Neutering is something you should consider when bringing a male dog into your home.
We'll explain the purpose of neutering, the timing of the procedure, and the benefits and drawbacks of the procedure.
Benefits of Neutering
You've probably heard or read that neutering males makes them easier to care for.
Why is this said, and what benefits does neutering offer your dog?
Preventing Diseases*
Since the testicles are removed, there's no need to worry about testicular diseases like testicular tumors.
Prostate diseases are especially common in senior dogs. However, removing the testicles through neutering reduces the size of the prostate, preventing benign prostatic hyperplasia and life-threatening prostate tumors.
Neutering also helps prevent or treat diseases affected by male hormones, such as perianal tumors and perineal hernias. Neutering can also be effective in controlling systemic diseases such as epilepsy and endocrine disorders. Therefore, before undergoing surgery, be sure to consult with your veterinarian about your dog's current symptoms.
* Becomes calmer *
It is often said that dogs that were aggressive toward strangers become calmer after surgery.
This is said to be due to changes in sex hormone secretion, which relieves the dog from heat and weakens its territorial instincts.
* Reduces problem behaviors *
Specifically, problem behaviors such as fighting over territory, marking, and chasing females in heat and escaping tend to decrease.
In the case of males, neutering is sometimes performed before the habit of lifting one leg becomes established, as it is thought that raising one leg to urinate is not desirable. However, if marking behavior has become a habit, neutering may not improve the behavior.
＊Reduced Stress＊
It reduces stress, which is the root cause of many illnesses. Unneutered dogs are prone to various stresses, such as mating desires, aggression toward other dogs, and territorial instincts. Neutering can prevent these stresses.
＊Prevents Unwanted Reproduction＊
It prevents unwanted breeding. This will prevent accidents such as accidentally mating with a female while on a walk or at a dog park. It also provides peace of mind when keeping other dogs.
Disadvantages of Neutering
Some owners regret having their pets neutered due to the following disadvantages:
＊Becoming more likely to gain weight＊
Neutering can cause an imbalance in the secretion of sex hormones, making your pet more likely to gain weight. After neutering, be sure to properly manage your pet's diet and actively encourage muscle-building exercise.
*Coat becomes dull*
While this varies from dog to dog, some dogs may experience dull coats due to hormonal imbalances. In rare cases, changes in coat texture and color may also occur.
*Personality becomes passive*
There have been cases where dogs that were naturally timid became even more timid or lost confidence after neutering.
Relationship Between Neutering and Lifespan
Many studies have examined how neutering and spaying affect a dog's lifespan. Research results vary, with some suggesting that neutering increases lifespan, others that it shortens lifespan, and others that there is little significant difference. At this stage, it is believed that the relationship between neutering and lifespan cannot be clearly stated.
When can I neuter my dog?
Sexual maturity in dogs begins around 5 to 7 months of age, when they begin to exhibit behaviors such as marking and mounting weaker individuals. Additionally, around this time, baby teeth fall out and are replaced by permanent teeth, and physical maturation begins, so surgery is recommended.
Neutering is physically possible from 2-3 months of age. In Europe and the United States, even puppies are often neutered before being adopted from rescue shelters. However, research has shown that neutering at too young an age can increase the tendency for obesity, so for the average family dog, there is no need to rush the procedure. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the best time to neuter your dog.
What is the procedure?
＊Before surgery＊
First, consult with your veterinarian before surgery regarding castration. If your dog is a puppy, the surgery date will be decided after your veterinarian examines the dog's growth and whether its testicles have descended.
When performing castration surgery for reasons other than medical treatment, it is essential that the dog is healthy, so be sure to monitor its health before surgery. If your dog shows any unusual signs, such as diarrhea, vomiting, or eating less than usual, consult your veterinarian immediately and postpone the surgery, even if it is the day of surgery.
Furthermore, after surgery, you will not be able to shampoo or cut the dog's entire body for about one to ten days, including the time for stitches to be removed. Therefore, for breeds that require grooming (such as toy poodles), it is a good idea to have the grooming done beforehand. However, grooming can be stressful and taxing for your dog, potentially making them sick. It's best to avoid scheduling a surgery just before surgery.
＊The Day of Surgery＊
The surgical procedure varies slightly depending on the hospital, but generally, preoperative tests are conducted to determine whether general anesthesia and surgery are possible, and surgery is performed only after confirming there are no abnormalities.
You will often be instructed to fast and withhold water. This is to prevent aspiration due to vomiting during general anesthesia. Your hospital will provide instructions on how long fasting and withholding water is necessary, so be sure to follow them carefully.
＊After Surgery＊
Depending on the hospital's policy, you may be discharged on the same day or after a few days of hospitalization. Stitches will be removed approximately one to ten days after surgery. During this time, strengthened exercise should be avoided.
Dogs also have an instinct to lick when they feel pain or discomfort. Immediately after discharge, pain often remains at the surgical site, and most dogs will try to lick the wound. Licking a wound after surgery can slow down healing and, in the worst case, cause the wound to reopen. If your dog seems bothered by the wound, try having him wear an Elizabethan collar or post-operative clothing until the stitches are removed to prevent him from licking the wound.
Summary
Neutering your dog has both advantages and disadvantages.
The advantages include preventing reproductive diseases, reducing stress, and improving behavior. The disadvantage is that it can make your dog more susceptible to weight gain.
Consider the pros and cons, as well as your dog's temperament and other illnesses, and decide the best time to neuter your dog after consulting with your veterinarian.
Neutering your male dog will help him live a more comfortable life as a family member. If you have multiple pets in your household, including unneutered males and unspayed females, you should be especially proactive in considering neutering or spaying your pets.
