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In this day and age, when shelters are over flowing with unwanted puppies and dogs, it's very important to consider spaying or neutering.

As with any sort of surgery, it's wise to prepare yourself, to know what you can expect of the procedure, and it's effects on your dog. There are benefits, and risks to your pet.

Neutering has very few risks when you consider the benefits of having an animal, who will not bring unwanted litters into the world, or exhibit aggressive or territorial behaviours.

Dogs that have other health issues, that might complicate as a result of anaethesia, should not be neutered. A veterninarian will advise you, as to whether the surgery is of risk to your animal. Although rare, complications of routine neutering can include hemorrhaging, scrotal bruising or swelling, or the possibility of infection at the incision site.

Care must also be taken by the veterinary staff to support the dogs legs, during the procedure. If the dog is left spread eagle without support, the resulting stess can pain a dog's hips for some time after the surgery, if not hurt them permanently. Dog breeds prone to hip dysplasia should be supported.

If one intends to breed their dog, clearly neutering is not an option. An orchidectomy, or the surgical removal of a dog's testicals, commonly known as neutering, would preclude the ability to breed. Only purebred animials should be bred, or those, who have been able to find homes for the young before hand.

Risks are minimal, and rare, but should be considered. The positives far outweigh the risk however. Neutering will help to ensure, that your male dog, doesn't roam in search of females, and contribute to the overpopulation of unwanted animals.

Additionally, this surgery eliminates testicular tumours, that are the second most common in male dogs. Neutering also prevents a disorder of the prostrate gland, called benign prostatic hyperplasia. Prostate enlargement and infection are also avoided with this operation.

The procedure will also help protect against frostbite in this sensitive area.

Removing the source of testosterone, will help to avoid a great many problems, the benefits, far outweighing the risks. If you have any questions or concerns, your veterinarian, should be able to advise, if this operation is the one for your pet.

Learn more about this author, Elizabeth Clark.
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