Should I get my dogs neutered?

[pomtzu]

People shouldn't dish it out if they can't take it. Tit for tat!!!

[Cataholic]

This 'should I neuter or should I not' debate reminds me about seat belts. Yep, seat belts.

I am a huge proponent of seat belt usage. From time to time, I run into someone that says, "the officer/fireman said if I had my seat belt on, I would have died, so I don't wear it". Not only do I find this hugely irresponsible of the officer/fireman, but it is usually in such a rare, limited, "maybe its true" type of situation that it even makes sense.

I think that same way about neutering. When I *know* how many animals are put to death- each and every day in this country- I cannot come up with enough reason to ever not neuter your pet. Each and every litter avoided helps.

[frankie]

Hi, lurker here who registered to briefly weigh in on this topic.

B&Baussies, if you are still studying at a tertiary level, you should have access to a fair number of academic journals - just do a quick search for the risks and benefits of gonadectomy in dogs. There are a fair number of good, recent reviews. I'd provide links but most of them require a subscription. A review of the evidence (non-peer reviewed but well cited) is also available here.

Veterinary medicine is based on evidence and, like human medicine, must weigh up both population and individual health. I tend to think castration of domestic animals has most benefit at a population level, but that's not to say there aren't individual benefits as well.

I hope you find the answers you're looking for.

[Bonny]

Hi, lurker here who registered to briefly weigh in on this topic.

B&Baussies, if you are still studying at a tertiary level, you should have access to a fair number of academic journals - just do a quick search for the risks and benefits of gonadectomy in dogs. There are a fair number of good, recent reviews. I'd provide links but most of them require a subscription. A review of the evidence (non-peer reviewed but well cited) is also available here.

Veterinary medicine is based on evidence and, like human medicine, must weigh up both population and individual health. I tend to think castration of domestic animals has most benefit at a population level, but that's not to say there aren't individual benefits as well.

I hope you find the answers you're looking for.

thank you frankie that is all worth while reading & very helpful.

[CountryWolf07]

My first dog was not neutered. He was just fine. He lived up to be 18 years old. He was a Lab/Beagle mix. Best dog I ever had. Otherwise, the next couple dogs I've had growing up, they were either spayed/neutered. Each owner is different. Each to their own.