Neutering Pros and Cons

The most simple reason is that Dogs Trust is working really hard to reduce the number of unwanted, abandoned and stray dogs, and believe that prevention is much better (and kinder) than cure! By removing a dog’s ability to reproduce there will be fewer unwanted puppies being born and so fewer unwanted dogs being abandoned, given up or even destroyed (though never by Dogs Trust of course!).

Of course, many owners are responsible enough to ensure that even if their dog or bitch is not neutered, they are not able to mate and have litters of puppies. However, even with the best intentions, accidents do happen, and besides there are other reasons why you should consider neutering your dog.

My human colleagues here at Dogs Trust really believe that neutering is the kindest way to control the stray dog population – but how might it seem from a dog’s point of view?

Are there any health problems to consider? Well, yes – it is estimated that up to half of all entire bitches get a potentially fatal womb infection called pyometra. Neutering will completely remove this risk, as well as protecting against mammary cancer if performed before a bitch’s second season. In male dogs, neutering completely removes the risk of testicular cancer, reduces the likelihood of the far more common hormonally influenced tumours such as anal adenomas, as well as helping to prevent prostate problems in later life.

And what about seasons? Many bitches feel rotten during seasons, suffering from mood-swings and changes of personality. Most bitches also suffer to some extent with false pregnancies following a season, which can be distressing and physically uncomfortable. If you consider that most entire (not neutered) bitches will have two seasons and false pregnancies a year, they could spend nearly half their lives feeling unwell.

And what about how messy a season can be?  What a pain - all that licking to clean up all the time! I’m sure many owners would find blood spotting over the furniture and carpets pretty annoying too.  And remember that if a bitch is unfortunate enough to become diabetic, seasons almost always upset insulin balance and may hasten the onset in the first place.

As for actual pregnancies – apart from adding to the stray and unwanted dog problem – they pose a significant health risk to the bitch. Pregnancies can and do go wrong. Mothers and puppies can die from complications.

Neutering is often suggested as a way of helping with behavioural problems, but how true is this? It won’t really change anything in bitches, except make their temperament more stable. However in young male dogs it should prevent certain behaviour problems from ever starting in the first place (testosterone-based problems); such as inappropriate mounting of animals, objects and humans, territory marking, certain types of aggression and straying.  When these problems occur in an entire dog, although neutering should not be seen as a cure, it will certainly help, along with an appropriate retraining programme. We need to remember, however, that in some cases it may be four to six months before the effects of neutering are seen in a male dog.

There is such a thing as chemical doggy contraception but this is by injection and it hurts! Humans use contraception, but of course, that is their choice. We don’t have that choice – humans make that for us and some say that isn’t fair or right.
Well, yes, we don’t have a choice, but then if we weren’t neutered most of us wouldn’t be allowed to mate and reproduce anyway; can you imagine how even more frustrating it would be to want to do these natural behaviours because we have all those hormones and the correct equipment – but not be allowed to by our owners? It’s enough to drive any dog mad!

Mad enough to go to any lengths to escape the house or garden and go looking for a mate? You bet! Dogs (males particularly) may become fantastic escape artists smelling a bitch in season from miles away; sometimes becoming lost whilst wandering and sadly, occasionally the victims of fatal traffic accidents.

But what about problems associated with neutering? Of course, any operation where a general anaesthetic is used comes with risks. Although with modern techniques, these routine operations very rarely end in tragedy.

There has been mostly anecdotal evidence to suggest that neutering may increase the likelihood of urinary incontinence in bitches. Well, let’s wait for scientific evidence of this before we take it too seriously. We should also remember that tail docking is associated with urinary incontinence in bitches and I wonder how many of these neutered bitches may also have been docked?

Some neutered dogs may put on weight following the operation. Well this can happen with age anyway and a simple dietary adjustment can solve this, along with sufficient exercise. Some coat change may occur – fur may become fluffier or woolier in certain breeds, however this is a cosmetic ‘problem’ rather than a health problem and us dogs won’t notice the difference anyway!

Some of those opposing routine neutering say that it may adversly effect the development and health of dogs. However, if studies had showed that neutering negatively affects the health of dogs, you can be sure that Dogs Trust would not routinely neuter every dog that came through its centres. Early neutering has been practised in the US for many years and there is really no evidence of long-term harmful effects.

So should dogs be neutered? In my opinion, if you’re neutered before full sexual maturity – you don’t miss what you’ve never had anyway. And more importantly; if it means that it prevents future generations of dogs from being killed just because nobody wants them and there aren’t enough homes to go around – then I think neutering really is the kindest option. 

So, here is my question: Do you think dogs (not intended specifically for breeding purposes), should be neutered or not?

Please tell me your reasons!

