An intimate question: castration and sterilization - good or bad? Sterilization of a dog is the key to health and a fulfilling life

Sterilization surgery is performed to stop childbearing and involves tying the fallopian tubes in females or the seminal ducts in males. At the same time, the production of sex hormones does not stop, and the animal’s behavior does not change.

When spaying male dogs, a small incision is made in the scrotum, then a surgical thread is placed on the vas deferens. In females, this operation is more complicated: in order to gain access to the fallopian tubes, the peritoneum must be opened. Often, veterinarians refer to sterilization as castration of females, when all reproductive organs are removed during the operation. But in any case, the rehabilitation process in females takes longer and is more difficult than in males.

Properly organized care for a dog who has undergone sterilization surgery alleviates its condition during the rehabilitation period and reduces the risk of complications.

The first day after surgery

Upon arrival home, it is advisable to lay the operated dog on a flat surface with bedding (preferably on the floor so that it cannot fall while moving) and cover it with a blanket. Periodically, you should moisturize the oral mucosa by dripping a few drops of water into your mouth. During recovery from anesthesia, reflex urination may occur, so you need to be prepared to replace the bedding.

The animal can come to its senses almost immediately or after a few hours - it depends on its body and the dose of anesthetic. The first sign that the dog will soon wake up will be its reaction to irritation - twitching of its paws or ears. Since motor reflexes are not restored immediately, the animal may feel weak and helpless for some time, but this does not last long.

Important! As soon as the dog is fully awake, you need to offer him water or wet his nose and tongue with water. The animal should not be fed on the first day after surgery, as vomiting may be a reaction to food.

While the dog is under anesthesia, it is advisable to ensure constant monitoring. If everything is going well, your breathing and heart rate should be rhythmic. A slight increase in temperature is acceptable, and short-term periodic muscle twitching or trembling may occur.

Signs of danger

Dangerous signs in the postoperative period are:

• heavy uneven breathing;
• uneven or rapid heart rate;
• trembling or muscle twitching lasting more than half an hour;
• blood impurities in the urine;
• suppuration of the suture;
• lack of urine for more than a day;
• significant increase in temperature.

Such symptoms may indicate the development of complications: cardiac dysfunction, pulmonary edema, or the development of a purulent infection. Detection of any of the above signs should be a reason to urgently consult a doctor.

Rehabilitation period

To prevent the development of a bacterial infection, injections of antibiotics are prescribed from the first day after surgery: Oxacillin, Amoxicillin, Ceftriaxone or Cefazolin. The standard course of antibiotic therapy is 5-7 days. If the dog is in pain, whines, avoids sudden movements, or tries to reach the scar, it is worth giving it analgesics for several days, since severe pain can slow down the healing process.

The stitches are treated with an antiseptic (chlorhexine or hydrogen peroxide) for at least a week, 2 times a day; it is strictly forbidden to wet the wound. To care for the seam you can also use:

• Levomekol ointment (apply it 1-2 times a day, covering it with a gauze cloth);
• Terramycin spray (suture treatment is carried out every 3 days);
• Aluminum spray (a product that forms a thin film that prevents contamination of the seam; it must be applied once a day).

The stitches are removed after 1.5 - 2 weeks. Most modern veterinary clinics use absorbable suture material during surgery; such sutures do not need to be removed. To prevent the dog from licking and scratching the wound, they put on an apron blanket (you need to have several of these blankets in order to change them as they become dirty). If necessary, you can purchase a special hard collar in the shape of a funnel - it will deprive the animal of the opportunity to reach the itchy seam with its teeth.

You can start feeding your pet one day after surgery. Food should be given in small portions, the food in the first few days should be soft and easily digestible: pates, minced meat, baby formula. Delayed stool for up to 3 days does not pose a danger, since the animal’s stomach was empty before sterilization, and intestinal motility was slow after anesthesia. If the dog does not recover for more than 3 days, he can be given one or two tablespoons of Vaseline oil.

