To neutralize a dog means the process of spaying for females and neutering for males to prevent them from reproducing.
In females, it involves removing the ovaries and uterus of the dog through surgical means known as ovariohysterectomy.
In males, it involves removing the testicles of the male dog through surgical means.
The process of neutering in male dogs is also popularly known as castrations.
These methods in male and female dogs are carried out by professional vets with high safety considerations.
Reasons For Neutering:
While some people might argue that neutering should not be done, instead other natural processes like selection should be encouraged.
However, neutering has many benefits to dogs and humans, especially when they are not kept for breeding purposes only.
It is best advised that dogs that are not of great breeding quality should be neutered.
Below are reasons why dogs are neutered.
1. Population Control:
Just as in humans, the pet population especially in dogs that have few predators in the human environment is on the increase.
Responsible pet ownership is one of the primary reasons why they are neutered to help control the population.
By preventing unwanted litter, pet owners can adequately cater to their pets.
There are millions of stray homeless dogs on the street and in shelters that could have been prevented if they had been neutered.
2. Health Benefits:
Unneutered dogs are susceptible to several health issues such as testicular cancer for aged male dogs, prostrate diseases such as hyperplasia (abnormal enlargement of tissue cells ), and prostatitis (infection and or inflammation of prostrate glands in males).
Females when not spayed, are susceptible to life-threatening issues such as pyometra which is an infection of the uterus usually associated with older female dogs.
They can also suffer from mammary glands tumor which is an abnormal lump in their glands when not spayed. this can either be benign or malignant.
These health issues are very discomforting for both the female and male dogs, in some extreme conditions they can lead to painful death both to the dog and owner.
This can be prevented when they are neutered by a vet.
3. Behavior Benefits:
Dogs exhibit some undesirable behaviors influenced by hormones that can either be reduced or completely altered when neutered.
In male dogs, aggressive behaviors and roaming4 can be altered by the removal of testorones.
Elevated testorones make them very territorial, which they mark and aggressively protect against other dogs including humans.
They exhibit aggressive displays such as barking, growling, biting and even crying when they are restrained by chains or cages.
During female mating season, aggressions from a high level of testosterone can lead to fights among other male dogs.
4. Cost Benefits:
Providing adequate veterinary care to dogs those not come cheap especially when they are plagued with severe health issues such as cancer that could have been avoided if they were neutred
Also, pet owners can easily take care of wanted litter while eliminating the expenses for unwanted puppies that might end up on the streets or in shelters.
According to American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Roughly 6.5 million animals enter shelters each year but only 3.2 million are adopted
Will it be Cruel to Neuter a Dog:
It is proper pet ownership to neuter a dog and this is done responsibly by Vertineray with proper care.
It is best advised to prevent severe issues rather than to cure and not neutering a dog can lead to several issues that have been discussed.
However, pet owners should consult with a veterinary doctor to determine what is best for individual dogs.
Considerations For Neutering:
Timing is a very significant factor in the neutering of both male and female dogs.
Young puppies should never be spayed or castrated.
Dogs should reach a minimum of 4-6 months as recommended by a veterinarian. doctor before they are considered for neutering.
Individual behavior should also be an important factor before neutering as there might be no need to spay some females or castrate some males.
However, pet owners should strongly consider their reasons for neutering if it bothers to prevent unwanted litters, behavior, or long-term health of their pets.
How Are Dogs Neutered:
Neutering in dogs is a surgical procedure carried out by a veterinarian.
In females, it involves removing the ovaries and uterus surgically while in males, it involves removing the testicles of the male.
Here is a guideline on how it is carried out by a veterinarian.
1. Preparation:
They are first properly observed, analyzed, and examined to know if they are healthy and aged enough for surgical processes.
A comprehensive test including a blood test can be carried out to examine their organs and systems.
After meeting this requirement, they are processed for surgery.
2. Anaesthesia:
They are given anesthesia using an intravenous injection or inhalation to ensure they are not conscious and to reduce or completely alter any pain.
anesthesia is continuously given at regular intervals to keep them unconscious and pain-free.
Anesthesia is administered by a veterinarian while paying proper attention to vital signs such as heartbeat, respiratory levels, blood pressure, and oxygen levels.
3. Surgery:
For males- The vet makes a small incision in the skin of the scrotum and removes each of the testicles through this incision.
The blood vessels and spermatic cords that connect to the testicles are tied off to prevent bleeding and for safe removal to ensure the incision area heals properly.
In Females, the process is more evasive compared to the male counterparts.
The incision made by the vet is on the sides of the abdomen to remove the ovaries and also in most cases the uterus.
Vessels are properly tied and cut to prevent any bleeding, after that the abdomen is closed with absorbable stitches.
4. Recovery And Monitoring:
After the successful removal of testicles, ovaries, and uterus in both the male and female dog, they are observed closely by the veterinarian as they recover from the surgical process.
5. Post-Operation Care:
Both the vet and pet owner will continually have to care for the pet as they adjust to their new realities slowly.
they might face some pains, difficulties and in some extreme cases anxieties and depression during their recovery phases.
Can A Dog Reproduce After Neutering:
A male neutered dog may still impregnate a female unneutered dog six weeks after neutering due to the presence of dormant sperms before neutering.
After losing its testicular sacks it will no longer be able to pregnant a female.
However, a neutered female dog will not be able to get pregnant if mated with an unneutered male dog.
Can A Dog Reproduce Asexually After Neutering:
Asexual reproduction involves an organism or animal producing offspring without needing fertilization from another organism or animal.
Asexual reproduction does not require mating like in mammals and other terrestrial animals.
However, dogs require mating to reproduce which is a sexual means of reproduction.