Neutering Male Dogs
There are many reasons for neutering male dogs at a specialized veterinary clinic. In Squamish, our Garibaldi Veterinary Hospital can care for your pet and neutering needs. Neutering (castrating) surgery can be done at our clinic. The cost varies depending on the age and vaccine status of your pet. Please contact our Veterinarian to discuss a treatment plan and the neutering/castrating procedure in detail. We are also available by phone at 604-898-9089 to schedule this appointment.
The reasons for neutering (castrating) male dogs is not just to control the population. There are medical and behavioral reasons as well.
Un-neutered male dogs tend to urine mark their territory on reaching sexual maturity. This can occur anywhere, even in your house and obviously is an undesirable trait. Un-neutered male dogs tend to be much more aggressive, particularly with other male dogs. This can result in fights and severe injuries. Un-neutered male dogs tend to “roam” in search of female dogs; this exposes them to diseases, parasites and injuries such as being struck by a car.
Un-neutered male dogs are much more prone to a number of medical problems as well. They are more prone to perineal hernia (a severe condition that must be corrected by surgery) and a number of glandular disorders including disease of the prostate gland, which can be extremely malignant. 90% of un-neutered male dogs develop disease of the prostate gland.
The licensing of neutered male dogs is made less costly to encourage neutering. For the above reasons the neutering of male dogs at 6-7 months of age must be considered routine except in those rare cases where the dog is intended for breeding purposes.
In summary, neutering dogs before they reach sexual maturity reduces the incidence of deadly diseases and reduces the risk of several unwanted behaviors. It also prevents the birth of homeless puppies. Anyone wanting to witness the miracle of birth should rent a video. Visit the local District Pound and see the numerous homeless dogs before you contemplate letting your dog breed. Allowing your dog to breed is irresponsible unless you are a professional breeder. Otherwise you are just contributing to the population of homeless puppies and putting your pet at risk for serious disease. Even if you manage to find homes for all the puppies, they are just taking potential homes of dogs already borne and at the Municipal Pound awaiting adoption.
