Neutering is a routine surgical procedure that removes your dog’s testes thereby preventing him from being able to reproduce.  The procedure is generally done around 6 months of age but can also be performed on mature dogs.  This procedure is an important one as it offers many health benefits and can aid in the reduction of pet overpopulation.

Each year in Canada alone, almost 100,000 unwanted pets are humanely euthanized in shelters.  Neutering is strongly advised to help reduce this overpopulation of dogs in shelters and lower the number of homeless pets.

Neutering is in fact very beneficial to your dog’s health. Intact male dogs are at a higher risk of developing inflammation and enlargement of the prostate as well as testicular tumors and infections.  Neutering your dog causes the prostate gland to shrink considerably, reducing the risk of prostate related problems and reproductive cancers later in life.

Did you know neutering your dog can help reduce unwanted behaviour?  Intact male dogs tend to have higher incidences of aggressive behaviour.  They also have a higher territorial drive which causes them to mark areas, including your house, with urine.  Neutering will decrease their constant want for a mate making them less likely to roam and less challenging when socializing with other dogs.

Two of the biggest myths regarding neutering are that your dog will gain weight and that your dog’s personality will change.  Weight gain can be associated with the neuter surgery due to the fact that it is usually performed around the same time that many dogs approach their mature weight when their caloric intake requirements are starting to decrease.  Neutering your dog reduces their metabolism which should be factored into their diet.  Food type and quantity may need to be adjusted as well as properly exercising your dog in order to maintain a healthy body weight.  Your dog’s personality will not be altered after the procedure.  Over time, your dog may become more subdued and less rambunctious with maturity, whether they are neutered or not.

Contact Centrepointe Animal Hospital for more information on neutering your pet.