The Disadvantages of Neutering Male Dogs

Spaying or neutering a dog is the process of desexing the animal. A female is spayed while the male dog is neutered. Most often, veterinarians advise their clients to have pets spayed or neutered to reduce continual reproduction of unwanted pets. Furthermore, some health benefits exist, usually regarding cancer conditions in addition to some disadvantages in having the dogs altered.

  1. Obesity

    • Obesity is the main disadvantage to neutering a male dog. A dog that is desexed will require at least 25 percent fewer calories in order to maintain a healthy body weight. This is because the desexed dog has gone through hormonal changes and has a lower metabolic rate.

    Genetics and Reproduction

    • Genetics can play a factor in desexing your male dog. If the dog is a fine specimen of its breed and the last of its line, the dog will not be able to pass on its genetic bloodline, which can end its breeding lineage. A male dog that has good breeding characteristics such as good temperament and no genetic defects or diseases can no longer bring forth good quality pups.

    Immature Male Development

    • Loss of testosterone can result in immature development of masculine characteristics in your male dog. Testosterone is responsible for the development of the muscles, penis and other masculine features. Desexing the dog also results in a loss of drive to herd, hunt, guard and work.

    Delay of Growth Plate Closure

    • A delay in growth plate closure can occur due to early desexing of your male dog, normally before 12 months of age. The growth plate is the cartilage at the end of the dog's long bones that is responsible for making the bones grow and elongate during juvenile development. Desexing during the male dog's young development can stunt its normal growth.

    Cost

    • A final disadvantage is one that is unavoidable, the cost of the surgery. This is not seen as a disadvantage as much as some people may unfortunately not have the funds to do so. Others may be concerned about the anesthesia and how safe it is for a dog.