Should you or should you not neuter your pet? If you get a vets opinion whether to neuter the dog or not, the vets most likely advice is to have the dog neutered. Most dog owners would have second thoughts as there is a possibility that the vets advice is profit motivated. The hesitation to submit the pet under the vets knife was reinforced by the myths surrounding the neutering procedure. Macho dog owners would not neuter the dog believing that the procedure will reduce the pets manliness. Some dog owners would take great pride in showing off a well appointed pet. A male dog with no visible scrotum would diminish the dogs masculinity. Another reason why dog owners would not consider neutering is the myth that the procedure will make the dog less active and fat. One of the reasons why dogs are dubbed as mans best friends is the fact that these animals are always on the go and always willing to be a part of the familys activities. Of course obesity is practically an invitation to the development of a lot of diseases. These health concerns could impair the quality of life of the pet.
Neutering is really a simple procedure, one that does not need to open a body cavity. In about thirty minutes, the surgery will be over. Under anesthesia, an incision will be made on the dogs scrotum. The testicles will be removed and testicle stalks will be tied and cut off. The vet may not even need to stitch the incision. Nonetheless, neutering is a surgical procedure and just as with any other surgeries it would have some risks. The risk is usually associated with the use of anesthesia. The benefits though to the health of the pet far outweigh the risk. Neutering is believed to lessen the pets tendency to develop unwanted behaviors thus the procedure will benefit the dog owner as well.
As the surgical procedure removes the testicles of the dog, it would no longer be able to sire puppies. Neutering therefore would not be an option if the dog owner has plans of breeding the dog in the future. Dogs that are raised for the show ring are not neutered either. The AKC and other dog organizations require a dog competing in conformation shows to be intact. Dog owners that have no plans of breeding and showing the dog have best take the option of submitting the dog under the vets knife for the big snip. If only dog owners are fully aware of the benefits the dog can get from neutering, they would not waver with the decision to neuter the pet.
Neutering has considerable benefits not only to the dog but to the dog owner as well. Because the testicles are removed testicular cancer are prevented. The dog would not suffer from prostate enlargement and other prostate problems as well. High testosterone level is associated with a number of diseases including the life threatening cancer. Neutered dogs produce less testosterone thus these diseases are prevented. The inability to sire puppies would be a big help to the programs that address overpopulation of homeless dogs. Pet owners would gain benefits from neutering the pet. Contrary to the myths, the playfulness and the energetic nature of the pet will not be affected by neutering. Neutering though would have an effect on the less desirable behavior of the dog. The inclination to wander and the behavior to urine mark are considerably lessened. A male dogs sensitive scenting ability will be able to know if there is a fertile female dog nearby. It would be very hard to stop an intact dog from reaching a dog in heat. This will be prevented if the dog is neutered. The sexual drive of the dog can result to aggression. Whats your decision? Should you neuter the dog or let the pet remain intact?
