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Pet Article
DOGS AND NEUTERING
Neutered or castrated dogs are wimps: There are many male pet owners who don't want to
castrate their non breeding dogs because they are concerned that losing the testicles of a
dog is the same as losing the manliness of the dog. Many dogs are neutered for medical
reasons. In both the police force and army where dogs are used, you will find that the
majority of these tough, aggressive, military dogs from around the world have been neutered.
Why neuter dogs when they can't get pregnant? By neutering your dog it will reduce his
roaming behavior. By having your dog neutered and therefore stop there roaming, will reduce
the 5 million unwanted pets euthanized each year, even though male dogs can't get pregnant,
they can sire many litters. Neutering not only decreases roaming behaviour, but also marking
behavior and some forms of aggression, but genetics and training are more important contributors
to your pets behavior.
All neutered dogs are sleepy and fat: Pet owners may think this and expect their pet to be
less playful after castration. This behavior is more likely to be typical of puberty, the
stage of life when most neutering occurs. the changes only reflect your pet growing up.
Neutering does not cause obesity, and dog can become obese. Obesity can be controlled through
diet and exercise.
If I don't let my dog near unspayed females, why bother to neuter? The medical reasons for
castration are convincing. Testicular tumors are very common in older dogs. If you don't have
testicles you don't get testicular tumors. Castration also prevents some diseases of the
prostate, hyperplasia, prostatitis, cysts and abscesses. Unfortunately, castration does not
prevent prostatic tumors.
All pet owners should castrate their dogs who carry heritable diseases such as hip dysplasia or
other congenital condtitions, to ensure that the undesirable traits and disease are not passed
on. Any dog who is cryptorchid (one or both testicles that did not descent) should be
neutered. These dogs prove to have a much higher risk of developing testicular cancer and the
condition is hereditary.
Some pet owners would say that it is best to let your female have a litter of puppies before
spaying her. By spaying a dog before her first cycle decreases any risk of mammary tumors.
Spaying also decreases any risk of uterine infections, pyometra, abnormal estrus cycles, cancer
and unwanted behavioral changes during heat cycles. It also prevents the unwanted attention
from any intact dogs in the neighborhood.
When deciding whether to neuter your pet, don't put your own perceptions or feelings into
what your dog is thinking. Rather, study the medical and social benefits of having a
castrated non breeding dog and discuss the issue with your veterinarian before making your
decision.
Mark Woodcock
1 Flea Control
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