Why do we encourage neuter and spay procedure? Why not let our furry friends stay intact? There are so many schools of thought on performing these procedures. Overthe years I have heard many logical and many illogical reasons for people not to spay or neuter their pets. Since I graduated in 1988 the theories have changed numerous times. I feel that our pets are more bonded with the family If they are spayed and neutered. We have fewer marking issues associated with the circulating hormones that trigger behavior problems that many pet owners are annoyed by. For instance, when female dogs come into season during certain times of the year, the intact males sense those pheromones and wander off in search of those females. This creates challenges for owners to keep their male dog’s home. It also puts dogs in harm’s way because they are focused on the instincts of breeding and not looking both ways before crossing a busy road. During the breeding season there are several intact dogs that go missing
because they are acting on their instincts.
Intact dogs have a strong desire to protect the environment around them. This can lead to behavior concerns that stem from circulating hormones. Some dogs will become aggressive and difficult to manage in their homes. Intact dogs require more exercise to help deal with excess hormonal influences. Many hunters like to keep their dogs intact because they feel it gives them more drive when hunting. Many men have difficulty neutering their male dogs because of humanizing their dogs. When having conversations with women in the home about neutering or spaying, it often seems to be the man’s decision not to do the procedures. The women are frustrated but feel they cannot contradict their partner. It is important to have discussions about spay and neuter procedures before you even get your dog so you can work through these challenges before the dog comes into your home.
Meet our case of the month. This is Moose. He is a 10-year-old Labrador Retriever who presented for his annual exam. During the exam the testicle size was noted to be different. The owner was unaware of the changes. The left testicle was enlarged causing the right testicle to atrophy (get smaller).
We shared our findings with our client, and they elected to have a neuter done to remove the tumor as soon as possible. Once the tumor is removed it can no longer create issues for the dog. Both testicles were removed at the time of the surgery. The owner declined to send the testicle off for pathology due to extra cost. In the photo you see the size of the noncancerous testicle being much smaller than the one that had the tumor in it.
If you have an older intact male dog, please be aware that tumors can develop in the testicles. Make a habit of noting the size of the testicles so if they change you can have surgery done as soon as possible. Your veterinarian only gets to see your dog once a year and tumors can get quite large in that time. If you know you are not going to breed your male dog, then have them neutered. This will allow them to more easily bond with the family. They will no longer be so worldly and distracted by all scents and sights. If you are frustrated that they mark certain times during the year it is probably related to when the females come into season and they are triggered by those airborne pheromones circulating. If they seem less interested in food or will not eat at certain times during the year, that can be related to their hormones and frustration that they cannot act on their breeding instincts.
Most people are not prepared to deal with the behaviors associated with intact male and female dogs. We have done such a good job of encouraging spay/neuter procedures to avoid these unwanted health issues and behaviors. I feel our profession is doing a disservice by encouraging pet owners to postpone or avoid doing them all together. We are headed for many more health issues and behavioral problems if we continue to promote these trends. People in general are looking to do all natural diets, treatments,
training, etc. That can have some concerning trends when it comes to the nature of animals and their instincts. I am seeing more aggressive dogs whose owners have no ability to control them in unfamiliar situations. Often, they are shocked by the behaviors they see. We have more dog bites of humans and other dogs because dogs have become more entitled and have not been trained to respect humans. There is not one correct solution for some of these issues but starting with early spay/neuter procedures
before negative behaviors begin should be considered. Also new puppy owners need to invest in training their puppies from the very beginning. The cost of puppies has increased significantly in the last few years. People pay so much money for the dog they do not have money left for training and veterinary care. This does not start them off on a good track record. In a perfect world all puppies should come with puppy classes that are prepaid and if owners do not attend the classes the puppy would be returned to the breeder. It is important and should have as high a standard as a spay/neuter contract.
Moose recovered extremely well from his neuter procedure and is back to being his happy go lucky self. He has not missed those hormones and certainly is less distracted by pheromones now that he is neutered. He will now enjoy his senior years!
Why not help our society reduce unwanted behaviors and litters by doing your part?
Spay and neuter your pets. You will not be disappointed.