Until next time, when I'll be barking on about another hot hound topic,

Best woofishes,

Poppy

poppy@dogstrust.org.uk

Your replies:

Dear Poppy

You want to know what I think about neutering? I am 100% in favour of it.
All my dogs are neutered when young if I have them from puppies or, as with my new “rescue” bitch, after her first season with me.
Several of my dog-owning acquaintances refused to have their dog/bitch neutered because they think it is “unkind”, only to be forced to do so after the dog gets testicular cancer or anal adenoma, or the bitch, mammary cancer.
This is why I am such a staunch supporter of Dogs Trust’s neutering scheme.
Yours sincerely
I. Pipe

Dear Poppy
 
My name is Barney. I’m an 18 month old Border Collie, who was rescued from a breeder because I’m not perfect enough for a show dog. I was the runt you see and have a few cosmetic problems such as pigeon feet and a pronounced overbite.
From the age of 12 weeks my friend has been lucky enough to be able to take me to work with her which is great, anyway right up until the age of 8 months everything was great but then something funny happened and I started feeling all possessive and stroppy, I also suddenly needed to tell everyone I was there and pee’d up walls to let them know, as you can imagine people weren’t happy about this and I got told unless something happened I wouldn’t be allowed anymore, that would have been horrible so I had an operation. I was a bit scarred and shouted all day at the doctors, so much in fact they let me go home early and my friend had to leave work to get me. 
I was a bit sore for a while and had to wear a silly plastic coney thing for ages, but after a while I got a lot better and didn’t feel the need to be in charge anymore and the people at work are happy to see me again, things don’t get me so huffy any more and I’m much more content, so in my experience neutering is not a bad thing a bit scary at the time maybe but once you get over the plastic cone thing you’re fine. 

Barney Lloyd
Windsor

Dear Poppy

You are one smart dog and I agree with all your reasons for neutering dogs.
When asked if neutering is cruel I also add that in a wild pack of wolves only the alpha pair mate and have pups. As it would be unfair to ask a dog to be our pack leader, us humans can be so confusing. Neutering is a way of ensuring no more than would happen in the wild - another good reason to neuter in my opinion.

Your two legged friend Sam

Dear Poppy

My elderly friend had a 16yr old Jack Russell which was intact. He leaked urine for 2 years before he died, due to prostate trouble. My friend then adopted a 13yr old Jack RussellX bitch, who settled in well and had 2 good months with my friend before becoming ill. She hadn't been spayed and had developed pyometra. Our wonderful vet did everything possible to save the little dog, but after suffering kidney failure and brain damage, the kindest thing was euthanasia. I held her as she died. My friend was heartbroken. I am all for neutering, for all the reasons.

J. Colley

We don't agree with neutering unless absolutely necessary. We have 5 cavaliers and none are neutered - they are all perfectly well behaved with any bitch and we have had no problems with them. They have the most fantastic coats that have never seen the dreaded clippers and we feel their personalities have been left intact, as intended. We don't breed from them - but would neuter - only if there was a screaming behavioural problem that demanded our action. We feed them a top quality diet with Burns biscuits and fresh meat and avoid all processed or unhealthy foods - none of them are overweight ( most cavaliers are ! ) and they have 2 good walks a day over open heathland. They are never left for more than 4 or 5 hrs alone and are well behaved and very contented. The only thing we spoil them with is kisses, and that's how it should be for all dogs, but many owners are very ignorant of how to look after their dogs properly - it takes a lot of commitment and time to get it right. My dogs come first - and that will never change. I hope their healthy lifestyle will prevent them from testicular cancer or prostrate problems later in life that neutering is supposed to avoid. We will see ....?

Sue

Dear Poppy
In my experience of owning and fostering several neutered terriers at once, all of whom got on brilliantly, I would say that a neutered dog is a happy dog; a neutered dog is a healthy dog; and above all, a neutered dog is a nice dog. If only everyone would believe this and have their dogs spayed and castrated when they reach six months of age, there would be fewer ‘problem’ dogs, no unwanted litters of puppies, less stray and abandoned dogs roaming the streets, and fewer dogs in rescue centres. It is only the extremely lucky dogs that are fortunate to arrive at a Dogs Trust Rehoming Centre. Sadly, many end up being destroyed elsewhere.

Yours sincerely
M. Millar

Dear Poppy

I am most emphatically in favour of neutering for dogs and bitches. It saves them from so much distress and frustration. I feel so annoyed with the foolish men who refuse to have their male dogs castrated! I have twice taken male dogs to the vet when they were whining, refusing to eat and apparently in pain as I was afraid they might be developing distension (they were both sighthounds, liable to this condition) but of course the vet couldn’t find anything wrong. Subsequent I found a nearby in-season bitch was the cause of their distress. A friend had the same experience with her Deerhound. A Golden Retriever I knew had to have an emergency operation after eating his blanket when frustrated by an in-season bitch.
Bitches too suffer distress – I had one who tore up the cushions to make ‘nests’ although she was not at all destructive at other times. She produced an enormous amount of milk, and vomited her food to feed her non-existent puppies. My vet at the time (1970’s) disliked spaying and prescribed tablets to avert the season – not a success as she came into season again after only four months (it was rumoured that his opposition to neutering was because he was a Roman Catholic!).
I have heard of bitches suffering urinary incontinence, but it seems to be caused by spaying at too early an age. I do feel they ought to be well over six months old and preferably in season once. However, my present (rescued) collieXGSD was only eight months old when I adopted her, and she has never had any urinary problem (she’s now nine and has never been ill in any way!). However, she has grown an enormous fluffy coat – the texture changed about two years ago. My mother had a Golden Retriever who had to be spayed for metritis and subsequently became fluffy. She had been beautifully sleek and wavy during a very successful show career, but turned into a little woolly sheep!
I sincerely hope spaying and neutering reduce the number of stray and unwanted dogs, but unfortunately so many people think nothing of discarding dogs they have bought but no longer want – or are unable to manage.

