Will Fido Miss Them?

image: Freepik.com

image: Freepik.com – Will Fido Miss Them? And other misconceptions about Spay / Neuter 

Are you considering spaying or neutering your canine companion but feel unsure about the process? You’re not alone – many people are faced with common misconceptions that can make them hesitant or unsure. This article will address those myths, so that you can make an educated decision on whether or not to get your pet spayed or neutered. So let’s go into the details and learn what spaying and neutering is all about!

Myth #1: Neutered Dogs Will Miss their Testicles

Many people wonder if their dog will be upset about being neutered. Thankfully, this is simply not the case! Research has shown that dogs do not have any emotional attachment to their reproductive organs. Unlike humans, dogs have a more primal response system and respond to changes in their environment or body in a much more detached way. In other words, they truly live in the moment and just don’t think about it. When it comes to neutering and removing reproductive organs, therefore, there is no evidence of any kind of psychological trauma or distress associated with the process.

From a health standpoint, neutering eliminates the production of testosterone which can lead to numerous benefits such as reduced aggression and improved behavior due to decreased competition with other male animals. In addition, it drastically reduces the potential of complications such as testicular cancer, prostatic diseases, and hernias which can be caused by an overabundance of testosterone in male pets. Ultimately, neutering can prevent many medical issues from occurring while having no psychological impact on your furry friend at all.

Myth #2: Pets Should Mate Once Before Spaying or Neutering

Don’t be fooled by the misconception that female dogs should have one litter before they get spayed – animal experts are actually against it! Spaying your pet prior to their first heat cycle can help protect them from numerous health issues such as uterine infections, mammary cancer, or ovarian/uterine tumors. More interestingly, having a litter does not always guarantee better behavior in pets; without proper training and socialization techniques it will likely lead to more behavioral problems down the line.

What about males? It is a relatively common misconception that male pets need to mate before being neutered in order to avoid “missing out”. However, there is no evidence to suggest that this is true. Dogs just don’t think about their sexual experiences. For a male dog, the act of mating primarily serves to create more puppies – it is not something that male dogs view as pleasurable or necessary for them to experience before neutering. In fact, after neutering, most male dogs will find relief from their constant urge to mate and engage in less mating-related activities, such as marking and trying to escape.

Myth #3: Spaying/Neutering Makes Dogs Fat & Lazy

It is true that spayed and neutered pets need fewer calories to maintain a healthy weight than unaltered animals do. However, this doesn’t mean that all spayed/neutered pets become fat and lazy; it just means that owners need to take extra care to feed their pets a balanced diet and provide adequate exercise.  Additionally, it’s important to note that obesity-related health problems are more common in unneutered pets than in those who have been spayed or neutered. So, while there may be an initial period of adjustment diet-wise for your pet after they’ve been spayed or neutered, managing their weight is actually easier in the long run.

Myth #4: Spay/Neuter Is Too Expensive

The cost of spaying and neutering your pet can be confusing. Where you live, what type of surgery you pick, and what kind of animal you have all go into determining the cost. But don’t worry — Young-Williams Animal Center offers low-cost options to make sure these important procedures are available to all pet owners. If you receive public assistance, you may even qualify for free services. Not in our area? Many other shelters and rescue organizations also offer free or reduced-price services. In the end, while there is an initial expense involved with spay/neuter procedures, it will be much less costly than dealing with potentially expensive issues related to an unaltered pet like cancer(s) or aggressive behavior down the road.

Let’s Review

Spaying and neutering your pets comes with a variety of benefits for both you and your furry friend that significantly outweigh any disadvantages. When considering whether or not to Spay/Neuter, it’s important to remember that dogs think very differently than us humans. Don’t believe everything you hear about spay and neuter – the myths we’ve debunked today are just some of the most common misconceptions.  If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. In the meantime, make sure to schedule your pet’s appointment sooner rather than later – it could be one of the best decisions you make for their health!


Have unanswered questions about Spaying or Neutering?

Visit our webpage for more information about Spaying/Neutering your pet. You can also contact our Spay/Neuter Clinic directly at 865.215.6677 to schedule an appointment. We’re always here to help you provide the best care for your furry friend!  Thanks for joining us today, and we hope to see you soon.

 

 


About the Author:
Wyatt Baggett is the Content Marketing Specialist at Young-Williams Animal Center. With over five years of experience working with shelter pets and a passion for animal welfare, he enjoys creating informative content for pet parents. When he’s not working, Wyatt enjoys hanging out with his three rescue dogs, thrifting, and hunting down the best eats around Knoxville.