Helpful information. Rehabilitation of a dog after sterilization takes about 2 weeks. In the future, it is advisable to switch her to a low-calorie diet, since sterilized animals are often prone to gaining excess weight.

Lines of ready-made food intended for castrated and sterilized animals are produced by Products Limited, Agras Delic, Purina, Bosch Tiernahrung. If you prepare food for your animal at home, it is advisable to choose lean meats and add fiber-rich vegetables to it.

You can also ask questions to our site's in-house veterinarian, who will answer them as quickly as possible in the comment box below.

Veterinarian video tips about postoperative care:

Sterilization of dogs is a surgical procedure after which the pet loses the ability to reproduce. This procedure can only be performed by a qualified veterinarian, since an unprofessional operation can lead to very disastrous consequences. Laparoscopic sterilization of dogs and endoscopic sterilization of dogs have both supporters and opponents. Dog owners are divided into these 2 camps based on their attitude towards sterilization.

Is it necessary to sterilize a dog?

The issue of sterilization is more of a purely practical nature than a moral one, so every dog ​​owner should think about it early.

Stray dogs are sterilized to control their numbers. Homemade - primarily for the prevention of such dangerous diseases as transmissible sarcoma, pyometra, breast cancer and other types of cancer. The opinion of some owners that a dog needs to give birth to at least 1 litter to be healthy has been established and proven wrong. There's really no need for this.

Late sterilization reduces the risk of breast cancer by 4 times, early sterilization to an even greater extent. However, it makes sense to sterilize even older dogs. This will serve as an effective prevention of pyometra and other diseases.

It is also a misconception that sterilized dogs have a shorter lifespan and become fat and lethargic. In fact, such an operation significantly prolongs life, and only those dogs that get fat are fed too much and given little physical exercise.

Also, sterilized dogs do not experience stress, their appetite increases, but overfeeding them is unacceptable. Nowadays, laparoscopic sterilization of a dog can be performed both in the clinic and at home. It is no longer a complex abdominal operation. However, during the postoperative period the dog needs careful care.

Advantages and disadvantages

Arguments in favor of sterilizing dogs:

• Life expectancy increases by an average of 1.5-2 years.
• The dog becomes calmer, aggression disappears. The dog becomes more obedient and tries less to dominate its owner.
• The dog marks the owner's house and the houses of his neighbors less.
• Hormonal problems are eliminated, in particular the risk of hormone-dependent breast cancer.
• The risk of pyometra, transmissible sarcoma, cysts and cancer of the ovaries, testes and uterus, as well as prostatitis, is greatly reduced.

A dog needs sexual intercourse solely for reproduction; it does not affect the pet’s health in any way. In this case, the dog will not feel remorse and will not try to reproduce again and again, since a conscious desire to have children is not typical for dogs. This procedure is indicated for dogs of all ages. However, there are some negative consequences associated with sterilizing older dogs. The sooner this procedure is performed, the easier the animal will tolerate it.

Arguments against sterilizing dogs:

Neutering dogs, although generally a fairly predictable procedure, can sometimes still go against the plan. This is mainly due to the clinic itself and the qualifications of the veterinary surgeon. Inexperienced new veterinarians can make serious mistakes that dogs later pay for.

1. Complications are likely, in particular, infections, bleeding, hernias, suture rupture, inflammation.
2. After surgery, the animal gains excess weight due to changes in metabolism in the body.
3. During the period 3-7 years after sterilization, urinary incontinence may occur. This, in turn, can lead to chronic and acute diseases of the urinary tract.
4. To sterilize a dog, anesthesia is required, which can negatively affect the pet’s body.

Before deciding whether his dog needs sterilization, the owner should consider that deaths from this procedure are extremely rare, while deaths from sarcoma and other cancers are very common.

Disadvantages of the procedure

The disadvantages of sterilizing a dog include the fact that this operation is actually performed under general anesthesia, which in any case poses a certain health risk, especially if we are talking about a puppy. Possible complications of the operation are also quite dangerous, therefore it is necessary to be extremely careful when choosing a veterinary surgeon. Before the operation, the dog must be healthy, then it will definitely tolerate sterilization normally.

