Neuter your dog – yes or no? This is a question that all dog owners ask themselves. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a male or a female.
After all, it is for an operational usewhich carries its own risks.
In the following guide you will find out what advantages and disadvantages castration can have for a dog or bitch.
Dogs castrate yes or no – that says the Animal Welfare Act
The Animal Welfare Act has a clear position on the castration of dogs. Loud § 6 paragraph 1 sentence 1 TierSchG ist this namely strictly NOT allowed.
The reason: This is about the amputation of organs as well as the tissue destruction. And according to TierSchG, this is not permitted under any circumstances.
There is one though restriction. A castration or a sterilization is then allowed if the veterinarian deems it necessary and so, among other things, uncontrolled reproduction is to be prevented.
Good to know:
These exceptions are also recorded in the TierSchG, namely under § 6 paragraph 1 sentence 2. By the way, the health reasons can include the Prevention of cancer diseases to count.
Disadvantages of castration in dogs
A castration is a surgical procedure – so far, so well known. And of course there is always the risk that something can go wrong.
In addition to the operation, there is also the following disadvantagesthat castration of a dog or bitch can entail.
incontinence
Under the uncontrollable urination Suffer especially bitches after castration.
Bleeding/blood clotting disorders
This postoperative bleeding step above all immediately after the operation up and concern this time in primarily the malesin whose now empty scrotum this bleeding can collect.
infection risk
Not only the surgery itself can be risky. Also the subsequent wound healing to the procedure can have undesirable side effects.
Because it is a wound that in the following days dem at risk of infection is.
Benefits of castration
In general, castration of male and female dogs is recommended – for various reasons, which we have already briefly touched upon. In the following we explain the individual advantages in more detail.
Health
A castration will be above all out of because of health recommended. And that goes for both dogs and bitches.
In fact, one Non-neutering is not without risk in the long term for our fur noses. This has mainly to do with the heat of bitches.
Did you know that male dogs can also develop diseases here? The prostate is mainly affected.
The reason: through the heatwhich can be sniffed over kilometers, the males get stressed.
This in turn can negative for the prostate affect and here, among other things cancers to lead.
Bitches, on the other hand, have a significantly higher risk of breast cancer respectively Cancer of the milk bar to get sick if they are not spayed.
Also should not be underestimated uterine inflammation. This occurs primarily during heat.
If there is such a thing, castration is the norm the only effective treatment.
When can I neuter my dog?
A castration of the dog or the bitch can at the earliest when sexual maturity is reached take place.
This procedure makes no sense beforehand, since the hormones have not been formed and the development of the sexual organs has not been completed.
The following rule applies to bitches: Castration takes place usually after completing the third heat.
This occurs about every 6 months. A bitch usually has the first heat between the 6th and 12th month of life.
Good to know:
Did you know that instead of castration you can also have a so-called chemical castration can have it done?
This is one microchip/Hormone chip that is inserted into the dog’s neck. This one contains that hormone deslorelinwhich slows down the formation of testosterone, among other things.
So this castration works like a contraceptive, and renders the dog infertile for a period of time.
Good to know:
Contraceptives also contain a some health risk and therefore represent an alternative whose use should be well thought out.
Does castration bring about a personality change?
Yes, castration can a change of character entail. There’s «neuter before and neuter after» for the dog, if you will.
Usually they will castrated dogs and bitches significantly calmer after the procedure. And for a good reason. Because the sex hormones are no longer formed.
Ergo, the heat of the bitches is also eliminated as well as that associated courtship behavior of the maleswhich in some cases can be expressed aggressively.
Good to know:
Actually can the exact opposite occurs in bitches – namely increased aggression. This is triggered by an exaggerated protective instinct.
Another side effect of castration: both males and females may tend to gain weight.
Again they are hormones or their non-existence guilt – as well as a reduced need to romp and romp around all day.
Last but not least, castration can affect this Fur of the four-legged friend impact – and not always and necessarily in a positive way.
What are the costs of castration?
The Costswhich are incurred for a castration, can vary in height. The sex of the dog is particularly important here.
So that counts as a castration in a male is significantly lower than in a bitch.
Castration costs for a male dog about 100 €, but in some cases it can be higher. For bitches should between €300 and €400 be scheduled.
Good to know:
While with the dog only the testicles removed become, it is the Removal of ovaries and uterus a more complicated procedure.
This requires opening the abdominal wall, so it is also more risky.
What experiences have other dog owners had with castration?
castration or not? You may still be asking yourself this question. So it can be helpful if you some experiences of other dog owners get to hand.
«(…) I must confess that until Rex came to us, I questioned the castration. (…) I have become more skeptical about castration. I’m neither an «opponent» nor a «proponent» as I think it ultimately depends on the situation. We will only have Rex neutered if there is a good reason for it.”
“I have had three male dogs so far and all three were neutered.
(…)
Per:
- No more excessive drive
Cons:
(…)
- Aged victim of bullying by bitches
- Worse musculature”
«I had my male dog (…) neutered. He was/is considered hypersexual. It was all stressful for him. He didn’t sleep for nights, what, what didn’t resist at three, was tried to cover (it didn’t really matter what it was), he once chased a hot bitch for almost 8 km. (…) I first had him chemically castrated (unfortunately it didn’t help at all) (…).
Conclusion
One castration of dog or bitch makes sense in most cases – and is probably not seriously excluded by any dog owner (but of course we know that not every dog owner wants to do this or has it done).
A castration has both advantages and disadvantages – whereby a reduced risk of cancer is probably one of the most important advantages in favor of spaying, since it can be prevented in the long term.
How do you feel about castration? Have you already had this done? Or do you feel uneasy at the thought of it for various reasons? Feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comments.