Castration of Dogs, Males and Females
What is it?
Castration is the surgical procedure aimed at removing the animal’s reproductive organs, specifically the testicles in males. However, in females, only the ovaries can be removed, or both the ovaries and the fallopian tubes, and uterus.
Castration is a straightforward and routine surgery for veterinarians, and it is virtually free of complications.
Benefits for Males
Regarding a dog’s behavior, removing the testicles, which are the source of male hormones, reduces testosterone levels, preventing issues like territorial, sexual, and aggressive behavior in dogs. Additionally, castration can reduce urine marking by up to 50%, especially if done preventively before the first symptoms appear. Castration also prevents escaping and roaming (the dog’s movement in search of females), reducing the risk of getting lost.
In terms of a dog’s health, the absence of testicles eliminates the risk of testicular cancer. Furthermore, adult males have a significantly reduced risk of prostate cancer, especially if castration is performed before six months of age.
Benefits in females:
In the case of females, by eliminating heat cycles, aggressive and territorial behaviors that typically occur in the middle of the interval between heats are also reduced. Furthermore, it prevents psychological-hormonal disorders, such as adopting an object and treating it as if it were their offspring, milk secretion, or false pregnancies.
Regarding the physical health of the female dog, it reduces vaginal infections and irritations, as well as the risk of breast and uterine cancer.
Benefits for both:
The most common unwanted effect after neutering is weight gain and a higher likelihood of obesity, as the sex hormones responsible for regulating hunger and metabolism are not released, and energy levels decrease.
In neither case does it hinder the capacity for learning; on the contrary, neutered dogs have a greater potential for learning because they are more balanced without hormonal influence. Furthermore, it does not affect their physical capacity.
Benefits for both:
The most common unwanted effect after neutering is weight gain and a higher likelihood of obesity, as the sex hormones responsible for regulating hunger and metabolism are not released, and energy levels decrease. Moreover, changes in the quality of the coat and urinary incontinence may occur after neutering.
You can also watch our video on the CyP Mascotas YouTube channel.
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