Health benefits of neutering dogs
Ask The Vet Home > Dogs > Dog Care > Neutering
Yes Yes Yes! In case you haven't heard me - yes! There are alot of health benefits to neutering your dog. It reduces the chances of certain medical conditions your dog could get to nearly zero therefore it does help your dog live longer, healthier lives (all things being equal).
The main benefits of neutering in male dogs :
1. Eliminates prostate problems - the prostate gland enlarges as a dog ages when it's under the influence of testosterone. This can result in constipation and makes it very uncomfortable for the dog. The prostate gland can also get infected which would inevitably mean the dog has to be neutered anyway to treat it.
2. It reduces aggression in male dogs - not always true but usually if an aggressive entire male dog is presented at a veterinary clinic, the first thing the vet will recommend is neutering.
3. It reduces wandering behavior and does seem to also reduce sexual drive (humping is less likely)
4. Neutered dogs are less driven to urine mark everything in sight.
5. There are already too many unwanted dogs in pounds and shelters, don't assume that just because you have a male dog that you're not adding to the problem - it takes 2 to tango - you are just as at fault if your male dog isn't neutered and sets about making the neighborhood females pregnant.
The main benefits of neutering in female dogs :
1. Eliminates the possibility of uterine or ovarian cancer and also greatly reduces the incidence of breast cancer, especially if your dog is neutered before her first heat.
2. No chance of neighborhood male dogs fronting up at your doorstep when she does come into heat
3. No mess - female dogs will spot blood during their heat - this could last up to 3 weeks.
4. No false pregnancies or infection of the uterus (pyometra) which can be life threatening.
5. Reduced incidence of mammary, ovarian and uterine tumors
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My dog (5yo female neutered Blue Heeler mix) is outside during the day and inside at night. I've only had her for 6 months- I got her from a friend. During the past month, she started scratching at our carpets ruining them. She only scratches them around the walls never in middle of the floor. Why is she doing this and what can I do to get her to stop?
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