Arguments Against Spaying & Neutering

In a 2009 article, The Humane Society of the United States estimated that 6 to 8 million homeless animals enter shelters every year. Spaying or neutering your pet is the best way to bring these numbers down. Still, many pet owners harbor concerns about the effects spaying or neutering will have on their pets. Some of what pet owners fear is myth-based, and some of it has merit.

  1. Obesity

    • It is true that a spayed or neutered pet is more likely to put on weight, according to Yourpurebredpuppy.com, because the surgery alters the pet's metabolism and hormonal make-up. The answer is to feed the animal less food, because it is not metabolizing calories as quickly as before the procedure. In addition, the pet owner must make sure the pet is getting adequate physical exercise.

    Risks

    • Those who are not in favor of sterilizing their pets worry about the risks of the procedure, and there are some. The animal has to go under general anesthesia, which can be dangerous, just as it is for humans when they have surgery. However, according to Vetinfo.com, a study done in Canada revealed that the risk of death in dogs when given anesthesia is approximately one in 900.

    Personality Change

    • A fear that the procedure will change the pet's behavior and personality is another reason pet owners do not have their animals "altered." However, the personalities of neutered male and female pets usually change for the better, not worse. The pet beomes less aggressive, more affectionate and family-oriented.

    Lack of Testicles

    • According to Dogsey.com, it bothers some owners that their pet no longer has testicles. There are testicular implants available, which can solve this problem.

    Contra-indicated

    • Another argument against castration concerns dogs that are showing fear-based aggression. If castration is performed on this dog, the reduction of testosterone levels can aggravate the problem. If a female dog engages in aggressive, dominant behavior, spaying her may not be the answer, because it can make her behavior worse due to the loss of estrogen.

    Urinary Problems

    • It is true that spayed female dogs may develop urinary incontinence. Urine will trickle out of them when they are sleeping or in a relaxed state. This can be treated with medication.

    Change in Coat

    • Another argument against neutering is the negative impact it has on the texture and growth of the animal's coat. This may or may not occur.

    Mating

    • Some pet owners argue that male animals need to mate and will behave better as a result. The reverse may be true. Once the dog has mated, he can become even more interested in this behavior, be less likely to obey and become uncontrollable