Some people have a moral aversion to the idea of ​​sterilization, attributing human feelings to animals. However, in reality, a dog does not dream of children - it is only an instinct. She will not be ashamed in front of her friends because she remains an “old maid.” Therefore, dog breeders should think not about their own feelings, but about the comfort and health of their dogs.

At what age are dogs sterilized?

Veterinarians advise sterilizing pets at the age of 5-6 months. In this case, the negative consequences for the pet’s health will be minimized.

Consequences of sterilization

Like every operation, dog sterilization has certain consequences. Sterilization can lead to obesity and urinary incontinence. To avoid this problem, veterinarians often advise removing both ovaries along with the uterus.

Before and after sterilization

Although this operation is quite simple, it is safer to perform it in a clinic. If the animal’s health condition causes any concern, it is better to postpone the operation. General anesthesia is used for this. The dog is not fed anything for 12 hours before the operation.

Dogs usually tolerate sterilization easily, so there is no need to keep them in a hospital. Males feel good on the 2nd day after castration. Standard castration does not require the removal of stitches.

The bitch can be given water 1 or 2 hours after sterilization. Feeding during the first 2 days is necessary in fractional, small portions. During the first 24 hours after surgery, you can take your dog for walks. It is unacceptable to lick and dirty the seams, so they are covered with a blanket. During the first 3 days after surgery, you must carefully monitor your pet's condition. In case of lethargy, bleeding, fever or suppuration of the sutures, you should immediately contact a veterinarian. Sutures are removed 7-10 days after surgery.

Why is sterilization necessary?

There are 2 serious reasons that can force a dog owner to perform this operation. The first is the absence of offspring from the animal after the operation. After all, the reproductive instinct is one of the most powerful. A dog that desires lovemaking can be quite difficult to contain, and regular dog weddings can be very annoying. Owners of bitches constantly experience problems with the placement of puppies. With purebred puppies there may not be any special difficulties, but with ordinary mongrels they are guaranteed. I don't want to kill them either.

The second reason is that sterilization serves as a reliable shield against various diseases. Dogs also get sick, and their various ailments can be transmitted through sexual contact. Sterilization can protect a dog for life from pyometra, mammary cancer, and transmissible sarcoma.

How the operation is performed

It is performed by a qualified veterinarian under general anesthesia. The operation takes 1-1.5 hours. The method of performing it is determined by the gender of the pet. The testes of male dogs are removed by any method that is convenient for the surgeon. In bitches, everything is much more complicated, since it is necessary to perform abdominal surgery, which opens access to the abdominal cavity. In this case, either only the ovaries, or both the ovaries and the uterus, are removed.

When to carry out

In male dogs, this procedure is not recommended until they reach the age of 6 months, as otherwise growth and development may be delayed. In females, this operation is most indicated before the first estrus in life, that is, at 4-5 months, since in this case the likelihood of genital cancer drops almost 200 times. The later this procedure is performed, the higher the risk of cancer.

How to care for your pet after surgery

Immediately after sterilization, dogs should be laid on a flat floor with bedding. After your pet recovers from anesthesia (this can happen within 24 hours), it is necessary to moisten its tongue and nose with water. Don't give too much liquid. You can feed only on the 2nd day and only with soft food (minced meat or pate). The seams should be treated with antiseptics for 10 days and protected from getting wet. Sometimes it happens that the animal licks the stitches. To avoid this situation, you should use a protective blanket or collar. Caring for your pet after sterilization involves antibiotic therapy. The duration of their use is determined by the veterinarian.

What do you prefer to feed your pets?

Poll Options are limited because JavaScript is disabled in your browser.

Porridge with various additives 46%, 7828 votes

The operation of spaying or castrating a dog is quite complex, during which the animal is under anesthesia. Most often, the veterinarian removes the entire reproductive organs of a female or male dog. Moreover, if for a female individual it is a full-fledged abdominal operation, then in a male dog only the testes are removed. The duration of the surgical procedure depends on the method chosen by the doctor, as well as on the individual characteristics of the dog. On average, the operation time varies from half an hour to an hour, after which the animal can go home.

