Do i de-sex my puppy?

[LA62]

what are the pro's and cons of doing this

i feel cruel

i had a letter from my vet saying tobie was at the right age to do this and im not sure what to do

Any advice and opinions would be much appreciated

[Mamaduke]

Someone will correct me if I'm wrong...
but I've heard if your dog is not going to be used for breeding then de-sexing lessens the chance of cancer in future years...
Then there's the whole 'no chance of unwanted puppies' - and having an undesexed dog contributes to this problem, even if you're not the one left 'holiding the baby/s' so to speak.

[MissieK]

I think it is a good idea unless you want your puppy for breeding. We have 2 puppies and they are much better behaved since they were desexed.

Melissa

[meme]

yes. i think if you are not using your dog as a breeding animal they should be de-sexed. how much crueler is it that there are countless animals being euthanised because there are not enough homes for all of them. much better to stop unwanted animals being born and then killed.

[MrsMiggins]

Don't feel bad!

It's a simple operation and it does, as MD said, lessen their chances of cancer in later years.

Also, if your dog is a male, it can significantly decrease behavioural problems such as incessant barking, biting & chewing, general aggressive behaviour & trying to run away.

If you have doubts, speak to your vet, as they will be more than happy to go over the pros & cons with you, I'm sure!

[bigglet]

YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES

It is NOT a cruel thing to do and having worked in vet clinics and shelters I believe it is cruel(er) to have unwanted puppies and animals put down because homes cannot be found for them.

The benefits of desexing FAR FAR FAR outweighs any risks or disadvantages (which unless you want to breed are pretty much nil).

Here is a list:
Health

* Reduced risk of getting cancer or other diseases of the reproductive organs, such as testicular cancer, prostate cancer/disorders in males, and cystic ovaries, ovarian tumors, acute uterine infections and breast cancer in females, and also other diseases like mammary cancer, perianal tumors and perianal hamias.
* Females can suffer from physical and nutritional exhaustion if continually breeding.
* Pets generally live longer and healthier lives.

Behavioural

* Pets are less prone to wander, fight, and are less likely to get lost or injured.
* Reduces territorial behaviour such as spraying indoors.
* Less likely to suffer from anti-social behaviors. They become more affectionate and become better companions.
* Eliminates "heat" cycles in female cats and their efforts to get outside in search for a mate.
* Eliminates male dogs' urge to "mount" people's legs.

[Sarie]

Breeding puppies takes a lot of time and hard work, not just in raising them but finding them homes also. Dogs are able to get pregnant from 6 months of age, they should be desexed before this time, usually at around the 5 month mark.

[LA62]

thanks for your replies

i think i will het him done

we are ogg to sydney 2 see the rellos and they have the same dog whos about four months and a girl

would not like them to get upto any funny business and get grandpuppies!

hes already taken to humping soft toys

[Squiggles]

Yep - our female dog is de sexed and was as a pup. Our male German Shep was not allowed to be desexed as the breeder did not hand over full pedigree to us as she wanted to breed from him... well 4 years on and that hasn't happened and I feel cruel chopping his bits off now as it will have a greater effect on his personality and be a bit more ouch for him!!! Our vet def recommends it as early as they can... and especially in Males it reduces the risk of cancer.

[Seekrit]

thanks for your replies

i think i will het him done

we are ogg to sydney 2 see the rellos and they have the same dog whos about four months and a girl

would not like them to get upto any funny business and get grandpuppies!

hes already taken to humping soft toys

You're not cruel. The cruel people are the backyard breeders!

However, I will warn, the humping is a sign of dominance and might not be fixed when desexing My family poodle will still hump new dogs who enter the house, and he was desexed 14 years ago!!