Neutering also referred to as castrating is a procedure done in male dogs which involves removing both of its testicles. During the operation, the scrotum is opened up, the testicles are removed and the cords are tied up then cut. The scrotum is closed up or may remain open with no stitches. A few days after the operation, the scrotum is usually swollen. If it was in the puppy stage, the empty scrotum flattens with age. The ideal age for neutering is 6 months. It is important to monitor the dog so that any microbial infection is treated.
It is not a must that every dog that will not be bred to be neutered. For example for pet dogs, they have a sexual drive that occurs naturally without behavioral changes such as urinating indoors. If you are able to control them so that they do not breed a wondering female which is on heat then it is not necessary and instead it is you to decide.
The neutering is best done at puppy stage. This significantly minimizes the hormonal impact for such male dogs. Testosterone is the hormone is that programs the brain to display the male behavior.
What are the effects of neutering male dogs other than not getting unwanted off springs? Castration helps improve the dog's behavior if it is sexually dimorphic especially if done alongside behavior modification therapy carried out with the guidance of a qualified pet behavior counselor and prevents unwanted litters. Some of the behavioral problems likely to change include the dog roaming in search of potential mates will be greatly reduced, while inappropriate scent marking will reduce halfway. For some dogs, their aggression on other people and dogs is reduced. In fact most of the behavioral problems are caused by sexual frustration. That is why it will go roaming, mounting on objects and people and more.
Neutering male dogs prevents dogs from testicle diseases that develop with age. The dog will also have lower chances of contracting cancerous growth in prostate gland and for testicles because the testicles are removed and other prostate gland diseases and the gland's enlargement is minimized. An enlarged prostate gland causes constipation resulting to difficulties during defecation in adult dogs. Excessive preputial discharge is also reduced.
Unfortunately, neutering male dogs increases the chances of contracting osteosacoma, hypothyroidism and hemangiosarcoma and other diseases that are more common in neutered dogs.
