While most animal protection organizations have successfully encouraged dog neutering in the United States, there are in the United States openly support dog neutering, it is, with some exception, illegal to subject dogs to neutering, in Norway. And though it is true that this practice has helped in the reduction of over population of dogs, it still stirs the public, with proponent and opponents seeing it from different perspectives.
Dog neutering is defined as surgically removing the testicles of a male dog to prevent it from breeding. Advocates of the procedure say that this is the most ethical way to prevent over population of pets while critics are against this because of the potential serious consequences the procedure entails. It is best to learn about the pros and cons surrounding this issue for reference.
List of Pros of Dog Neutering
1. It offers significant health benefits to dogs.
Neutering is said to prevent dogs from acquiring testicular cancer since the procedure is done to remove the testes, thus eliminating the chances of the dog suffering from a life-threatening condition. Moreover, the process will spare the animal from having enlarged prostate as he ages.
2. It will keep the pet from misbehaving.
Without the testes, the level of testosterone, which is a hormone that can affect the animal’s behavior, is reduced. Due to this, dogs that have been neutered are more likely not to misbehave as opposed to pets that have not undergone this procedure have the tendency to be more aggressive.
3. It helps dog owners take care of their pets.
One of the advantages of having a pet dog neutered prevents him from breeding. There are dog owners who are not capable to take care of several dogs. With this procedure, a pet owner will be able to keep up with the responsibilities of having a pet. In the long run, this will also be beneficial to the dog.
List of Cons of Dog Neutering
1. It can cause obesity.
Since neutering reduces the amount of testosterone, the hormonal changes can put the pet at risk for obesity. Overweight can lead to medical conditions such as arthritis, joint disease, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
2. It is a major surgery and can be risky.
Opponents are expressing concerns on the risks on dogs undergoing major surgeries since it requires the use of anesthetics. They do not want to discount the fact that complications may result from these surgeries.
3. It increases the risks of medical conditions like hemangiosarcoma and hypothyroidism.
Hemangiosarcoma is a fatal type of cancer that can affect the spleen and the heart. With dog neutering, there will be reduction in hormones which help protect from this cancer type. Also, the procedure also affects the endocrine system that can result to a fall in thyroid levels.
Conclusion
Dog neutering might be a surgical procedure that aims to control the population of dogs, a social issue with good intentions but there are also risks to consider. Pet owners should take these factors into consideration and consult a veterinarian on the right age a dog can undergo this procedure, in case he or she chooses to have a pet neutered.