Neutering A Dog: Puppies

Neutering a dog: Neutering (Spaying) a female dog
requires the removal of the uterus and the
ovaries. The operation is invasive and requires
making an incision in the dogs' abdomen. The
ovaries affect the dogs production of hormones
and these, if left intact, would help the bitch
to develop into a possible puppy breeding
factory (After all this is what nature
intended).

With neutering (Castrating) a male dog the
testes, which produce the hormone testosterone,
are removed under anesthetic. This helps to stop
the hormone from circulating around the body of
the dog and in theory is supposed to help calm
the male dominance trait, (This is not always a
success).

Another method used, is to perform a vasectomy,
where the spermatic cords are cut. Unfortunately
it has little affect on the behavior of the dog
and is normally used to prevent it from being
used for breeding.

Whether you decide to have your puppy or older
dog neutered is a major decision and one not to
be taken lightly. Neutering a dog, whether male
or female, is a relatively easy process
surgically, but not emotionally.

So what type of emotions are involved and who is
affected?

Many dog owners assume that having their puppy
or dog neutered, will have little or no
emotional affect on them and a minimal affect on
their dog. This is often not the case. As
veterinary surgeons will tell you, once the
operation has been performed, it is very
difficult for the process to be reversed.

Neutering has for many generations been
influenced by gender, religion and culture.
However neutering today is usually performed
because of some underlying disease or behavioral
problem. Sometimes the decision has to be taken
very quickly in order to try and prevent any
reoccurance of disease or behavioral situations.


So what reasons would make any owner want their
puppy or dog neutering?

1 Because of an un-descended testicle in males.

2 Because of exhibiting aggressive tendencies.

3 Showing overly sexual behavior.

4 Because of preventing cancer later in the
dogs' life.

5 Eliminating unwanted puppies.

It has to be said that not all dog experts agree
on the benefits of having a puppy neutered.
Castrating a dog too early can cause the dog to
display feminine characteristics and also affect
its development both mentally and physically.

It would only be advisable to neuter a puppy
early on in its life if it had an un-descended
testicle. This procedure would be to prevent
cancer developing later in the unfortunate dogs
life.

The best time for a male dog to be castrated is
around nine to twelve months, when is has begun
to mature both mentally and physically. As
larger breeds take longer to mature they are
best left a little longer.

Females are usually spayed before their first
season to eliminate the risk of developing
pyometra, cancer of the breast and reproductive
system. Usually the procedure will raise the
life expectancy of the dog by around eighteen
months when comparing them to a dog that has not
been spayed.

There is evidence to suggest that some bitches,
that have been spayed early, may develop an
under-active thyroid later in their lives. In
all cases the best person to give you advice is
your veterinary surgeon, as to the risks
involved, however the final decision will be
yours.


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Ian Nicholson has kept, bred and been around dogs
for over fifty years as well as experience in
veterinary medicine, animal husbandry/animal
nutrition. Claim your free e-book '7 Proven
Steps To Better Older Dog Health' at
http://www.choosebestdogbreed.com where you can
find out more about neutering a dog.


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