Should I neuter my dog?

[Troodon]

We keep our male dog in our well-fenced backyard (unleashed of course). What are the benefits of neutering my dog?

We don't have to worry about pregnancy since it's a male dog. I don't really mind its urinating habits. He's not very aggressive around other dogs although he does like to play rough.

[Cytosol]

Yes you should. Besides the obvious reason of the chance of him impregnating a female dog (you never know, one might get into your yard or something) neutering brings added benefits.

How old is your dog and what breed? If you have a dog neutered at less than 1 year or so, usually they won’t lift their leg to pee, which is really annoying to deal with on walks when they constantly want to mark everything. My lab was neutered at 6 months, and he squats to piss, so he’s less inclined to piss all over everything when I walk him.

Second, neutering costs around $150-200. However, most provinces offer a discount when you register your pet as spayed/neutered. I save about $30/year because of this, so it pays itself off after a few years.

Third, again depending on how old your dog is, neutering can curb some territorial or aggressive behaviors. It also usually stops humping. If your dog is young or this is your first dog, you might not have seen these behaviors yet, but after 2-3 years they usually start to show. They can be EXTREMELY difficult to deal with, but neutering can help stop these bad traits from developing.

Last, obviously testicular cancer isn’t a worry. I believe there are several other health benefits, but I’m not sure off the top of my head. One more thing to add, often daycares won’t accept unfixed dogs. Even if you don’t usually bring yours to daycare, it’s good to know just in case something comes up that you have the option.

[canehdianman]

Definitely not.

However, I highly recommend having a veterinarian do it.

[Poulet]

^ + 1 Get an expert to do it

[Shaner]

Many male dogs will escape from 6 foot fences if they smell a female dog in heat. Neutering your dog will fix that problem.

Also, there are health benefits and behavioural benefits that were listed above, although many of the behavioural issues are just as much training issues.

[ChzPlz]

What are the benefits of neutering my dog?

Setting aside all the behavior benefits, which are huge...

The medical advantages are numerous and even more significant. Again, all are caused by the effects of testosterone on the body or are physical problems that arise within the testicles themselves. Here again, a vasectomy would not serve any real or meaningful purpose.

No Testicular Tumors: There are several different tumor types, both benign and malignant, that arise within the testicles. As with most cancers, these usually are not noted until the animal reaches 5 or more years of age. Therefore, these would not be a problem in those individuals castrated at the recommended age.

Fewer Hernias: A hernia is a protrusion of an organ or parts of an organ or other structure through the wall of a cavity that normally contains it. Perianal hernias occur when the colon, urinary bladder, prostate, or fat protrude from the abdominal cavity, through the muscular wall by the anus and then lie just under the skin. This type of hernia is far more common in older, unneutered male dogs. The levels of testosterone and other hormones appear to relax or weaken the group of muscles near the anus. When the animal then strains to defecate or urinate, the weakened muscles break down and the abdominal organs and fat bulge out under the skin. In shorthaired breeds, this large bulge is noted by the owner almost immediately, but in the longhaired dogs, the problem may go on for months before anyone realizes there is an abnormality. Left untreated, these organs may become damaged, unable to function or even die from loss of blood supply. Additionally, because of the displacement of organs into this area, the animal may not be able to defecate or urinate correctly or completely and may become constipated or have urinary incontinence (dribble urine). The surgery to repair this condition is not simple and today can easily cost $700 to $1500 or more, depending on the severity.

Fewer Perianal Tumors: There are tumors whose growth is stimulated by testosterone. These occur near the anus and are called perianal adenomas (benign) or perianal adenocarcinomas (malignant). As with the hernias, these usually do not occur until the dog is at least 7-years old. They require surgical treatment and should be caught early in their development to prevent recurrence. These tumors and the above hernia are very, very rare in those individuals castrated at 7 to 8-months of age.

Fewer Prostate Problems: The most common medical problems eliminated in dogs neutered at an early age are those involving the prostate. Over 80% of all unneutered male dogs develop prostate disease. Prostate conditions such as benign enlargement, cysts, and infection are all related to the presence of testosterone.

[Punisher]

We keep our male dog in our well-fenced backyard (unleashed of course). What are the benefits of neutering my dog?


I think the better question is "What are the benefits of NOT neutering your dog"??

[ChzPlz]

We keep our male dog in our well-fenced backyard (unleashed of course).

You never walk him? No dog parks?

Unless you're living in a rural area where it isn't feasible, you'll find that socializing him is beneficial. Socializing an unneutered dog can be difficult - they can get aggressive.

