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(Picture Credit: Getty Images) Neutering is a simple surgical procedure that sterilizes a male dog so he’s incapable of parenting puppies. “The big snip,” as some people call it, provides many benefits beyond making sure dogs don’t become puppy daddies. Neutering can cut the risk of certain diseases, unwanted behaviors, and conflicts with other dogs. The surgery is even simpler than a spay. A veterinarian puts the dog under anesthesia, makes an incision in front of the scrotum, cuts the stalks of the testicles, and then removes the testicles through the incision. The incision usually needs stitches, and the dog will likely need an Elizabethan collar — also known as the “cone of shame” — during recovery to prevent them from licking the area. After about two weeks, the incision fully heals, and the dog can go on living a normal, healthy life. As an alternative to “the cone of shame,” you may want to try this cloud collar for your healing pooch! There are many myths surrounding both neutering and spaying, and you should take time to learn the facts before you make a decision about the procedure. Here are a few things you should know about neutering your male dog. The Benefits Of Neutering Your DogOf course, the primary benefit of neutering your male dog is that he won’t sire any puppies and contribute to pet overpopulation. Hundreds of thousands of dogs are euthanized in shelters every year because of overpopulation, so neutering is extremely important. But that’s not the only benefit of neutering. Here are a few more reasons to neuter your dog:
When To Neuter Your Dog(Picture Credit: Getty Images) A male dog can be neutered any time after eight weeks of age. A few years ago, most veterinarians advised waiting until puberty hit at about six months, and some still make that recommendation. Talk to your vet about what’s best for your dog. In general, dogs neutered before they go into puberty grow a bit bigger than those neutered after puberty because testosterone is involved in bone growth; sometimes that growth is preferable and sometimes it’s not. Most dogs are sexually mature by the age of five or six months, which can seem like the blink of an eye. If your dog’s testicles don’t descend, you still need to have him neutered. Cryptorchidism is the term for this condition. Dogs who suffer from cryptorchidism tend to have more testicular tumors than other dogs. Therefore, it’s especially important for these dogs to undergo the neutering procedure. Dogs neutered at an adult age have a slightly higher risk for complications from the surgery, as do dogs who are overweight or in poor health. However, these can be managed by your vet, and the benefits from the procedure often outweigh the risks. Talk to your vet if these risks concern you. Preparing Your Dog For Surgery(Picture Credit: Getty Images) Your veterinarian will usually offer pre-surgical blood work to make sure your dog is healthy enough for surgery and doesn’t have any health conditions that would affect the choice of anesthesia. Typically, young and healthy dogs don’t have any issues, but it’s a good idea to have a baseline reference for future blood tests. Follow the directions your clinic gives, but generally speaking, your dog should not eat for at least eight hours before the surgery because the anesthesia may cause nausea. Drinking water beforehand is usually fine, but check with your vet. What To Expect Post-SurgeryThe neutering surgery is typically simple and straightforward. Your veterinarian will give you instructions for post-surgery care, and your dog will likely recover completely within a couple of weeks. Here are some things you can expect after your dog is neutered:
Things To Watch For After Surgery(Picture Credit: Jaromir Chalabala / EyeEm/Getty Images) Check with your vet if there’s a discharge from the incision or if your dog seems to be in excessive pain. It’s rare for a dog to need pain medication, but it’s not unheard of. If the dog keeps licking the stitches, use an Elizabethan collar to prevent this. Some dogs have trouble walking while wearing these, and they bonk into doorways and tables. Nonetheless, have the dog wear it even during sleep, because licking can prevent the incision from healing properly. Call your veterinarian if you see any unusual symptoms or changes that concern you. You may notice immediately after surgery that your dog isn’t his usual self. He may feel lethargic or have low energy. Give him some time to recover before you start to worry. The neutering procedure can make your dog calmer overall, but dogs — for the most part — tend to bounce back to their usual personalities after recovery. Some dogs are more affected than others, though, so talk to your vet if you’re concerned. Has your dog been neutered? What advice do you have for someone considering the procedure for their dog? Let us know in the comments below! What happens if you neuter a dog too early?Some veterinarians say that spaying and neutering too early will deprive your dog of the sex hormones necessary for their maturation. These hormones are responsible for skeletal growth. If the procedure occurs too early, it may take much longer for your dog's growth plates to close.
Do male dogs change after being neutered?Behavioral Changes in a Dog After Being Neutered
Removing the testicles removes the largest source of testosterone in the body. This results in a decrease in sexually driven behaviors in your dog: urine marking, escaping to seek female dogs, and aggression toward other male dogs.
What are the signs that a male dog needs to be neutered?"In general, a pet should be neutered as soon as he starts demonstrating naughty behaviors like being aggressive or dominant, marking territory, or trying to escape to find a mate," Nichols says.
How long does it take a male puppy to recover from being neutered?This calls for time, rest, and monitoring to ensure the body can complete the repair process, which generally takes about 10 to 14 days. Caring for your dog during this recovery period leaves you with an important job.
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