Castration and sterilization in dogs

 

What is the difference between neutering and sterilizing in dogs?

In castration, the testes or ovaries are surgically removed, making a dog infertile. Often the word castration is used for males and sterilization for bitches, but this is not true. Sterilization means making an animal infertile. When a dog is sterilized, the seed or fallopian tubes are closed/ interrupted.

When neutering, the reproductive organs of a dog areremoved. Vear the male these are the testicles,  for a the fallopian tubes. For both a male and female, it is a relatively small procedure from which the animals recover quite quickly. However, when a veterinarian detects abnormalities in the uterus of a bitch, the veterinarian will also remove them. In this case, the operation is more invasive.

 

When can I castrate my male?

A male can be neutered from the age of 6 months. It is not recommendedto castrate a malebefore this age  because this can have negativeconsequences for, for example, the development of the skeleton, urinary tract, vulva or penis. There are different opinions about the right age for the castration of the bitch. You could therefore ask your vet for the best advice.

Pros and cons of castration in a male

 

Advantages of castration in the male:

  • Helps prevent chronic foreskin inflammation
  • Reduces aggression and dominance
  • Helps prevent enlargement of the prostate in older males
  • Reduces excessive sex drive

 

Disadvantages for neutering a male are:

  • A male can get fat faster
  • The coat structure can become stiffer and curler
  • Behavioural change
  • Every operation has a risk

 

If you are unsure whether a castration is the right option for your dog, it is best to consult with the veterinarian. There is a possibility to have your dog chemically neutering. Through this method you can see how your dog reacts to chemical castration. The effects of chemical castration are almost the same as actually neutering a dog, however, the effects of chemical castration are temporary.

Pros and cons of castrating a bitch

 

Advantages of castration in the bitch:

  • Your won't be loopy anymore
  • You prevent the chance of a nasty feint
  • Castration prevents unwanted offspring
  • Contributes to the prevention of uterine inflammation
  • Prevents the risk of malignant mammary gland tumors

 

Disadvantages for castration in a bitch are:

  • Risk of developing mild incontinence
  • Surgery and anaesthetic
  • A dominant bitch can get even brighter
  • The coat structure can become stiffer and curler