“I couldn't do that to him” and “But he's not aggressive!” and “It doesn't bother me”
I hear these three responses all the time when I ask people why they haven't spayed or neutered their dog, and to be honest, there's nothing that gets me more riled up.
I am a firm believer in research. Do research before you get a dog; research the breed, the health/temperament, the costs, the breeder, the veterinarian, the food, the treats and toys, the trainer, the groomer, the boarder/pet-sitter. Including the importance of spaying and neutering your dog. I'm also a firm believer in not allowing unaltered dogs in the city unless they are under a breeding contract. I know this sounds harsh, but I have seen too much to have a meek opinion on the topic.
Spaying and Neutering - surgical procedures performed by veterinarians to remove the reproductive organs, rendering the animal incapable of breeding.
There are so many benefits to altering your dog:
• Spayed females are less likely to develop breast cancer and will not be at risk for ovarian or uterine tumors
• All altered dogs will have decreased behavioural issues such as howling, barking, urine marking, humping, roaming, fighting
• Neutered male dogs will not get testicular cancer and they will have a decreased chance of developing prostate enlargement
• Neutered male dogs will have a lessened desire to roam, which decreases their risk for injury and transmission of infectious diseases
• Not contributing to pet overpopulation. Each year, millions of dogs are euthanized or end up in shelters simply due to a lack of good homes
When Is the Best Time to Spay or Neuter My Dog?
Puppies can be spayed or neutered as young as eight weeks of age. In an effort to avoid the start of urine marking in male dogs and eliminate the chance of pregnancy, it's advisable to schedule the surgery before your dog reaches six months of age. It's best to check with your veterinarian.
“I couldn't do that to him” My response? “Do what to him? Increase his life, ensure his health and safety? You're right. That's terrible. This is clearly about *your* ego.”
“But he's not aggressive” My response? “No dog is aggressive until they're aggressive. They're not born aggressive and you may not see the warning signs before it's too late. Also, it's not always the unfixed males that are aggressive - their unaltered state sends other dogs into a frenzy because they are threatened by his ability to procreate, and overwhelmed by the scent. So it's not always *your* unfixed male we're worried about - it's how *our* fixed males are going to react. Also, research the number of bites that are caused by unaltered dogs in comparison to altered dogs. You may be surprised.
“It doesn't bother me” My response? “That's nice. It bothers everyone else and it's unnecessary unless you are planning to breed your dog.”
Do your dog (and the rest of us) a favour: Spay and Neuter.