First day

The most difficult and dangerous in terms of complications are the first postoperative days. The dog is still under the influence of drugs that can cause hallucinations, nausea, and vomiting.

As she emerges from the semi-conscious state in which she was after sterilization, she begins to feel severe pain. For these reasons, the animal must be under the supervision of the owner the entire postoperative period so that if bleeding or severe vomiting begins, a person can help their pet.

• The veterinary surgeon must give recommendations for caring for the dog, set the time for the next visit and outline the necessary treatment. Immediately after arriving home, the animal must be placed on a moderately soft surface and not allowed to rush or jump up. You should not give the dog water or food in the first twelve hours, but if the dog is very thirsty, you can give it half a glass of water every two hours.
• If your pet is feeling nauseous or vomiting, you should not give it water. Nausea most often begins as a consequence of the action of drugs for anesthesia; this condition will go away on its own after some time. Persistent vomiting repeated repeatedly is a sign of severe intoxication; medical consultation may be required.
• Immediately after the operation, the veterinarian seals the suture with a special adhesive plaster, and on the first day it does not require additional treatment. Care should be taken to ensure that the dog does not try to tear off the adhesive plaster; to do this, they put on a special blanket with ties on the back. Thick cotton fabric covers the postoperative suture and prevents licking and gnawing of the suture.
• After returning from the clinic, the dog can be taken for a walk to recover. It is necessary to go down and up the stairs very carefully, avoid jerking; it is better to carry small pets in your arms.

On the second day - a follow-up visit to the veterinarian.

Aftercare for a sterilized dog

The next day, the dog is taken to the clinic, or a veterinarian comes to the house to assess the condition of the suture, treat it and apply a protective adhesive plaster. Often the animal is given intravenous infusions recommended by the doctor.

• The dog’s condition no longer causes concern; it can eat light food. Raw beef and fermented milk products are the best food for a pet on natural food. The usual dry ready-made food can be replaced with a similar soft one, which is given for a couple of days, after which the dog begins to eat as before.
• The pet is taken out to recover more often than before, since after intravenous injections the dog urinates much more often. No walking, jumping or jogging is allowed and the animal must be handled as carefully as possible.
• The owner can treat the suture himself, which requires purchasing chlorhexidine and an adhesive plaster for postoperative patients. It is important not to let the patch or suture get wet, as this can cause severe inflammation of the surrounding tissue. If reddened areas appear around the seam, it becomes wet, and the skin macerates, then you should definitely show your pet to a doctor. There is no need to treat the seam with alcohol solutions or antibacterial ointments: the veterinarian will tell you the best treatment.

Complete food is the most important factor in rehabilitation.

Rehabilitation of a dog after sterilization is normally not a long process; within a month the animal can lead its previous life, participate in walks and games. , vitamins and care are needed throughout the entire postoperative period. The cut fur on the belly grows back after three months, and the seam left after a conventional abdominal operation becomes invisible after a year. Endoscopic surgery leaves very small scars that are difficult to find in long-haired dogs.

After castration - caring for a male dog

Most often performed according to medical recommendations, since this operation greatly changes the dog's hormonal levels. If there are certain medical indications for castration, the male dog will have his testes removed. The operation takes about half an hour, is performed under general anesthesia, after which a suture is applied. A bandage is usually not done.

First day

The most dangerous thing in the castration procedure for a male dog is how well he tolerates anesthesia, since the removal of the testes is not accompanied by heavy bleeding. The dog stays in the clinic until it comes to its senses after anesthesia, then the owner can take it home.

