Should I neuter my dog? Or not? Things to consider to avoid regrets

"I've been advised to neuter my dog, but is it really necessary?"
"What if I regret it after the surgery...?"
Many owners considering neutering their dogs are likely concerned about these issues.

Your first pet is more than just a cute creature. Your dog is also a cherished member of the family.
It's your responsibility as a pet owner to think about how you want your dog's life to be.
You want to spend quality time with your dog without regretting, "I should have done this..."

This article is for owners who are unsure whether to have their pet neutered or not. We've compiled some tips to help you avoid regrets no matter which choice you make.
Please use this information as a reference to make a decision you won't regret.

What is castration surgery?

Neutering is a surgical procedure to remove a dog's testicles. The dog is put under general anesthesia, and an incision is made in the skin around the testicles to remove them. Unlike spaying females, neutering does not involve an abdominal incision, so it is less traumatic for the dog than spaying.

The basic steps for neutering are as follows:

1. Preoperative Examination
2. General Anesthesia
3. Surgery
4. Postoperative Care
5. Discharge and Suture Removal

For more information on castration surgery, please see this article.

What is canine castration? Surgery Content and Purpose [For First-Time Owners]

Benefits of Neutering

Neutering involves various risks, but it also has its benefits.
Learn about the benefits and use them as a basis for your consideration.

Reducing Stress Associated with Heat

Neutering can reduce the stress associated with heat.
Male dogs do not have a heat cycle, but they do go into heat when they sense the scent of a female in heat.
This is not a problem if you intend to breed them, but if you have no plans to breed them, being unable to mate even when in heat can be very stressful for your dog.

If you leave your dog unneutered for years, it will continue to be a difficult experience for him. However, neutering can suppress the secretion of male hormones in dogs. This can reduce various stressors, such as male dog mating desires, aggression toward other dogs, and territorial instincts.

Suppresses problem behaviors during estrus

Neutering can suppress problem behaviors during estrus. The following are some of the common problem behaviors that male dogs experience during estrus:

・Barking




・Marking

・Mounting
・Chasing female dogs
・Escape

These behavioral problems caused by estrus cannot be addressed through training.
In severe cases, it can be a source of stress for both the owner and the dog.
However, neutering surgery stops the secretion of male hormones, which can help to suppress these problematic behaviors.
Problem behaviors such as marking and mounting will decrease, and the dog's personality will become more calm, making life during estrus easier for owners as well.

Preventing Senior Diseases

Neutering can help prevent reproductive diseases.
Male dogs are at higher risk of developing reproductive diseases as they reach senior years.

Reproductive diseases include the following:

・Perineal hernia
・Benign prostatic hyperplasia
・Perianal adenoma

These diseases are caused by the adverse effects of male hormones. Castration suppresses the secretion of male hormones, which can help prevent reproductive diseases.

Disadvantages of Castration

Neutering has many benefits.
However, neutering has its drawbacks as well.
Be sure to understand the negative as well as positive aspects of neutering before considering the procedure.

Neutering can make a dog more susceptible to gaining weight

Neutering can make a dog more susceptible to gaining weight.
Neutering prevents the energy expenditure required to maintain reproductive function.
It also suppresses the secretion of male hormones, which can slow the dog's metabolism.
This reduced energy expenditure and further slowing of the metabolism can make a dog more susceptible to gaining weight.
For this reason, it may be necessary to manage the amount of food and exercise your dog consumes after neutering.

Risks of General Anesthesia

General anesthesia used during castration surgery carries risks.
Unfortunately, the possibility of an accident occurring during general anesthesia or surgery is not zero.
Although the possibility is low, it is still true that there are risks for dogs.
For this reason, preoperative examinations and careful health management of dogs are essential to minimize risks.
Risks vary depending on the dog's underlying medical conditions and age, so it is a good idea to consult with your veterinarian to understand the risks for your dog.

What to Do to Avoid Regrets

Neutering is a surgical procedure that involves inserting a scalpel into your dog's precious body.
Considering the burden it places on your dog, you want to make a decision you won't regret.
So, what can pet owners do to ensure they make a decision they won't regret?

Choosing a Reliable Veterinarian

For the sake of your beloved dog, choose a reliable veterinarian.
Whether you neuter or not, your regular veterinary clinic will look after your dog for the rest of his or her life.
Even if a clinic has a good reputation, it may not be a good fit for you or your dog.
It is a good idea to find several potential veterinary clinics and use their satisfactory telephone service as a criterion.
When choosing a veterinary clinic, we recommend gathering information online and narrowing your choices to a few.
Make sure you receive a thorough explanation of what neutering is and what kind of care will be provided after the procedure.
And feel free to consult us about any concerns you may have, no matter how trivial they may seem.

Managing Your Dog's Health

If your dog is undergoing neutering, it is important for you to carefully manage its health before and after surgery.
In particular, after surgery, your dog will not be able to move normally again immediately due to the strain of general anesthesia and the surgery itself.
Care such as controlling the amount of exercise and adjusting the amount of food required is necessary.
In addition, your dog will undergo pre-operative testing, and in order to pass the test, you must ensure that it is in good physical condition.
If you have any concerns or worries before surgery, even if they are minor, please share them with your veterinarian.

Don't look anxious in front of your dog

Your dog surprisingly pays close attention to your behavior. It's best to avoid looking anxious in front of your dog as much as possible.
Unfamiliar environments like veterinary clinics and surgery are very stressful for dogs.
Furthermore, if you look anxious, your nervousness will be transmitted to your dog, making them even more nervous.
Before surgery, try to avoid looking anxious as much as possible to reassure your dog.

Summary

We've summarized what you can do to avoid regretting your decision to have your pet neutered, as well as the pros and cons of neutering.
If you get a male dog, you'll likely be recommended to have him neutered at the vet at some point.
If you don't want to breed him, we recommend neutering him to prevent disease and curb problem behaviors.

However, neutering has both advantages and disadvantages.
Even if you know there are benefits for your dog, making the decision can be difficult.
To avoid regrets, first find a trusted veterinarian and consult with them.
A veterinarian will diagnose your dog based on its health, making this the most reliable source of information for making a decision.
Consider your dog's future lifestyle and make a decision you won't regret.