Neutering and spaying has become more common than ever before. In fact, in some areas pet owners are required to neuter and spay their dog unless they have a breeder̵7;s license. The practice of neutering is being encouraged to limit the number of animals that are conceived unintentionally, in the hopes that there will be fewer homeless pets that end up in pet shelters. While the practice has become common place, many owners are still worried about the disadvantages of neutering. Being able to weigh your options will help you come to the best possible solution for your pet.
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Risk
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While neutering has become commonplace, you should know that there is a small level of risk involved with any surgery. For example, your dog may not react well to anesthesia. The vast majority of animals come through the process just fine, but if you are worried about the risks you should speak to your veterinarian before the procedure to see what options you may have.
Inability to Breed
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Many people believe that the inability to breed is a disadvantage of neutering. The neutering process is irreversible, so once you go through with it the dog will never be able to procreate. While most people know whether they intend to breed when they purchase their dog, some people change their mind later. If you have already gone through with the neutering process, you cannot change your mind.
Change in Personality
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Many pet owners find that their pet's personality has changed after they have neutered it. Pet owners often report that their pet is not as wild or as active as they used to be. In many cases this is a temporary change that is caused by the slight amount of discomfort that the dog experiences after the operation. Once the site has healed, most dogs return to their friendly and energetic selves. Keep in mind that many vets will tell you that a change in personality is not caused by neutering a dog and that this is a myth.
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