• At home, it is important to provide the animal with peace; after a couple of hours, you should offer the dog a drink. If he doesn’t want to, he feels sick or vomits, then you need to force him to drink, a spoonful of water or Regidron solution every half hour. Over time, the effects of the drugs used for anesthesia will wear off, and the dog will feel normal again.
• In the first few days, postoperative swelling forms in the scrotum area, which interferes with the dog, and he tries to lick or chew this place. To prevent this behavior, wear a special collar made of plastic or cardboard, which prevents the dog from reaching the back of the body. Bandaging the scrotal area is not recommended, as this limits the normal aeration of the suture and can lead to damage and suppuration.
• In order for the pet to recover, it is taken to the toilet when the effect of the anesthesia wears off. To help your dog recover faster, you can give him weak black tea with lemon. This remedy helps with nausea, increases diuresis, and removes drug residues from the body.

A week after the manipulation, the male feels quite well, the suture usually heals quickly, and after a few months the void in the scrotum is filled with fatty tissue. In modern clinics, at the request of the owners, male dogs can be given implants that completely imitate healthy testes.

Video. Postoperative care for sutures in pets

Sterilization of dogs is a surgical operation that deprives an animal of the opportunity to have offspring. This procedure causes a lot of controversy about whether it should be done.

Some dog lovers believe that surgery does not make any sense, and besides, you can put your pet at risk in the form of complications after surgery. Let's consider why you need to sterilize, the pros and cons of the procedure, and after sterilization.

First, let's figure out what the difference is between castration and sterilization.

Castration is an operation during which the organs responsible for reproduction, that is, the testes or ovaries, are removed. As a result, the male loses interest in the female, and the female stops estrus. Sterilizing a dog involves ligating the fallopian tubes or seminal ducts, depending on the gender. After the procedure, both the male and the female retain sexual desire, but they will no longer be able to bear offspring.

The following sterilization methods exist:

• cavity;
• laparoscopic;
• chemical.

Abdominal surgery

This method is the most common and means open access to the abdominal cavity. The operation is performed under general anesthesia and lasts on average an hour and a half.

When choosing to sterilize a dog using this method, the following are important:

• proper preparation for the procedure;
• selection of good specialists;
• proper care of your pet after surgery.

Laparoscopic sterilization

Laparoscopic sterilization of dogs is considered a less traumatic method compared to abdominal sterilization. In this case, one or several miniature punctures are made, making the postoperative period easier.

The operation is also performed under anesthesia, but usually lasts up to half an hour. In addition to these advantages, sterilization of dogs using the laparoscopic method also has a significant drawback - it is recommended for animals weighing up to 10 kg.

Chemical

Chemical sterilization of dogs is carried out using a course of injections, which contribute to the absence of desire and the cessation of estrus for up to a year.

This method is undesirable, since in most cases it has consequences in the form of neoplasms and various diseases. It is better to choose the above types.

Neutering will help the animal feel better.

Why is sterilization necessary?

Sterilization is carried out on dogs in order to exclude the possibility of having offspring. This procedure is of great benefit for stray animals as it allows them to be controlled.

The operation is also of great benefit for pets that are allowed to roam freely. Owners won't have to worry about where to put their puppies.

When is the best time to have surgery?

There are dry numbers.

This is one of the frequently asked questions. Let's figure out at what age to sterilize a dog and when the procedure can be carried out. Sterilization of a female or male can be carried out at any age and regardless of how old she was before.

You just have to remember that after 7 years, animals are more difficult to tolerate anesthesia and take longer to recover. There is an opinion that it is better to sterilize a dog before puberty - up to 6 months for small breeds and up to 8-10 for large breeds.

If it was not possible to carry out the procedure at an early age or you have an adult bitch, you need to understand the following points:

• Is it possible to sterilize a pregnant woman?
• is the operation being carried out?

Sterilization during pregnancy

First of all, the pet must be healthy, it is necessary:

• get examined by a doctor;
• get tested;
• do an ultrasound of the abdominal cavity;
• check your kidneys;
• check your heart.

Before the procedure, the dog should not eat for 12 hours and drink for 6 hours. You should also not overload your four-legged dog with physical activity; a short walk is enough.

What does the postoperative period look like?

After sterilization, careful care of the pet while rehabilitation continues is very important. The most difficult days are considered to be the first day after the procedure, when the dog recovers from anesthesia.