Yours sincerely
R. Beel, Amber and Scallywag

Dear Poppy
 
I have two dogs a Parsons Jack Russell (Charlie age 5) and a Rhodesian Ridgeback (Alba age 4) and they have both been neutered. I think it is cruel to keep them with all their bits.  I also don't think that they put on weight as long as you give them a healthy diet and lots of good fun and exercise. I also think that a lot of breeders should encourage new owners to get the dogs done and not say that you can’t get them neutered, as I know a lot do.
Yours
Jane Mcfadyen

Dear Poppy,
I heard my mom taking about this too! She says that I am an "entire" 2 yr old dog; and that I am a good boy and have never shown any behaviour that would be improved by neutering. She is worried about testicular cancer, but she has also read research that suggests that the risk of other forms of cancer (prostate and bone cancers) can be increased by neutering - and so doesn't really know what to do!
She would love to rescue a friend for me; possibly from your lovely new West London Centres - but thinks she will be turned down because I've not been neutered.
She hopes that there will be independent research carried out soon that will help her make a decision properly.
I love your column, its brill!
BFN
Molo (Cocker Spaniel)

I agree that bitches should be spayed.  My dog developed Pyometra and nearly died. I had never heard of it until she developed it. Had I known, I would have had her spayed to save her from the terrible pain she was in. Luckily, the vet operated on her in time, and she has never been better. It happened 2 years ago, and she has been given a new lease of life.
Yours sincerely
Pam, Merseyside

Dear Poppy,

Not too long ago, my female human's parents found a litter of pups abandoned by the side of the road in Cyprus. The poor things were almost dead. Fortunately my human's parents took them in and nursed them to health then found them good new homes. My humans were so angry that the pups had had to suffer; after all, if their mother had only been spayed, none of this would ever have happened!
I myself have been neutered and while my male human is uncomfortable with the 'C' word, he understands that it is for my own well being. My female human would not have it any other way, both for my health and their peace of mind. I can stay with friends and relatives who have entire Bitches without worry and I have no reason to stray from home.
I think dogs and bitches should be registered to breed or neutered/spayed by law. It really is 'the kindest cut'
Woofs and Licks, Zebedee

Dear Poppy

I am all in favour of neutering & spaying dogs. Apart from the unwanted pregnancies, there are other reasons. I recently had to have my beloved Spooks put to sleep. He was 15 years old and very poorly. I got him 5 years ago aged 10 and he was in a terrible state. He was losing his hair, and his back was completely bald. His skin on his back was like leather all thick with bleeding scabs. His tail was so bad they thought they were going to have to amputate it. Luckily it healed.
He wasn't neutered when I got him and couldn't be straight away as he was too ill and had to have steroids. As he started to get better he mounted everything; legs, cushions, toys etc. As soon as he was well enough he was neutered and the change in his health was remarkable. We thought that the strength that went into keeping him ‘male’ went into making him well, as he got better much more quickly after the op. Now I have a collieXGSD and I am glad that she has been spayed before I got her from the rescue centre.
Regards, Mary from South Cambs

Hi Poppy

I have had 3 male dogs. One was a Alsatian the other was a King Charles Spaniel and the third was a Golden Retriever and none of them were neutered and none of them showed any signs of mounting, let alone sniffing around bitches. None were aggressive in any way; all were good natured lovable dogs. Only the Alsatian pulled on his lead but otherwise all of them always came when called, so I wonder why my lovable 7 month old Flat coat Retriever that has a fabulous personality; loves playing, gets loads of walks, is going to get neutered next week. Should I really let him go through with it simply because others say he should be neutered, as I don't want him to be mated? No matter where I look on the internet they all say best to get dogs neutered.... Am I doing the right thing? He goes for the operation next week.
M.Carnegie

hi poppy
I am in favour of it as both of my gorgeous staffordshire bull terriers are neautred. I must admit though, ask me this a few week ago and i would of said it is not worth the risk.  Sasha my puppy was done and she developed complications i.e hernia, and was taken straight back in for a second operation within a week. She was so poorly with it, she is not 100% now and it's two weeks since her last operation.  Her tummy started to bleed also christmas day and she was in agony all that night. I was told her complications are so rare, i was just unlucky, but i was devestated, the thought my little pup may loose her life because of something i put her through ruined xmas because i was so upset and worried all the time.  It is a horrible thing to go through, it broke my heart seeing her so ill.
Miss j eland

Poppy says:  I hope Sasha is better very soon! x