Anonymous said to handsomedogs: What do you think about neutering of dogs? Is neutered dogs really live longer and they become less aggressive? Is there any age limits for dogs? Can dog get any diseases because of neutering?
Altering a dog too early can cause urinary incontinence, stunted growth, and delayed maturity. It is also speculated that it can cause bone cancer, thyroid problems, and decreased muscle definition. It is recommended to wait until a dog is fully matured before altering them, which varies with breed/size, but for large dogs it isn’t until 18 months old.
Neutering only helps with aggression when that aggression derives from hormones and sex drive. It isn’t a cure-all for standard aggression, and even still will not always take away issues a dog has with the opposite, or same, sex. But it will help if your dog likes to hop the fence and search for that lady dog down the street, or if he scent marks in the house, or if he’s an aggressive mounter.
Altering prevents the possibility of testicular cancer and greatly reduces the chance of prostate disease in males. The risk of mammary gland tumors and ovarian/uterine cancer is reduced, while the chance for a life threatening pyometra is eliminated in females.
The main reason you might see puppies pushed to be altered early is to prevent the possibility of unwanted litters. It is your responsibility as an owner to make sure your dog is secure at all times, and it doesn’t have sexual contact with another dog. If you find it impossible to keep your dog contained, or keep other dogs away, then spaying/neutering is the responsible thing to do.
Technically altered dogs live longer, only because the risk of cancer and infections intact dogs face would otherwise kill them without intervention. An intact female is at risk for pyometra once they reach about age 6, and the emergency surgery needed to save their life is thousands of dollars and the equivalent to spaying.
There really isn’t a right answer, and the decision is up to you, your vet, and your pet’s health.