At this time, it is necessary to carefully monitor the dog’s behavior after sterilization and perform the following points:

1. Place the four-legged dog on a flat, low surface away from drafts. The dog may have poor coordination of movements while it is recovering from anesthesia after sterilization. During this period, you should avoid high surfaces from which you can fall, such as a sofa or bed.
2. As soon as the pet wakes up, you can give water if there are no vomiting attacks. On the first day, you must adhere to a fasting diet; feeding can provoke. Food should be given in small portions.
3. Take care of the seam, treat it with an antiseptic, and make sure that the dog does not lick it. For this, a special collar is worn. Sometimes bloody discharge from the suture is possible; in small quantities this is considered normal.
4. Postoperative care may include antibiotic therapy as prescribed by your doctor.

Recovery for a spayed or neutered dog lasts about two weeks, which is usually enough time for the wound to heal completely. Activity should return to the pet on the third day.

When should you contact a veterinarian?

A dog may experience complications after sterilization.

If you notice at least one of the following points, you should contact your veterinarian:

• purulent discharge from the wound;
• or no urination at all;
• increased or decreased temperature;
• The dog does not eat for a day after surgery or vomits.

Veterinarian consultation required!

In order to decide on the operation, we note the pros and cons.

Sterilization has the following advantages:

1. You don’t have to worry about your dog’s unwanted pregnancy and what to do with the offspring after giving birth.
2. Sterilization of stray dogs helps control their numbers.
3. A male dog will not be able to unplannedly impregnate a female.

If we are talking about the removal of all organs of the reproductive system, that is, full castration, then this operation has more advantages:

1. Helps keep your pet healthy and reduces the risk of various diseases, including cancer. Especially if you castrate at an early age before puberty.
2. Relieves the female from hormonal imbalances due to estrus.
3. Affects character and makes him calmer and more obedient. The male will not have problems with appetite due to the female being in heat and the desire to run away.
4. The life expectancy of a female increases by an average of two years, due to the absence of stress during estrus or childbirth and due to a reduced risk of disease.
5. There is no inconvenience during estrus - there is no bleeding, which stains the apartment and gives off an odor. In addition, there is no need to drive away male dogs during walks.
6. There is no risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases.

Cons of sterilization

Of the disadvantages of the two procedures, it is worth noting the following:

1. There are cases when it is undesirable to sterilize a dog or special care is required: age over 7 years, diseases of the cardiovascular system, breeds with a tendency to diseases of the respiratory system, for example, bulldogs or pugs.
2. Over time, incontinence may develop after sterilization; this is due to dysfunction of the urethral sphincter, which can be caused by changes in hormonal status. Large breeds of dogs are most often affected by this problem.
3. Any surgical procedure can have complications. The four-legged animal must be healthy and not have problems with breathing, kidneys or heart. In addition, after the procedure, the stitches may come apart, and there is a risk of infection or suppuration. Therefore, it is very important to take proper care of your pet.
4. Often, after a pet is spayed or neutered, weight gain occurs. This can be avoided if you do not overfeed and provide proper nutrition and exercise.

Conclusion

The topic of sterilization causes a lot of controversy among animal lovers. The procedure has a great advantage - it eliminates the possibility of unwanted and eliminates the hassle associated with offspring. Very often there are difficulties in distributing puppies, especially if the pet is without a breed.

Of the minuses, we note the most basic one - a dog after sterilization may have complications, as well as after any surgical intervention. Therefore, it is very important to choose a good specialist and provide proper care after the procedure.

Dog castration recommended for preventing the appearance of unwanted offspring and improving the working qualities of adults. In some cases, surgery may cause certain side effects. Before making a decision, you should carefully weigh all the pros and cons of removing your dog's gonads.

