Spaying and neutering dogs have many known benefits. From reducing the risk of unwanted pregnancies to transmitting animal diseases to humans, performing those procedures is one-way pet owners can show their love to their dogs. This blog will investigate its impact on dogs’ behavior.
Humans love to be loved, and so do our beloved pets. Everyone deserves to be loved and cared for, including our four-legged family members. We can show our love to them in many ways, as Yvonne Bronstorph illustrated in her book Dogs with Attitude, highlighting the wonder of five dogs and their antics.
When days are tough, the warm welcome from our puppy can make a difference in our lives. They may be mere pets to other people, but to their owners, they are family members that should be cherished. One of the best ways to show how much we care for our pets is by caring for their health. We can do this by taking them to the vet for regular checkups, giving them vaccines, deworming them regularly, and spaying and neutering them.
The procedures are known to benefit dogs and their owners. They help protect them against certain diseases. Spayed and neutered dogs are also known to be better pets since they are more affectionate. They also roam less and are less territorial than dogs who did not undergo the procedure. In addition, they prevent unwanted pregnancies, which helps curb the number of homeless dogs. In some ways, this could help their masters save money.
If you have a pup or a dog, there are many good reasons to have it spayed or neutered. However, you must learn about the procedure and its impact on your pet. We understand that it could be a source of worry for you. Hence, we are writing this blog to offer some essential details about the changes that could happen regarding your dog’s attitude or behavior. Ready to learn? This blog is for you!
Photo by: Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦
Spaying and Neutering Dogs: Quick Facts
We understand that spaying or neutering your dog is one of your most important decisions. That is why you need to learn some facts about it. Before bringing your fur baby to the vet for surgery, ensure your dog has no underlying health issues. Also, there is a perfect timing for spaying or neutering your dog, which could vary depending on several factors, such as size, age, and breed.
Neutering can be applied to male and female dogs. When male dogs are neutered or castrated, their testicles are surgically removed. When a female dog is spayed, its uterus is removed through surgery. Both procedures prevent dogs from producing puppies.
How Spaying and Neutering Affect Dogs’ Behavior
Neutering dogs can indeed affect their behavior. However, it varies from one dog to another, so it is better to ask your vet about it. Still, common behavioral changes are being observed when dogs are spayed or neutered.
One of the most common changes observed in neutered dogs is decreased aggression. This is due to the decrease in their hormone production, particularly testosterone in males and estrogen in females. Note that neutering does not eliminate aggression in all dog breeds since some factors, such as genetics, come into play. Also, neutered dogs decrease the distance and their desire to roam.
Dogs release small amounts of urine in various places to identify their territory, attract mates, or show anxiety over a new environment. This is called urine marking. While marking is a natural behavior among dogs, it can become a nuisance when your dog starts marking indoors. When your dog is neutered, its marking behaviors decrease, which could suit pet owners.
Among the best things about neutering dogs is that it potentially increases their lifespan. However, it could also increase their size. Many dogs have exhibited obesity after sterilization. This is because their metabolism decreases after being neutered. While this could sound alarming, don’t worry that much; you can help control your dog’s weight by adjusting their diet.
You might also notice that your dog seems less active and interested in playing once you’ve neutered it. You can help by giving your dog an appropriate time and amount of physical activity and trying to introduce it to simple activities that will allow it to move. Neutered dogs are also known to decrease their sexual drive. Compared to those when they were not sterilized, they mount and hump less. This also has something to do with their hormones.
It is important to note that despite the behavioral changes among spayed or neutered dogs, other factors can also affect their behavior. Hence, you must regularly take them to the vet for a health check. If you plan to have them neutered soon, spend as much time as possible with your beloved furry pet, and everything will be fine.
Inspire others to love man’s best friend as much as you do by giving them a copy of Yvonne Bronstorph’s “Dogs with Attitude.” Keep one for yourself and have some for others. The book is now available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Learn more about Yvonne by visiting her website: https://www.yvonnebronstorph.com/order/.
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