Neutering Your Dog

Deciding whether or not to neuter your dog is an important responsibility, not just to your dog, but to your family and your community. Choosing to neuter your dog can make life easier both for dogs, and their owners.

Breeding is simply not an option for most dogs. However, if your dog is not neutered and is not allowed to breed, he or she can suffer from social problems and destructive behavior.

Neutered female dogs no longer experience heat cycles twice a year, nor unwanted pregnancies. Neutering your female dog will also help eliminate the mood swings associated with hormone production.

Neutered male dogs wander less. Additionally, they will empty their bladders because they are full, rather than to leave scent messages for other male dogs. And, although neutered male dogs will still retain their territorial guarding behavior, they are less likely to act in an aggressive manner with other male dogs.

Neutering is not without its drawbacks, but they are small compared to the alternative. The most common side effect of neutering your dog is weight gain, but this can be controlled by changing your dog's diet.

Neutering has little effect on your female dog's behavior, although in rare cases it can cause urinary incontinence.

As a dog owner, it is your responsibility to be sure that your dog is cared for properly, and this includes having him or her neutered to avoid unwanted pregancies.

~Lisa Pallardy
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