• In order to improve the working qualities of dogs. If a male dog is used for hunting, protection, as a guide or sled dog, removal of the gonads will allow the dog not to react to individuals of the opposite sex and completely concentrate on work.
• To prevent uncontrolled reproduction. When keeping a sexually mature bitch, there is a possibility of uncontrolled conception. Removing the gonads will eliminate the need to house the puppies.
• If there are medical indications. Among medical diagnoses that require removal of the gonads in male dogs, cryptorchidism is the most common. Cryptorchid must be castrated due to the high likelihood of developing an egg tumor. For male dogs, surgery is also performed for prostatitis, cystic or other neoplasms in the gonads. Castration of a female dog may be necessary if there are serious complications during pregnancy.
• Correction of dog behavior. Removal of the testes is recommended for male dogs with spontaneous ejaculation, frequent groundless erections, and attacks of unmotivated aggression. This dog behavior can be caused by an excess of sex hormones. Usually, after castration, the dog becomes calmer and more manageable, aggression and the need to prove its leadership disappear, and the male stops marking his territory.

Experts recommend spaying all female dogs not intended for breeding. Males should undergo selective castration, guided by lifestyle and behavior (whether he marks his territory, how he reacts to other dogs and people).

Contraindications

Before the intervention, the dog is examined and all possible contraindications are excluded. Based on the results of the examination, the veterinarian decides whether the dog can be operated on.

It is not recommended to perform surgery on animals with diseases of the cardiovascular system and kidneys. Intervention at too early (in a puppy before 4-5 months) or mature (in a dog after 5-6 years) age is also associated with health risks.

It is worth postponing the operation in cases where the dog is weakened and exhausted, its appetite is impaired, and there is a deterioration in the condition of the coat. Castration of males and females is not carried out within 30 days after vaccination.

Points for and against

Neutering a dog will help make a male or female dog more suitable for home keeping. However, the operation can cause some pathologies. Before deciding to castrate a dog or bitch, you should carefully weigh the pros and cons. A visit to the veterinarian and a preliminary examination will help to assess the possible risks for the dog. Information about the procedure can be found on the Internet: every dog ​​breeding forum has topics dedicated to the issues of castration of males and females.

Many owners begin to think about castrating their puppy after puberty. Often during this period, the dog’s behavior changes noticeably: the male marks his territory and shows interest in the females, the females run away from home. An increase in the amount of sex hormones also affects the character: the animal becomes uncontrollable and has causeless outbursts of aggression. Does castration of dogs help in such cases? If the changes are caused by hormonal imbalances, castration helps eliminate marks in the house and makes it possible to correct the dog’s character. However, you should not count on a positive result if the pet’s behavior is a consequence of bad manners and lack of training, or if the dog initially has a cocky disposition.

The question of whether castration is necessary for a male dog that does not show pronounced changes in character and lifestyle does not have a clear answer. Today, a number of experts believe that the procedure should be selective: intervention should be performed on male dogs that are unable to cope with the influx of hormones or are prone to certain diseases.

pros

What does castration of dogs give:

• Bitches and males lose their ability to reproduce, which helps prevent the birth of unplanned puppies.
• The dog becomes calmer and more balanced.
• The dog's life expectancy increases, the risk of developing prostatic hyperplasia and prostatitis in males, diabetes mellitus, and malignant neoplasms is reduced.

Minuses

Regardless of what types of castration are used, they all lead to changes in hormonal balance and do not always have a positive effect on the dog’s condition. Negative consequences may be as follows:

• In young dogs, the risk of pathologies such as hypothyroidism, bone cancer, and vascular tumors increases;
• There are disturbances in the functioning of the urinary system (a significant percentage of bitches develop urinary incontinence);
• An adult male dog may experience behavioral abnormalities, sleep disturbances, and disorientation.

Age

The optimal age for intervention is immediately after puberty. The timing for large and small dogs may differ: in small breeds, puberty usually occurs at 5-7 months, in large breeds at 8-10 months. A veterinarian will help you determine more accurately at what age it is best to have surgery on your dog.

Castration of a puppy too early can lead to disorders of the genitourinary system and developmental abnormalities. When a male dog is castrated in adulthood, there is a high probability of maintaining sexual behavior. Surgeries are performed for medical reasons regardless of the dog’s age.

Methods

Surgical or chemical castration can be used on dogs.

