Neutering male dogs has advantages and disadvantages.

In veterinary terms, neutering male dogs is called an orchiectomy or gonadectomy. To us less veterinarian minded persons; it is called sterilizing, de-sexing, fixing or castrating. In even simpler terms, neutering dogs means both testicles have been removed. There are many reasons why owners have their dogs neutered; the most common reasons are population management, modifying testosterone behaviors and controlling future generational genetic diseases.

Neutering and spaying are the most common surgical procedures a vet has to perform. For a vet to operate, dogs need to be asleep for them to remove their testes. In addition, dog will have their testicular epididymis removed, testis blood vessels and spermous ducts. Some parts of the dog’s reproductive system remain intact such as his bulbis glandis, urethra, prostate, penis, some testicular blood vessels and spermatic ducts.

Advantages and disadvantages of neutering male dogs

When a dog has not been neutered, their behaviors can be seriously overwhelming to any owner. Dogs that aren’t neutered dogs can be unpredictable, liable to escaping, roaming, unfriendly, becoming aggressive and could be prone to dominance issues.

Neutering male dogs ought to be done from five months of age due to tolerating anesthesia better. Before this age, their livers and kidneys could be subject to failure. Before the procedure check with your vet which anaesthetic your dog is going to be given.

There are different types of anesthesia, there is the old and the new. Obviously, the newer version is more improved, but some vets are still using the older version.

Compared to the older version, the newer anesthesia is safer due to a dog’s internal organs being able to metabolize and eliminate toxins quicker after surgery. However, some veterinarians are now pushing dogs to be neutered from eight weeks old; in my opinion, this is not healthy!

The disadvantages for neutering male dogs at eight-weeks could threaten their lives. Young pups are not strong and their organs are not fully grown, which could affect their development. Neutering male dogs at such an early age could cause hypothermia and hypoglycemia, loss of testosterone too soon. Furthermore, they could find it difficult to extrude their penis, which could lead to frequent infections.

The medical profession believes there are advantages for neutering male dogs at eight-weeks. You can have him micro chipped at the same time as his operation, the procedure is two-thirds less in time compared to a five-month old dog; the recovery is quicker and there is less bleeding.

I know what I’d choose for my dogs!

Is neutering male dogs a Godsend?

It controls overpopulation or unwanted dogs, which will result in euthanasia.

Owners won’t be unable to stud to make money.

It reduces inherited genetic traits such as diseases and congenital deformities, behavioral issues.

He is less likely to have unfavorable or faulty breeding.

He is less likely to have testicular and testosterone diseases.

From approximately three years neutered dogs can become overweight quite easily, especially if they’re fed the same food when they were puppies. As a result of being overweight, dogs can bequeath diabetes.

Castrating lowers a dog’s metabolism, which in turn makes them slower, as a result they eat less.
A castrated dog can lose his drive to herd and hunt. Some people believe dogs can lose their sense to guard, but I have never come across this, and it is yet to be scientifically proven.

Some argue that veterinary prices for neutering male dogs are high. However, since dogs eat less after the operation, the cost eventually balances out.

The statistics are low, but some have noticed their dogs develop feminine characteristics or may become less masculine.

Neutering a dog too early could result in delayed closure of growth plates. This means the dog may be taller and have longer limbs than dogs who have not been castrated.

If the dog comes from a valuable line and inherits quality genetics, this neutered dog line will end; therefore, the potential to breed will be lost.

Dogs with excellent DNA such as having good temperaments, characteristics, no genetic birth defects or diseases are considered golden. To breed such quality dogs can only be done from qualified dog breeders who understand the science behind breeding. For example, if I were to breed my wolf dog, I could potentially increase the wolf content without even knowing it. This would make it an illegal breed in some states or countries.

If you are considering neutering your dog and you’re strapped for cash, consider approaching charities and shelters, they often offer free or discounted services.

Common inherited diseases for not neutering male dogs are: