Neutering – cure-all or unnecessary surgical procedure?

In the classifieds under the animal market, dogs are offered in large numbers. Mixed breeds, pedigree dogs, designer dogs and much more crowd together here in search of a human family. Rarely reputable, and unfortunately the reality often looks like this. Ill-considered purchases, a lack of dog-friendly flats as well as separation and divorce lead to the sweet puppy ending up back on the market or in the shelter after just a few months. Let us now take a closer look at the topic of neutering.

The shelters are overflowing, and new dogs arrive from overseas animal welfare

No wonder, then, that the demand keeps being raised for general neutering of all dogs that are not explicitly used for breeding, in order to stop the flood of unwanted puppies. But neutering is not only a means of birth control; it is at the same time a surgical procedure. We shed light on the topic with its positive and negative aspects for your animal.

The difference between sterilisation and neutering

First of all, it holds that neutering and sterilisation are two different routes, even if in everyday speech they are often used similarly. Sterilisation means an interruption of the ability to reproduce and has no influence on the hormonal status, whereas neutering means removal of the gonads. As a result, along with the ovaries or the testicles the animal loses a major site of hormone production, which can also lead to changes in behaviour.

In males there is the option either merely to sever the sperm ducts or to remove the testicles completely. In the first case, the hormonal status of an intact male is retained. The dog remains interested in bitches in heat and tries to mate. Similar to a vasectomy, sexual behaviour and personality remain unaffected by the procedure. Only the ability to reproduce is impaired. Since the surgical procedure is normally not solely about preventing offspring, in practice neutering is usually carried out directly.

In the case of neutering, the absence of the testicles also means that significantly fewer male hormones are produced. The male loses interest in reproduction, which is why other males are perceived less as rivals. Territorial behaviour and dominance conduct also often diminish, since the alpha position in the pack is always linked to the ability to reproduce as well. Only the alpha male is allowed to reproduce. Whoever is not allowed to or cannot often takes a lower and thus more peaceful position in the pack.

In bitches, too, the oviduct can simply be severed to sterilise them. However, the female then continues to come into heat, and the likelihood of phantom pregnancies rises sharply. In addition, nature reverses the procedure in many cases within a few years. The operation already carried out then has to be repeated, because the severed oviducts have grown back together. That is why here too neutering is normally advised, in which the ovaries are completely removed. Depending on the form, either the uterus is removed as well or it remains in the body. Which form is more suitable for a bitch has to be decided individually by a veterinary practice according to medical aspects.

Advantages of the procedure

In addition to the obvious advantage that neutered dogs cannot bring unwanted offspring into the world, the procedure also offers other benefits. As already noted, the lower hormonal status in males can lead to them becoming more peaceful, more compatible and calmer. Nevertheless, neutering is in no case an alternative to careful and responsible upbringing. In bitches, early neutering before or directly after the first heat lowers the risk of tumours on the mammary glands. Uterine cancer and other types of cancer affecting the sexual characteristics can also be largely reduced this way.

Disadvantages of neutering

The main argument is the fact that neutering is still a surgical procedure that, among other things, requires anaesthesia and thus also carries health risks for the animal. Here, Section 6 of the Animal Welfare Act should be mentioned, in which unnecessary surgical procedures are expressly prohibited. The necessity should therefore always be carefully weighed up with all the advantages and disadvantages.

The changes in behaviour can likewise certainly be judged negatively as well. Instead of speaking of the dog becoming calmer, concerns are raised that it could become sluggish, lazy or apathetic. Particularly with working and sporting dogs this is often undesirable. The excess weight that often occurs after neutering and the danger that female animals suffer increasingly from incontinence after the procedure are also frequently cited. A further argument is the impossibility of reversing the procedure. Once neutered, the state remains permanent. For temporary birth control, neutering is therefore never suitable.

Neutering too early is advised against, as the hormones from the sexual glands have a great influence on the development and the personality of the dog. Therefore, neutering should always wait until the dog is fully grown. Depending on the breed, this is at the earliest after 1.5 years, but with larger breeds often only from the third year of life.

Alternatives to permanent neutering

In fact, neutering is by no means the only way to make a dog infertile. Sterilisation has already been mentioned, even if it is rarely used, especially in bitches. In males, a so-called neutering chip is increasingly being placed. This is implanted under the skin and, depending on weight, releases deslorelin constantly over 6 to 12 months, thereby achieving temporary infertility. This is also referred to as chemical neutering. For males that temporarily have no use in breeding, the reversible neutering chip is a good choice. And owners who have concerns regarding the changes in behaviour also like to use it as a trial run.

In bitches you can alternatively choose between a hormone injection or the contraceptive pill. Both options, however, carry a great health risk for the bitch. The danger of developing a pyometra or tumours is significantly increased. A chemical procedure is often not a good solution, as possible side effects are in no healthy proportion to the actual effect.

A special case: animal welfare

A special case as far as neutering is concerned is overseas animal welfare. To avoid the uncontrolled reproduction, especially of street animals, mass neutering is often resorted to here. This is safeguarded by Section 6, paragraph 5 of the Animal Welfare Act as prevention of uncontrolled reproduction and is certainly sensible. For if animals are born on the street without contact with humans, they are also not socialised to humans. Problems in later keeping within a family are likely, and the street-dog problem is further aggravated. Birth control on the street is therefore indispensable.

The myth of the one-off litter

Many dog owners argue that they want to let their dog have young just once before it is neutered. In bitches it is often claimed that this is meant to reduce the risk of phantom pregnancies. Both arguments, however, lack a professional foundation. There is no scientific evidence whatsoever for the correctness of this claim, on the contrary. Studies have shown that the likelihood of phantom pregnancies in bitches is lowest when they are neutered directly after the first heat.

Male owners who want to let their male mate just once sometimes experience a rude awakening. For through the act of mating the dog's role in the pack changes. Whoever is allowed to reproduce often takes a higher position. That is why it often happens that males suddenly display dominant behaviour after mating, show unexpected aggression and defend their new position against the weaker members of the pack. This often changes rather little even after neutering. Only consistent training is effective here. However, the behaviour cannot be generalised and is often breed-related as well.

Weighing up and taking responsibility

Whether or not neutering should be carried out has to be weighed up individually by every dog owner. Health aspects should play just as big a role in the decision as moral considerations. Always bear in mind how many dogs in Germany alone are looking for a family before you succumb to the temptation of a litter from your own dog.

This article serves as general information and does not replace a visit to the veterinary practice you trust.