It is sad but a reality: the number of puppies born each year is far greater than the number of good homes ready to welcome them. As a result, thousands of healthy animals are euthanized and many more are abandoned. Neutering will not only help reduce this phenomenon, but it is also one of the easiest and safest ways to keep your dog healthy for a longer time.
What are the different options?
The most common method remains the surgical procedure commonly called "spaying": removing the testicles in males and the ovaries (ovariectomy) in females - sometimes with the uterus (ovariohysterectomy) - in bitches. However, it is now possible to place a device under the dog's skin that releases small amounts of hormones. These hormonal substances suppress the dog's natural hormone production and neutralize the reproduction's mechanism.
Illustration of the male dog's genitalia
Illustration of the female dog's genitalia
What is chemical neutering?
To chemically "castrate" a male, a small device is implanted under the skin. This implant releases a hormone that suppresses natural hormone production in dogs, rendering them sterile for a period. This device is set up quickly, like a simple injection, without anesthesia. Most of the time, it is inserted during a routine veterinary consultation. Sometimes sedation is required prior to implant placement when dealing with a fussy dog. The side effects are minimal: there are sometimes discharges from the implantation site for a few weeks. Although this treatment makes dogs infertile, it only lowers testosterone levels and does not completely suppress them: therefore, this method does not have all the advantages of the surgical neutering method which triggers complete testosterone suppression.
The device is usually effective for 6 to 12 months (depending on the dose) and can be repeated to help maintaining infertility.
Illustration of the mechanism for chemical neutering in male dogs
There is no permanent chemical sterilization method for the female but it is feasible to use temporary solutions. You need to talk to your veterinarian about such options.
What are the surgical procedures involved with neutering?
Castration in males and spaying in females are two operations that require general anesthesia. The dog will be fasted the day before the operation to reduce the risk of complications on the operating table. Castration in males is a common and relatively simple operation for which there is little risk. Neutering of the female dog is a little more technical but it is a surgical procedure routinely performed by veterinarians.
Both castration and spaying require a small incision in the abdomen or scrotum. Your dog should be ready to go home the same day of the operation as soon as the anesthetics have worn off. In some cases, your veterinarian will ask to keep your pet overnight for observation.
Animation on the ovariectomy in the female dog
Animation on the ovario-hysterectomy in the female dog
Animation on neutering in the male
What are the benefits of sterilization?
Surgical neutering completely removes the risk of pregnancy. However, there are other benefits associated with the lack of hormone levels that occurs following neutering.
In the female: spaying helps to stop the bleeding that occurs with each cycle and prevents behavioral changes during heat. Intact females may develop pseudopregnancy or uterine infections (pyometra). Early neutering also reduces the risk of developing breast tumors.
In the male: some dogs develop antisocial behavior when they reach maturity with various forms of aggressive behavior or sexual behavior such as dogs that rides over other dogs or jerk on people's legs. Intact dogs can also run away and travel long distances to find a mate and can detect females in heat over long distances. These dogs can therefore be involved in car accidents. Surgical castration also reduces the risk of developing prostate or testicular diseases. The hormonal implant allows a reversible form of sterilization and most dogs become fertile again within a year after the end of last implant action.
When should sterilization be performed?
Traditionally, dogs are neutered between 6 and 8 months old. Before the development of current surgical methods and progress in anesthesia, it was thought that a dog needed finishing growth before neutering. Now, some veterinarians are operating the animal before it is 6 months old and female dogs are often neutered before their first heat. If your female dog has already had her first heat period, you need to wait the middle of a cycle before proceeding with the operation.
As for the hormonal implant for males, it is necessary to wait the end of puberty.
There is no upper age limit for neutering your dog. It is possible neutering an adult animal, for example if you wish to adopt an older dog or if your animal ends its breeding career. In males, neutering in adulthood reduces certain antisocial behaviors. But the longer you wait to neuter your male, the more difficult it becomes to eliminate an existing antisocial behavior. In certain prostatic disorders, castration may be recommended as a treatment.
Your veterinarian will surely be happy to talk to you about the best time and the best option for neutering your dog.
Is neutering dangerous?
All operations carry some risk, either because of the anesthesia or because of secondary complications. Known complications include excessive bleeding during surgery or healing problems after the operation. It is important that the dog does not lick or nibble the suture site. In case of concern after surgery, do not hesitate to contact your veterinarian. Chemical sterilization also presents risks of side effects.
Can neutering make my dog lazy and obese?
Neutering has no significant effect on your dog's lifestyle other than eliminating his sexual behavior. Many owners even find a positive change in their dog's personality as they become more affectionate. Once neutered, your pet's needs will be lower than before. It is therefore important to pay particular attention to the weight of your animal in the months following neutering and if necessary to adjust the diet to prevent your dog from gaining weight. There are several diets that are specifically produced for neutered dogs. This may also be a good solution to avoid excess weight after neutering.
Can sterilization cause incontinence?
A small number of females develop bladder weakness after neutering. They may leak small amounts of urine especially when they lie down. This is a problem that affects some breeds more than others and most affected animals would have developed the problem with or without neutering. There is an effective daily treatment for this form of incontinence. Do not hesitate to talk about it with your veterinarian if your female dog experienced suck leakage.
Is it a good idea to let my female dog having just one litter?
What your dog doesn't know she can't miss! In addition, neutering will save you the anxiety of finding a good family for the puppies.
Is sterilization expensive?
Vets charge different prices for neutering and costs can vary with the location of the clinic and the quality of services. Do not hesitate to talk to your veterinarian about the cost of the procedure and also payment modalities if it is important to you. However, it is interesting to compare the cost of the procedure and the potential expenses following an unwanted litter. A pregnant female will need more food, for her and for her litter. Puppies need veterinary care for prevention medications, vaccines, identification, and you will always need to find them a good family.
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