Importance of Castration and Spaying
Doggy Day Care at the Willows
At Doggy Daycare at the Willows, we believe strongly in the importance of castration and spaying. There can be various benefits to the dog in terms of their behaviour, health, lifespan, and for the wider world. As thousands of dogs are placed into rescue centres every year, neutering can reduce overpopulation and prevent dogs from being put down.
Different types of dog neutering
First, let’s explain the terminology and differences:
- Castration – removal of the testicles from a male dog, which stops the reproductive hormones.
- Spaying – usually, this is the removal of the ovaries and womb from a female dog, which stops reproduction.
- Neutering – this is a general term that encompasses both of the above procedures.
Whether your dog is castrated or spayed, this is a standard procedure carried out under general anaesthetic. Many people worry about the physical effect of neutering. Your dog should recover quickly, usually within 5-10 days, and while your dog is recovering, keep them in a quiet area to encourage healing. Your vet will tell you when your dog is at the right age for neutering. Remember, there are benefits for your beloved pet including their health.
Why is castration important in male dogs?
Studies have shown that castrated dogs usually have a longer lifespan up to 13.8%. Castration also prevents the risk of testicular and prostate cancer. There has been research to show that it can reduce a male dog’s risk of catching certain infectious and vascular diseases.
Behaviour-wise, castration reduces the need for a male dog to ‘mark’ their territory with urine. It can decrease the male dog’s need to roam and go missing, and they are also less likely to mount other dogs. For some dogs, castration might help to reduce aggression.
What are the benefits of spaying a female dog?
For female dogs, spaying has also been shown to lengthen lifespan. It stops them from coming into season, which can attract unwanted attention from male dogs. Spaying also prevents the risk of uterine cancer and infections, as well as ovarian cysts and hormonal-related diseases.
Spaying has also been used as an aide for the treatment of diabetes in dogs. Female dogs have a much higher risk of developing diabetes. When female dogs come into heat, their insulin levels will fluctuate, so spaying helps to manage this condition.
To conclude, neutering is important, so talk to your vet about whether your dog is suitable. And unless you are intent on breeding your pet, one of the biggest benefits of neutering is the avoidance of unexpected, costly vet bills! It’s worth remembering there are always risks associated with pregnancy in dogs for not only the mother, but for her pups too.
At Doggy Daycare at the Willows, we always recommend neutering or spaying your dog, wherever possible. We can recommend suitable vets to carry out neutering, so please contact us if you need recommendations.
Find out about our doggy day care service – get in touch for a chat with our friendly team.
Thank you for reading our latest blog, Importance of Castration and Spaying.
Sources:
Reasons for and Behavioral Consequences of Male Dog Castration
https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/general/neutering
https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/health-info/managing-canine-diabetes
https://www.petmd.com/dog/behavior/dogs-neutering-affect-behavior