As dog owners, we always wonder if it is good to spay or neuter our pet. There are many prejudices about sterilization, due to the number of false myths that surround this subject.
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Spaying and neutering are different surgical procedures, yet both prevent reproduction in our pets. I know it is not easy to make this decision for our dogs. We always have some doubts about the procedure. But spaying and neutering is undoubtedly the best option for the welfare of our pet. That is why in this post I will explain why, the advantages and possible disadvantages of spaying and neutering in dogs.
What is spaying and neutering of dogs?
Sterilization is a surgical intervention which consists of performing a vasectomy in the dog’s spermatic cord and in the bitch a tubal ligation. These procedures prevent the reproduction of our dogs, leaving the sexual organs intact.
On the other hand, castration in dogs is a surgical procedure based on the removal of the sexual organs of our pets. The operation is performed by removing the testicles in the male and the ovaries in the female. As a result, the animal becomes totally sterile.
Many veterinarians consider spaying and neutering to be the best option to prevent reproduction in your pet. It also brings several benefits for the health of our pets, as well as avoiding the responsibilities of having a litter of offspring.
Advantages
It would considerably reduce the abandonment problems suffered by dogs. In Spain, the number of abandoned dogs is a direct consequence of not spaying or neutering our pets. Most of the dogs found in abandoned condition come from an unwanted litter.
On the other hand, spaying and neutering in dogs has brought great health benefits. Such as the reduction of mammary tumors in females and genital tumors in males. They decrease urinary tract infections and visibly reduce our dogs’ aggressive behavior. In addition, hormonal processes such as estrus and the sexual behavior in male dogs of mounting other dogs disappear.
After castration, he will be more sociable since he will not compete sexually for a partner and the desire to escape will diminish. In addition, you avoid the risks of pregnancy, postpartum complications and prevent psychological pregnancy in females.
Disadvantages
Neutering your pet has few disadvantages. In general, the consequences of spaying or neutering in dogs may be related to malpractice. In some cases this procedure causes certain negative effects such as: hyperthyroidism, urinary incontinence and increased appetite in our pet.
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