Should your dog be neutered? Plainly and simply put, the answer is yes. Unless you plan on breeding your boy, then it is far better to seriously consider having him neutered. A lot of pet owners fear that neutering their male dogs will lead to changes in personality or other negative differences, but that is not so at all and, besides that, the long lasting advantages are well worth the effort.
For starters, neutering is clearly different from spaying. It applies to male dogs and it removes your dog’s testicles. After your dog is neutered, he cannot produce sperm or testosterone any longer – so he cannot get a female dog pregnant. In general, dogs handle the surgery involved quite well – it is not an invasive procedure at all, and generally, your dog will be able to come home a few days after the surgery, if not the day after. Male dogs can be neutered by the time they are eight weeks old and onward from there.
One of the main reasons to neuter your boy is the population problem in the animal world. Every year, approximately fifteen million animals are left at animal shelters all across the United States. Most of these animals do not find homes. In fact, out of that fifteen million, nearly eleven million dogs and cats will be put down because they have not been adopted.
There are massive benefits for your dog as well. Neutering your boy can make him healthier. He will be less likely to roam, which lessens the risk of him getting hurt in the road, stolen, or fighting with other dogs. Furthermore, dogs that have not been neutered run the risk of several health problems, such as testicular cancer and tumors. Neutering your dog can even reduce the risk of anal tumors. As well, neutered dogs are less likely to suffer from enlargement of the prostate, which can lead to urinary tract problems; it can also reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Also, if there is no chance of your dog mating with a female, neutering him will really put him out of his misery – so to speak! All of us have either had or seen a dog that has not been neutered, and thus tends to act like every hand, leg, or other animal is a prospective mate!
Some studies even show that dogs that have been neutered before they reach the age of two years are much more likely to live longer. Having your dog neutered before he is two can also decrease the predominance of certain behavioral problems. Your dog will still be playful, loveable, and sweet, but he will be far less aggressive and less excitable in a bad way – meaning you will not have to worry as much about him getting into things he should not!
Contrary to popular belief, it is quite safe to neuter older dogs as well, and it will still decrease the risk of the aforementioned health problems. In truth, despite the controversy sometimes surrounding the idea of neutering, it is a completely humane act. You are ensuring your dog a long, healthy life, you are not allowing the birth of new puppies that may not find homes, and you are not leaving your dog in torment – because your boy will end up getting frustrated, if he is not neutered but cannot mate.
Related posts:
Authors bio is coming up shortly. 