Chemical

This method is reversible. Under the influence of the drug, the production of sex hormones stops, resulting in infertility in the dog after 3-4 weeks. This method is recommended for dogs with intolerance to anesthetics, as well as male dogs of hunting, service and guard breeds to improve working qualities.

Surgical

Surgical methods involve removing the testes or ovaries from dogs through incisions in the scrotum or abdominal cavity. As a rule, the intervention takes place under general anesthesia and requires certain preparation and rehabilitation.

Recently, laparoscopy has been increasingly used. Castration of a dog is carried out using a special instrument, which is inserted through small punctures. This technique minimizes possible complications both during and after the procedure, and the dog’s rehabilitation is much faster.

Complexity of the operation

The complexity of the intervention is assessed depending on whether it is carried out on a female or a male. The condition and age of the dog are also taken into account.

Castration of a male dog with both testicles in the scrotum is considered a relatively simple procedure. In bitches and cryptorchids, the peritoneum must be opened, which complicates the operation.

How long does the intervention last?

The time of surgery primarily depends on the gender of the dog. Castration of male dogs in the absence of complications takes from 10 to 15 minutes. The duration of spaying in females can vary from 30 minutes to an hour. When using laparoscopic access, the duration of the procedure is 20-30 minutes. You can find out more precisely how long the operation lasts from a veterinarian after a preliminary examination of the dog.

Cost of the procedure

The price of the operation depends on several factors: the gender of the dog (castration of females is more expensive than removal of the testes of males), weight, from which the amount of anesthetics is calculated, and the need for observation in the postoperative period.

The availability of modern equipment in the veterinary hospital and the level of qualifications of the staff also influence how much castration costs.

Preoperative period

No special preparations for the dog are required during the preoperative period. Preparation for the operation consists of following a diet: 8-12 hours before castration, you must stop feeding the dog, and 3-4 hours before, give water. The animal must be pre-treated for helminths and vaccinated.

Postoperative period

Care in the first hours consists of monitoring pulse, respiration, and temperature. The duration of the most difficult period depends on how long the dog recovers from anesthesia. After gas anesthesia, the animal comes to its senses quite quickly; with intravenous administration of drugs, coordination of movements is restored within several hours. If, before fully recovering from anesthesia, the dog began to pee under itself, this is not considered a deviation. A cause for concern should be that the pet does not go to the toilet for too long, or urination problems are observed after 12-24 hours.

After 3-4 hours, you can offer the dog water and a small amount of food. Some males and females may experience a lack of appetite for 1-2 days.

In the first days after castration, surgical sutures and incisions on the scrotum in male dogs require special attention. If your dog is licking wounds, it is recommended to use a collar. The veterinarian will tell you how long to wear the collar.

If you properly care for your dog in accordance with the advice of a specialist, your pet’s recovery will be as quick as possible.

Complications

Removal of the gonads in dogs usually occurs without serious complications. After castration of male dogs, swelling of the scrotum may be observed, which goes away on its own within 1-2 days. The most common complications in dogs include wound infection, abscesses, and suture dehiscence.

If post-operative swelling does not go away within a few days, pus or blood is released from the wound, the dog has no appetite and has a fever, you should seek veterinary help.

Location

Castration of dogs can be carried out both in a veterinary clinic and at home. The main condition for a successful outcome of the procedure is contacting a qualified veterinarian. You should not risk the health and life of your dog by turning to dubious specialists who offer inexpensive castration, or by trying to castrate a male dog yourself, guided by articles, videos and photos from the Internet.

At home

The location of the operation should be chosen taking into account the age, condition and gender of the dog. You can castrate young male dogs at home without identified chronic diseases. The cost of the procedure in this case will be slightly higher than in a veterinary clinic.

Vet clinic

Due to the high probability of complications, castration of an old dog is best done in a specialized institution. The veterinary clinic is the optimal choice for castrating sick animals for medical reasons, male dogs with cryptorchidism, as well as performing abdominal surgeries on female dogs. The presence of specialized equipment minimizes the negative consequences of various critical situations.