Frequently, I receive inquiries from pet owners about whether they should have their dogs neutered/ spayed. When I was younger and working at an animal shelter, I firmly believed that every canine should be neutered or spayed, and I had several reasons to support this stance.
Firstly, our country was and is grappling with an overpopulation of dogs. Additionally, there was a concerning rise in rabies cases, and many young puppies wouldn't survive past two months due to various diseases, facing a distressing fate. Another issue was the rampant spread of venereal tumors among dogs.
So, if you were to ask me whether you should get your stray dogs neutered/ spayed, my answer would undoubtedly be YES! I see numerous advantages to this procedure and don't perceive any drawbacks personally.
However, the scenario changes when it comes to house dogs. Despite my support for the procedure, I would advise you to be aware of the potential effects in this case.
Before we go ahead, let me define both the terms to you.
Neutering:
Neutering, or castration, is the surgical removal of the testicles. Removing the testicles removes the primary source of testosterone in the body, resulting in changes in sex drive, hormone-related behaviors, and hormone-related health concerns.
Spaying:
Spaying refers to the common surgical procedure known as an ovariohysterectomy, during which the ovaries and uterus are completely removed to sterilize a female dog. However, some veterinarians have started performing a variation called ovariectomy, where only the ovaries are removed.
NEUTERING:
This procedure comes with numerous advantages, which outweigh the potential disadvantages.
Advantages:
Reduces the risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate due to aging) and prostatitis (prostate infection).
Decreases the risk of hormone-related diseases like perianal adenoma (benign tumor around the anus).
Eliminates the risk of testicular cancer, the second most common cancer in intact (unneutered) dogs.
Diminishes sexual urges, leading to reduced roaming behaviors.
Helps reduce certain types of aggression in dogs.
Decreases the likelihood of separation anxiety or fearful elimination.
Disadvantages:
Neutering may lead to a reduced metabolism resulting in obesity however, obesity is typically a result of overfeeding and lack of physical activity. By managing your dog's diet, controlling caloric intake, and ensuring regular daily exercise, you can prevent obesity in both neutered and intact males.
Neutering large breed dogs before their bone growth is complete has been associated with an increased risk of cruciate ligament tears (knee injuries).
SPAYING:
Advantages:
Prevention of heat or estrus, eliminating the urge to escape in search of a mate, which can be dangerous and unwanted.
Elimination of hormone fluctuations causing false pregnancy after the heat cycle.
Prevention of uterine infection known as pyometra.
Reduced risk of breast cancer; dogs spayed before their first heat have less than a 0.5% chance of developing breast cancer.
Elimination of the risk of uterine and ovarian cancer.
Spayed dogs generally live longer lives than unspayed ones.
Decreased likelihood of dogs experiencing separation anxiety or fearful elimination.
Disadvantages:
While there have been some scientific studies suggesting increased risks of certain health conditions, the prevailing consensus is that spaying enhances the lifespan and overall health of a dog. The potential disadvantages include:
Reduced metabolism after spaying, but obesity is typically caused by overfeeding and lack of physical activity. Regulating the dog's diet, caloric intake, and ensuring regular exercise can prevent obesity in spayed (or intact) females.
Increased risk of cruciate ligament tear (knee injury) when spaying large breed dogs before their bone growth is complete.
Possibility of urinary incontinence, which primarily affects middle-aged and older female dogs.
Spaying does not lead to changes in personality, intelligence, playfulness, or affection.
All in all, neutering and spaying are procedures that you should consider for your pets regardless of the cons.