[Tiberius]

We keep our male dog in our well-fenced backyard (unleashed of course). What are the benefits of neutering my dog?

We don't have to worry about pregnancy since it's a male dog. I don't really mind its urinating habits. He's not very aggressive around other dogs although he does like to play rough.

Personally - I would let the vet do it! :cheesygri

[boyohboy]

Imagine if the dog sees this post... ZOMG owner gona cut ma ballz

[stealth]

Imagine if the dog sees this post... ZOMG owner gona cut ma ballz

A dog that smart should be allowed to keep his balls.

[Notme666]

I would get him neutered, but the best time is between 18 and 36 months old, especially if he's a bigger dog. There is increasing evidence that they need the testosterone until they finish growing.

[jenblaze]

I recently neutered my +1 year old dog.

Before: He was never really super aggressive, but when I took him out to dog parks he would try to dominate/hump other dogs. For that reason, and since other dogs could sense he was still fully intact, some would charge or act aggressively towards him. We also have a cat and the dog would constantly try and hump him too! Like a typical bulldog, if he became fixated on something during a walk, he would be super determined to get at it. He's only 22lbs but all muscle, so it made it difficult to break him out of it.

After: He's much more laid back around other dogs. He's still really playful and interested, but he's less intense in smelling and his approach to other dogs in the park. He still humps on occasion, but it's much less frequent and once you tell him to stop he stops! I've also noticed that it's much easier to break his fixation issues, and is a little more attentive to commands.

I am so glad I've finally neutered him! I had originally wanted to get it done at 6 months, but he had some skin conditions that I had to wait to clear up. The upside of waiting is that his personality had fully set prior to neutering, so he still behaves the same, but is easier to train. I know some people might not believe it's "right" to neuter your dog, but I personally think it was the right thing to do for my dog.

[HandsomeRob]

Yes.

Behavior benefits.
Health benefits.
What about somebody else's unspayed female dog at the park or whomever gets into your yard.

[at1212b]

Definitely yes.

Potential health problems, and most of all, behavioural. The mind and spirit will just be too unbalanced.

[Shaner]

I would get him neutered, but the best time is between 18 and 36 months old, especially if he's a bigger dog. There is increasing evidence that they need the testosterone until they finish growing.

I have a 7 month old male German Shepherd. While talking to my vet about this exact thing, he told me about a study that was done on dogs and cats in New York state. The study found that dogs and cats that were neutered at a young age (I believe it was at 6 months) actually grew taller than those not neutered until 2 years of age, although the ones neutered later tended to be thicker and muscular.

He didn't know where I could read the study as he had read it a long time ago, and I haven't been able to find it online anywhere. Obviously without knowing the details of a study (such as how many cats and dogs, how long the study was for, etc.) it's kind of useless information, but I thought I would share anyway.

And no, my vet wasn't trying to talk me into neutering my boy at an early age. My vet is in a rural area where they have a very different outlook on things. He doesn't push for vaccines except the basic ones such as rabies, parvo and a couple others, he doesn't promote expensive kibble, he strongly believes in a raw diet, etc. This vet is absolutely great.

[Notme666]

I have a 7 month old male German Shepherd. While talking to my vet about this exact thing, he told me about a study that was done on dogs and cats in New York state. The study found that dogs and cats that were neutered at a young age (I believe it was at 6 months) actually grew taller than those not neutered until 2 years of age, although the ones neutered later tended to be thicker and muscular.

He didn't know where I could read the study as he had read it a long time ago, and I haven't been able to find it online anywhere. Obviously without knowing the details of a study (such as how many cats and dogs, how long the study was for, etc.) it's kind of useless information, but I thought I would share anyway.

These don't address the study you are referring to, but here are a few articles which discuss early neutering.

http://www.cdoca.org/downloads/files/Early%20SN%20and%20Behavior.pdf
http://www.veterinarypracticenews.com/vet-practice-news-columns/bond-beyond/is-early-neutering-hurting-pets.aspx
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9691849?dopt=Abstract

However, people need to remember that waiting to neuter means you must be a responsible pet owner and restrict your dog from reproducing. We just got through our dog's first heat (she's 10 months) and it's a pain in the butt to deal with it. But if it means she is healthier for the rest of her life, it will be worth it. She will be spayed once she is finished growing at about 18 months.




