counteract hernias and prostate-related problems, spaying in female dogs can ward off uterine infections and other reproductive system complications.

· It controls animal population. Without “birth control” among dogs, the trouble of having too many unwanted and homeless pets can put so many burdens on animal shelters; leading to euthanasia and other adverse alternatives.

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6 Comments

6 Comments

  1. Avatar Of Susan Carroll

    Susan Carroll

    Feb 2, 2013 at 1:26 am

    Intact males are almost impossible to keep from running off after females. They are at high risk of dog fights and certainly traffic accidents. Most severe bites are from intact males 3 years and up. Females in heat draw males from miles around, making dog fights common. An aroused male will overcome any obstacle to get to her.
    Love your dog. Unless you are a dedicated, responsible breeder, neuter. As for cost, the cost of raising puppies is totally more than the cost of neutering.

  2. Avatar Of Allyiah

    allyiah

    Jan 8, 2013 at 3:15 pm

    I choose not spay my dog and I will not breed him as well is this make me a bad owner no I love my dog and I take good care of him and always will I dont think its good to spay I had three dogs and none of them was spay and they all live happy and long life

  3. Avatar Of Dog Whisperer

    Dog Whisperer

    Jan 4, 2013 at 12:43 pm

    Is there any question in this day and age about spay/neutering? SPAY/NEUTER folks. Not only for health reasons but for all the millions of perfectly wonderful dogs and cats that are killed each year due to lack of spay/neutering. Don’t be a fool and don’t be cruel…spay/neuter.

  4. Avatar Of Kelly Sifford

    Kelly Sifford

    Jan 4, 2013 at 12:35 pm

    I’ve had over over a dozen dogs spayed and neutered and ton’s of cats and have never had any health issues related to the surgery. I am a strong believer in spaying and neutering to help control the pet population. Don’t buy from pet stores. Adopt a rescue. They will be your best friend.

    • Avatar Of Diane

      Diane

      Jan 7, 2013 at 10:37 am

      Adopting from a shelter or pet store is the same thing. Both offer pet mill puppies. Adoption from shelters helps keep the pet mills in business. Adopt from a small hobby breeder. Where can you find one? Visit a dog show.

      • Avatar Of Sharon

        sharon

        Jan 8, 2013 at 9:47 am

        you must be a breeder….i work rescue and most dogs in the shelter that need homes are mutts (which are great dogs) that were born from unspayed or neutered dogs running around the streets and not from puppy mills. They also come from unresponsiblie owners who discard their animals like trash!

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