Should I Castrate My Dog Pros and Cons?

So you are stuck in a conundrum not knowing whether you should castrate your dog or not or you have 2 conflicting opinions in your household?

This article is focusing on the boys, the dogs, and their testiculars! Opinions around castration usually fall into 1 of 2 camps the Absolutely Nots and the OMG why wouldn’t you! This article is going to try and be as unbias as possible to give you the opportunity to make up your own mind about whether removing your Mutts Nutts is appropriate or not for your dog, your beliefs, and highlighting what you should consider.

I personally hate the word fixing, as this gives the false illusion that neutering your dog will fix any negative unwanted behavior, that they might exhibit, for example, roaming, mounting & humping, ejaculating, marking, aggression, strong-headedness, and hyperactivity. However, although neutering can have some effect on their behavior it is not a guarantee. There are many guidelines out there but it is important to be aware that these guidelines for or against are not necessarily suitable for all dogs. Neutering is certainly not a one size fits all scenario.

Every dog is different, it is important to remember this. I have worked with entire dogs who have been absolute gentlemen and others who are fixated on one thing and one thing only bitches! A dog can smell a bitch on heat up to 3 miles away! Think about where you live that’s a lot of distracting smells around!

Dogs reach their sexual maturity between 5 months and 1 year which is a prime time for training your pup. Training can get very difficult when your dog is distracted and more focused on the sweet smell of a bitch on heat than you repeating his name requesting him to sit, lie down and wait for the millionth time, the pup that use to walk so nicely on the lead is now yanking your arm off every time he wants to pee up a wall or get to another dog! The focus and the willingness to please have frustratingly dissolved and you are left with a delinquent pooch!

However, as frustrating as this can be getting a dog neutered under 1 year is not recommended by the veterinary profession due to the direct effect it can have on your dog’s growth and the chance that neutering your dog too early can cause such things as joint disease and neoplasia (abnormal growths) !

So here are a few things to consider……

Age – Veterinarians do not recommend getting your dog castrated under 12 months of age however they may consider it should you have a dog who has behavioral issues or health implications. Always consult with your vet.

Type – Some owners want to keep their dogs testicles as a status symbol, not something I would recommend at all! The welfare of your dog is of utmost importance not how they look or how it makes you feel!

Breeding – If you are going to use your dog as a stud dog then probably not advisable to go down the surgical route, however, you could consider the chemical option as this is a temporary measure should you have concerns regarding their behavior or the chance of unwanted accidental impregnation. Consult your veterinarian to find out if this is an option for your dog.

Is Your dog an In-Work Working dog– Many working dogs require a higher level of testosterone as they are highly active!

Puberty an early bloomer – Some young dogs exhibit their sexual urges from a young age

Medical Reasons – Prostate issues, testicular cancers,

Pros for Neutering

• Life expectancy increases by approximately 14%
• Reduces and eliminates certain diseases like testicular and prostatic disease
• Refocus your dog’s attention
• Decreases testosterone-fuelled aggression
• Less likely to roam
• Less likely to be targeted aggressively by other dogs
• Marking reduced
• No puppies

Cons for Neutering

• Weight Gain (can be managed by diet)
• Links to Joint disease and neoplasia
• Surgical procedure (low risk)
• No guarantee it will change your dog’s unwanted behavior
• No puppies

There is so so much information out there, so so many people telling you what to do! Make an educated decision weigh up the pros and cons for your dog and talk to a veterinarian or a canine expert who can give you both sides to this coin.

From my own personal experience having been an observer in several operating theatres watching this quick and easy procedure! I can say if the reason why you are not getting your dog castrated is because of an emotional attachment you have to your own bollocks then you need to stop putting yourself, your partner or any other male counterpart into the equation. The procedure is simple and quick and recovery time is fast. I can promise you your dog has no attachment to his crown jewels!

Please note that this article is written from my point of view, my research, and my experience.  For any medical advice please seek a trained Veterinarian.