And no, my vet wasn't trying to talk me into neutering my boy at an early age. My vet is in a rural area where they have a very different outlook on things. He doesn't push for vaccines except the basic ones such as rabies, parvo and a couple others, he doesn't promote expensive kibble, he strongly believes in a raw diet, etc. This vet is absolutely great.

Shaner, you're not in southern Ontario are you? I've been trying to find a vet like that. :)

[cheaper_than_cheap]

These don't address the study you are referring to, but here are a few articles which discuss early neutering.

http://www.cdoca.org/downloads/files...20Behavior.pdf
http://www.veterinarypracticenews.co...ting-pets.aspx
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9...?dopt=Abstract
Your links are broken.

[Notme666]

Your links are broken.

I think I fixed them, they should be working now. Thanks.

[Shaner]

We just got through our dog's first heat (she's 10 months) and it's a pain in the butt to deal with it. But if it means she is healthier for the rest of her life, it will be worth it. She will be spayed once she is finished growing at about 18 months.

It sounds like you have done your research, so I won't get into the breast cancer and ovarian cancer issues as I'm sure you know all about that when it comes to spaying or not spaying. What you may or may not know is that there's new research out there that seems to indicate spayed dogs (spayed at any age) are more likely to succumb to hemangiosarcoma's. Obviously with hemangio's having basically a 0% chance of recovery, it's something to pay attention to. I don't have any links at hand, but I have read a lot on this subject when I was debating whether or not to get my girl spayed. In the end, I got her spayed anyway as I felt the benefits of not having to worry about breast or ovarian cancers at an early age outweighed the risk of a hemangio, which usually only hits at an older age (9+ normally).



Shaner, you're not in southern Ontario are you? I've been trying to find a vet like that. :)

I'm near Kingston. So south-eastern Ontario. My vet really is great. My last 2 vets told me raw diets for dogs are dangerous to humans, bad for dogs teeth, hard on the kidneys (makes no sense as there's more moisture in raw food than in kibble), creates a choking risk, etc. They did everything they could to talk me out of it. The first time I met this vet I asked him and he said he thinks they are a wonderful diet for those owners who do their research. He's worried that people are going to jump into a raw diet without knowing what they're doing and they will harm their dog, but he thinks a raw diet is the best thing you can feed cats and dogs. He doesn't sell all that crappy "veterinarian grade" kibble that most vets get kick backs from, he only pushes vaccines that are required by law or would be dangerous not to get (parvo, rabies, etc.). I couldn't be happier with my current vet.

[Shaner]

Nevermind, just read those links you supplied and they talk about hemangio's. So I'm guessing you already know about that as well.

[mellyzeng]

i think it's unnecessary.

[Troodon]

About 2% of neutered male dogs eventually develop prostate cancer, compared to less than 0.6% of intact males.[19][20] The evidence is most conclusive for Bouviers.[21]
In a study of 29 intact male dogs and 47 castrated males aged 11–14, the neutered males were significantly more likely to progress from one geriatric cognitive impairment condition (out of the four conditions – disorientation in the house or outdoors, changes in social interactions with human family members, loss of house training, and changes in the sleep-wake cycle) to two or more conditions. Testosterone in intact males is thought to slow the progression of cognitive impairment, at least in dogs that already have mild impairment.[22]
As compared to intact males, male neutered cats are at an increased risk for certain problems associated with feline lower urinary tract disease, including the presence of stones or a plug in the urethra and urethral blockage.[23]
Neutering also has been associated with an increased likelihood of urethral sphincter incontinence in males


Wikipedia says this about the disadvantages of neutering. Is Wikipedia wrong since so many people here are touting the "health benefits" neutering (Wikipedia didn't say anything useful for male dogs).

[Shaner]

Wikipedia says this about the disadvantages of neutering. Is Wikipedia wrong since so many people here are touting the "health benefits" neutering (Wikipedia didn't say anything useful for male dogs).

Not saying Wiki is wrong, just keep in mind the study they are referencing was comprised of 80 dogs. That's a very small study, too small to come to any conclusion one way or the other.

[litebrite]

Just to confirm, neutering a dog involves removing his testicles?

I didn't realize that and we've been waiting for the balls to drop on our neutered 1 yr-old pup. Guess we woulda been waiting a while. :cheesygri

[jenblaze]

Also to add to the list of reasons to neuter your dog: not sure where the OP is from but in Toronto we have that stupid pet registry fee. Neutered/Spayed dogs are much cheaper to register annually than unaltered dogs ($60/yr vs. $25/yr).

I finally decided to register my dog today since he was going to be out at the parks more this summer, and didn't want to chance the $240 ticket.