The immediate benefit of neutering a canine is that the dog will not be able to produce unwanted puppies and contribute to pet overpopulation. But there are also many other health and behavioral benefits to spaying or neutering a dog.
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Health of Male
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In "Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook" Debra M. Eldredge et al. state that male neutered dogs will not develop cancer of the sexual organs, will keep the prostate at a healthy size and will be less likely to develop anal sac tumors (perianal adenomas).
Health of Female
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Female dog neutering (also called spaying) reduces the risks of breast cancer and removes chances of ovarian cancer, uterine cancer or a potentially lethal infection of the uterus called pyometra (where the womb fills with pus).
Significance
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According to Mar Vista Animal Medical Center, since the dogs will not be driven to find a mate, neutered dogs are less likely to wander off or fight other dogs.
Behavior
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Mar Vista Medical Center also reports that half of all neutered male dogs stop marking their territories with urine. Mounting other dogs (male or female) is stopped in 7 of 10 male dogs.
Misconception
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Dogs will not get fat if they are neutered. They will get fat if they are overfed and not given enough exercise.
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