Myths about Dog Neutering

The tradition of spaying and neutering pets exists because it keeps them healthier and reduces the risk of unwanted reproduction. Some also claim that behavioral problems can be solved through neutering. Others just do it because it’s the “normal” thing to do when you get a new pet. Still, there are people that are staunchly against the surgery, and they choose to keep their pets intact. Many choose to do so for reasons like breeding, but others choose not to because they believe some of the lies that have been told about the surgery and about the behaviors afterwards. Here are just some of the myths, and the truth behind them.

Myth: Once my dog is neutered, he won’t be able to protect me.

Many think that once a dog is neutered, he won’t be “manly” anymore. However, it takes more than a simple body part to make any animal behave in a certain way, especially something as broad as “manly.”

Truth: Dogs, unlike humans, don’t have any attachment to body parts and the way they act. What is being tampered with is the instinct to mate, which is also what causes problems like behavior, aggression, and ruining cushions, chairs, or anything that sits still long enough. It is negotiable if an intact dog and a neutered dog have differences in aggression levels, as it often comes down to training. In many cases, neutering will help with those levels, potentially saving the relationship between pet and owner.

Myth: It’s healthier for my dog to be bred once before spaying or neutering.

For some reason, people often claim that it is better to breed the dog before neutering due to the hormones in the body.

Truth: Siring a litter does absolutely nothing for the dog. In many cases, the dog has no idea that he is a dog. Instead, you could be left with a litter of puppies that you don’t know what to do with. The only time limit to neutering your pup is that he needs to be at least three months of age.

Myth: My dog will hate me.

Truth: This harkens back to the first myth, but your dog will not hate you for neutering him. In time, he won’t remember it at all. It is similar to getting a circumcision – most men don’t remember the procedure, unless they had it at a later age.

Myth: I’m going to use my dog to make some extra spending money.

That it wouldn’t be a lot of work and pulls in a great deal of money.

Truth: The sheer amount of paperwork, vet visits, and equipment needed by breeders is enough to break the bank before you even make money. You need to have a certificate, vaccines, and facilities. And that’s just for one dog. Once you have a whole litter, you need to pay for a bunch of their early medical needs. If you don’t go through that, people may not even buy a dog from you because they fear disease or early death. Then, you are stuck with a bunch of puppies to feed and take care of – or worse, you give them to a shelter where they may have to be put down.

Myth: It’s too expensive to neuter my pup.

Truth: There is a truth to this. Getting your dog neutered can be fairly expensive as it does require the dog to be put under and can require some prescriptions. HOWEVER there are many different organizations that will help you with the cost, or even do the procedure for free.

Getting your dog neutered is the best way to ensure lives will be saved, and shelters won’t be crowded. Be cautious but confident that you and your dog will continue to have a loving, healthy relationship.